Green Environmental Management System - Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center, Saginaw, Michigan

Operating a Green Environmental Management System (GEMS) that meets requirements of Presidential Executive Order 13148 and the guidance provided by Veterans Health Administration.
Being a good steward of the environment by complying with federal, state and local environmental laws and other requirements, preventing pollution minimizing waste, conserving cultural and natural resources and continually improving environmental programs.
Utilizing sustainable practices to eliminate minimize or mitigate adverse environmental impacts.
Evaluating the operation of the VA Medical Center to incorporate actions into facility planning and procedures to reduce environmental vulnerabilities.
Integrating pollution prevention, waste minimization, resource conservation into the VA Medical Center operations, whenever practical.
Using natural resources efficiently, and maintain a policy of protecting plant and wildlife habitats consistent with the VA Medical Center’s mission.
Recognizing that the development and construction at the VA Medical Center must consider the unique conditions of the environment of which the facility is part.
Training VA Medical Center staff, as needed, to carry out the environmental responsibilities of their positions.
Soliciting input, as appropriate, from stakeholders including staff, patients, visitors, and the local community regarding environmental matters affecting the operation of the medical center.