Wright-Patterson Air Force Base wins Environmental Protection Agency award

Published May 30, 2013
By Dona Fair
AFCEC Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, was recently named one of six silver award recipients for Encouraging Environmental Excellence, an award given by the Ohio EPA to recognize organizations committed to environmental excellence at all levels.

According to the Ohio EPA silver award recipients demonstrated a commitment to go above and beyond compliance. They have a mature system of environmental management that has been integrated into core business functions and have developed aggressive performance goals, including a process for communicating the company's progress to the local community.

The E3 recognition program not only provides Ohio businesses and other organizations with credit for completing environmentally beneficial activities, but also provides and incentive to commit to future environmental stewardship efforts.

"The companies we are honoring with silver level awards are exemplary environmental stewards," Ohio EPA Director, Scott Nally, said in a statement. "The commitment they are making to improve Ohio's environment should be an example to other businesses in our state."

Winning the award was no easy task. The base had to submit a nomination package which was evaluated using 15 criteria. The criteria include improvement in environmental performance, a good comprehensive environmental compliance record, voluntary or non-mandatory initiative, economic benefits, impact to the environment, resource conservation, employee involvement, management commitment, promotion and dissemination, and continuous improvement. Additional criteria were environmental management system, environmentally preferable purchasing, life cycle analysis, environmental management accounting and innovation.

The base has demonstrated that environmental stewardship is a priority and that management is committed to it. Initial Environmental Management System training is provided to all WPAFB employees. Each new installation commander signs an EMS policy letter, using continuous improvement practices to achieve environmental stewardship, and facilitating the Green Procurement Purchasing Program which mandates the purchasing of recycled content items.

The base has been proactive in procuring alternative fuel usage vehicles. It also reduces waste by sharing documents electronically with local employees and other Air Force installations worldwide through the strictly controlled, read-only rights and the use of eDASH, the Air Force Civil Engineer Center's SharePoint-based site.

"This award is a direct reflection of all of the efforts and commitment put forth by the environmental branch staff and base organizations to enhance, promote, restore and protect the environment and public health," said Raymond Baker, 88th Air Base Wing environmental branch chief. "It is also a demonstration of the results of having a positive collaborative relationship with Ohio EPA and other regulatory partners."