Introduction

In 2005, the University of South Carolina (USC) School Of Medicine, the Dorn VA Hospital, and the USC School of the Environment established a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to work together to implement an Environmental Management System (EMS) within the School of Medicine using the ISO 14001 EMS International Standard and elements of the Veteran Administration’s GEMS Program.

The scope of the School of Medicine is the buildings and areas under the lease agreement with the Dorn VA Hospital and the Veteran’s Administration.

The School of Medicine has adopted the University of South Carolina ’s (USC) Environmental Policy. The USC policy provides the framework for increasing environmental awareness and makes a commitment to continual improvement. The School of Medicine will maintain procedures and work instructions in order to fulfill its commitment to USC’s Environmental Policy.

The School of Medicine EMS Advisory committee is responsible for implementation of the EMS, which includes identifying significant aspects and impacts of the School of Medicine ’s products, activities, and services. Through the guidance of the Advisory Committee, the School of Medicine will establish objectives and targets for continual improvement. EMS internal audits are conducted on a periodic basis to ensure that non-conformances to the system are identified and addressed. Through the EMS, the School of Medicine will enhance its ability to identify and manage its environmental issues more effectively and efficiently.

For additional information about the School of Medicine ’s environmental management system, please contact the Custodial & Safety Services office at (803) 733-1507.