Environmental Management Systems Case Studies:
 

Madison Gas & Electric

CLIENT: Madison Gas & Electric
TASK: Gap Analysis and Design and Implementation of an 14001 EMS
LOCATION: Madison, Wisconsin

OBJECTIVES:

• Gap Analysis of existing programs and ISO 14001
• Progress reports to State Agency in support of an Environmental Cooperative Agreement
• EMS development and support of implementation
• Procedures and tool development
• Develop training curriculum and materials (posters, pamphlets, powerpoints, computer-based training modules) and train all MGE personnel with EMS responsibilities
• Internal Auditor training
• Served as one of two EMS Management Representatives during the Certification Audit Process

Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) committed to implementing an EMS that conforms to the ISO 14001 Standard, beginning with its Blount Generating Station facility then expanding to include all operations. The commitment to implement an EMS similar to an ISO 14001 EMS is an element of the Environmental Cooperative Agreement entered into by MGE and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. First Environment was retained by MGE to assess the current status of its ISO 14001 implementation effort at the Blount facility and provide an opinion as to the likelihood that the effort would be completed by the agreed to date. Following the completion of the gap analysis, First Environment was retained to provide assistance in the design and implementation of the company-wide EMS.

First Environment assisted in conducting interviews to collect information from key personnel and develop procedures. All upper level procedures were completed and approved prior to beginning implementation.

Implementation was conducted in a phased approach to allow completed elements and procedures to be rolled out and used while lower level procedures and other elements were still being developed. This process ensured that the deadline included in the Environmental Cooperative Agreement would be met while ensuring an effective EMS for MGE. Lessons learned from early implementation efforts were used to further improve the procedures, tools, training materials, and communications process as the implementation progressed.

First Environment assisted in the review of lower level procedures, worked with the MGE Administrative Support Department to develop Lotus Notes based databases to track objectives and targets and nonconformance databases, assisted in developing on-line tools to manage all of the EMS procedures, support documents and training materials (right), and developed and conducted training for all Blount employees as well as the members of the 11 Corporate Departments that were brought into the EMS because of their role in Blount’s operations. Training materials for suppliers and contractors working on-site was also developed. In addition, First Environment conducted an Internal Auditor Training Program and assisted in conducting the first internal EMS audit.

During the Certification audit, one of the two EMS Management Representatives was unable to participate and an individual from First Environment’s team was asked to fulfill her duties during that time.  The audit was completed successfully and Blount’s EMS was certified in late September 2004, six months after the completion of the upper level procedures. First Environment is continuing to work with MGE to expand the EMS company-wide.