About NEMS
The NIH Environmental Management System (NEMS) is the system through which NIH manages its environmental programs in a comprehensive, systematic, planned and documented manner. To accomplish this, NIH implements International Organization for Standardization (ISO)14001, which is a standard set of Environmental Management System (EMS) processes and procedures used by organizations worldwide to manage environmental responsibilities.
NEMS covers activities at all NIH facilities. Where appropriate, site specific information is provided in documents covering Montgomery County and Baltimore in Maryland; NIAID facilities at the Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton, Montana; the NIEHS Facility at Research Triangle Park, North Carolina; and the National Cancer Institute in Frederick, MD. Site specific EMS program information can be found on the
NIH EMS Locations page.
The NEMS website provides the primary resource for public information on the NIH Environmental Management System. Because NEMS encompasses all NIH environmental programs managed by NIH, the NEMS website provides extensive environmental information of interest to NIH staff and the community at large.
What is the NEMS Framework?
NEMS was developed and continues in place as part of the NIH commitment to the environment. It is implemented in accordance with Executive Order (EO) 13693, Planning for Federal Sustainability in the Next Decade, which replaced earlier executive orders 13514, and 13423 in March 2015. The NEMS Framework consists of four phases: planning, doing, checking, and acting (or improving). This framework is often referred to as a Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle. This cycle involves setting objectives, tracking progress, and resetting objectives. Because the cycle takes place on an annual basis, the system goes through a continuous evaluation and improvement process.
Where Can I Learn More About the NEMS?
There are several different types of training to inform NIH employees of the NEMS itself or of how activities should be conducted at the NIH to be protective of the environment (sometimes called competency training).
NEMS Awareness Training
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The NEMS awareness training which all NIH employees are encouraged to take, is designed to briefly inform employees of their roles and responsibilities within the NEMS. This training reviews the NIH Environmental Policy, describes how the NEMS works, and discusses ways to reduce your impact on the environment.
For NIH Employees
Click here for the NEMS Awareness Training. (opens in a new window) Click "Next" to advance the training. This course takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.
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