The Intersection of EHS and Sustainability
Charlotte Scott
August 21, 2024
EHS principles were originally implemented as a way to ensure regulatory compliance; in recent years, it has blossomed into so much more, as evidenced by the expanded terminology. Now, the field recognizes compliance is just the tip of the iceberg, and sustainability is woven into the very framework of some key EHS principles, such as:
- Waste Disposal: It’s not realistic to ever think that there will be a healthcare, life sciences, higher education, or advanced manufacturing operation that produces no waste. In fact, a lot of these industries create highly complex and hazardous wastes that can be difficult to safely and compliantly dispose of. EHS tackles these complex waste disposal challenges, and must do so in a way that is aligned with environmental sustainability goals and targets. A good EHS provider will be able to deal with wastes in a safe and compliant, but more eco-friendly way—such as through recycling, fuel blending, waste to energy, and more.
- Chemical Inventory Management: The various needs of these industries often lead to chemical procurement, storage, and use within worksites. Of course, it is crucial that these chemicals are used, stored, and disposed of in a safe way—but it’s also important to ensure economical and efficient procurement. An efficient procurement process goes hand in hand with sustainable procurement. To prevent overbuying and ensure onsite safety, chemicals need be purchased only when necessary, in the required quantities, so chemicals are not wasted or left to expire in the lab, unused and unsafe. This in its very core is more sustainable—it limits emissions as chemicals are only shipped in when needed, and less waste requires disposal later on.
- Regulatory Compliance: The world is changing, and regulations and laws are changing as well to keep up. A good EHS team can help ensure that a facility is keeping up with the various regulations that they are obligated to. A great EHS team, however, will also consider the sustainability regulations that have recently or will soon be enacted. There soon will be no choice but for organizations to comply with eco-initiatives—and EHS is already poised to help ensure success in this venture, as they have with other regulatory requirements for decades.
- Partnerships: Without partnerships, EHS wouldn’t be possible. Sure, an internal team can help implement EHS and sustainability initiatives, but a waste vendor must be called to take the waste away. Sure, an internal EHS team can help ensure compliance, but they must rely on external information sources to make decisions. Why not ensure that any partner you work with can help you achieve sustainability goals? Any good EHS partner will be prepared to improve their—and your—environmental friendliness in today’s day and age.
- Training: Employee education is the core of any EHS program. Whether it’s Department of Transportation (DOT)-required hazardous materials training or ergonomics awareness programs, training is necessary across all EHS fields. Sustainability can easily be a core part of these trainings as well, as the industry is already poised to offer education in these formats, to these teams, on a regular basis. Having a safe working environment and ensuring personnel are trained is a key aspect of a sustainable workplace.
It’s not always easy to communicate the importance of these EHS (and S!) initiatives with stakeholders or with facilities management. Compliance, safety, and sustainability are crucial—but not everyone can see why, and how these are all connected.
As a leading EHS and sustainability firm, Triumvirate Environmental has had to overcome these challenges many times—and has learned the ways in which to ensure teams are set up for success. Attend my colleague Mike Albert’s presentation at the NAEM FORUM24 EHS & Sustainability Management Forum in October to learn more about how to communicate the value of EHS&S—so you will be able to achieve all your sustainability—and other—goals.
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About the Author
Charlotte Scott
Triumvirate Environmental
Charlotte Scott is a Consulting Director in Triumvirate Environmental’s West region. In her role, she uses her vast sustainability and industry knowledge to enable success for her clients. Be it lab sustainability, regulatory compliance, or any other EHS&S need, Charlotte helps poise her clients for greatness.