Communication EPA Regions 9 & 10 and The Federal Network for Sustainability

2 Overview Internal Communication External Communication

3 Purposes of Communication Convey management commitment to EMS Improve environmental performance Raise awareness of organization’s environmental policies, objectives, targets, programs Generate suggestions for improvement Address concerns and questions Inform interested parties about the EMS and environmental performance Address emergency planning and other relevant issues

4 Internal Communication “Vertical” communication within the organization –Senior manager to/from line managers –Line managers to/from staff –EMS team to/from senior manager, line managers, staff “Horizontal” communication –Between offices –Within an office or shop

5 Examples of Vertical Communication Tools Management briefings EMS objective and target performance reports Policy statements SOPs Newsletters Internal web site/ Employee suggestion program

6 Examples of Horizontal Communication Tools On-the-job training All-hands briefings Safety and environmental meetings Posted bulletins Staff meetings Newsletters

7 External Communication The organization must : Document and respond to external communication Consider processes for external communication on significant aspects and record its decision

8 Local community Agency managers Regulators Suppliers Customers Public, Interested Parties Audiences

9 Examples of External Communication EMS Documentation Public Involvement –Earth Day –Open Houses Web Sites Traditional Media –Newspapers –TV and radio Regulatory submissions Facility newsletters EPCRA reporting NEPA scoping, public involvement Citizens’ advisory committees

10 Summary Communication is part of an EMS Two-way communication is encouraged Most facilities have existing communication tools The organization must consider processes for external communication on significant aspects and record its decision

11 Identify existing communication toolsHow will you use these for the EMS? Exercise 4 What additional tools need to be developed?How will you do that? How does this relate to roles and responsibilities?