ABOUT GEC
Management Systems
Goldman Environmental Consultants recognizes that management systems can be effective frameworks of processes and procedures that ensure an organization achieves its objectives. These systems were first formalized to assure quality control (e.g., ISO 9000). The management system approach has been expanded to assure environmental compliance, safety and security. An effective management system includes accountability (an assignment of personal responsibility), a schedule for activity completion, as well as auditing tools to implement corrective actions, schedule activities and create an upward spiral of continuous improvement.
GEC helps clients with their environmental, health, safety and security management system needs. GEC analyzes current processes from top to bottom and helps develop an appropriate system for your particular needs. We provide the orientation and training to assure that both the form and function of the management systems satisfies long-term needs.
EMS
Goldman Environmental Consultants' experience with environmental management systems (EMS) reaches back to the 1980's. GEC helps clients determine which EMS option holds the greatest value for their organization. GEC answers questions such as, whether or not your system should conform to a recognized standard or whether you should seek third-party certification. GEC provides the knowledge and information needed to make the best decision for your organization.
ISO/OHSAS
Goldman Environmental Consultants delivers ChemStewards, Responsible Care, OHSAS 18001and ISO 14001 capabilities. GEC's management system team develops, evaluates, and improves management systems for clients. GEC's clients' systems have won recognition from a variety of organizations beyond ISO including the Society of Automotive Engineers and the USA/Rochester Institute of Technology annual awards. GEC has lead auditor certification as well as certified auditor training in a variety of systems including ISO 14001, ISO 19011, and Responsible Care 14001. GEC understands and can help you understand OHSAS 18001, SA 8000, ISO 26001and ISO 27001.
When you hire GEC you bring on board experience that gives you confidence that you will achieve your objectives. GEC's Henry Balikov is co-developer of the "EMS ToolKit", a great aid to assist in EMS implementation.
Risk Management
Goldman Environmental Consultants understand Environmental Health, Safety and Security (EHS&S) risk and the measures that can be taken to anticipate, manage, and protect your organization from its consequences. GEC uses techniques from toxicology, epidemiology, and statistical analysis to help clients reduce their risk, and in some cases, insurance premiums. Using management system analysis, GEC helps clients address risks and improve the client's bottom line.
Training
Goldman Environmental Consultants works with organizations to prepare their employees to meet the requirements of a new job or understand the changes related to their present work. GEC provides programs on environmental, safety, and health. GEC's training methods range anywhere from a series of five-minute briefings to several hour programs for larger groups. Training topics can range from confined space entry, to managing wastes, to preserving a "small quantity generator" exemption. GEC certifies that the training you receive for ISO standards meets the requirements. GEC even helps clients create internal audit teams that know the regulatory requirements as well as how to interview and write reports.
Audits and Certifications
Goldman Environmental Consultants recognizes that audits and certification are ways to effectively manage risk. GEC develops and maintains protocols and checklists that identify risks in a manner that allows clients some choice in how to respond. GEC offers maximum value and assurance, whether you need to be sure that your air permit covers your current operations, or your lock-out/tag-out procedure meets the OSHA requirements, or your environmental management system (EMS) is in conformance.
GEC understands the world of ISO certifications and those from other organizations such as Responsible Care and Social Accountability. GEC's certification capabilities can improve relationships with stakeholders, increase ability to comply with regulatory requirements and address motivation, loyalty, and commitment concerns from your workforce.
Sustainability
Sustainable development is development that "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (Former Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland).
Achieving sustainability requires consideration of how activities interact with the environment. There is a growing understanding of the benefits of valuing social and natural capital. The economic benefits of sustainability can be substantial and lasting.
Economists now encourage us to recognize that there isn't an inevitable trade-off between the concepts of sustainable development and competition. GEC brings some proven skills to your effort:
- Our engineering, MBA, toxicological, legal and technical experts can help you look at your situation from new perspectives and uncover hidden opportunities. Accurately delineating your environmental footprint will give you the foundation upon which you can build the metrics that will drive improvement
- Your practices and procedures are key to the way your organization functions. Our decades of management system experience will assure that your objectives are not compromised. Our library of best practices, drawn from some of the most successful organizations, can offer efficient ways to accomplish your goals.
- Our clients find that an effective step in a sustainable direction is to value the perspectives and insights of stakeholders and peers and engage them in opportunities for dialogue. We also bring you support, trained in environmental dispute resolution.
- Evaluating progress and performance will signal the need for modifications to improve and enhance sustainability. Our Total Quality Approach and Plan - Do - Check - Act methodology is coupled with expertise in auditing certified to the ISO 19011 as well as other key standards such as Responsible Care© and ChemStewards©.
"People, Planet and Profit" are now used to describe an approach to sustainability that integrates the social, environmental and financial concerns of an organization - the triple bottom line. GEC works with your senior personnel to identify a limited set of needs and major objectives within each circle. Elements such as customer service and community relations can be brought into this group as needed. Our team of professionals, experienced in such efforts, can guide and facilitate an effort leading to identifying the issues, conflicts, and, here is the key, the areas where needs compliment each other.
Priorities are then combined and evaluated (as a group) to identify key issues and needs. Our experience enables us to share best practices from others who have been constantly challenged to raise the bar. We facilitate sessions that lead to new ideas for product and process improvement. GEC then works with your team to identify the organization's initial sustainability objectives and targets. Your leadership will be focused to drive improved performance across the organization.
The requirements of a "triple bottom line" have already been adopted by some governments who believe this is a valid approach to sustainability. GEC is able to show you how you can anticipate your stakeholder interest and respond in a way that will be recognized as responsible while addressing your business needs and long-term strategy.