Tyndall's Environmental Stewardship is Key to Mission Sustainability

  • Published
  • By 325th Civil Engineer Squadron
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The way in which we use air, land, and water leaves a lasting impression. Civilians, contractors, and military personnel each play a role in properly managing these natural resources for Air Force mission needs today and into the future. The Air Force is establishing Environmental Management Systems, or EMS, which provide a structure to identify risks and resource needs and make informed decisions on how to manage them better. The goal is to integrate environmental protection with mission readiness. 

The system is not just a commitment to be more environmentally conscious, nor is it the sole responsibility of the environmental flight on base. Everyone plays a role in EMS. No matter where you work, your actions impact the resources needed to meet Air Force goals. Everyone has a stake in the future performance of both the Air Force and our nation. 

Tyndall is currently working on providing general awareness training through the use of an online training tool called Environmental Safety and Occupational Health Training Network. But training is just one of the many components of a successful environmental management system. 

An EMS is an over-arching management system of Plan, Do, Check and Act and is modeled after the International Standard 14001. The system includes an environmental policy and an organizational structure of roles and responsibilities to successfully implement various objectives of Tyndall's environmental policy. Some of the key concepts of Tyndall's environmental policy include conserving natural resources, preventing pollution, recycling and a dedication to continual improvement of the EMS program. 

Implementation of Tyndall's environmental policy and objectives will help ensure Tyndall AFB maintains environmental compliance while enhancing the mission and the environment. For more information about Tyndall's EMS program, contact Jason Lichtenstein, EMS Coordinator, at 283-9102.