Policy and Guiding Principles
The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia is strongly committed to protecting the environment and human health in all of its operations. To fulfill this commitment, the Board of Regents adopted a "Strategic Plan for Environmental Compliance" (1994) which recognizes that pro-active efforts must be taken to ensure that sound environmental, health and safety planning is integrated into every level of University System decision making.
Effective environmental, health and safety performance is important to the Board of Regents and its institutions in relationships with students, faculty, staff, legislators, regulatory agencies and the general public. To assist institutions within the University System of Georgia in meeting the mandate of the Board of Regents' stated policy, the following guiding principles have been established:
Each institution within the USG shall:
- Comply with all applicable environmental, health and safety laws and regulations. In the absence of specific laws or regulations, good management practices shall be followed;
- Develop, follow and continuously improve environmental, health and safety procedures and practices for all facilities, projects and operations;
- Perform periodic environmental, health and safety program reviews to correct deficiencies, establish goals and identify funding priorities;
- Designate a specific individual to be in charge of environmental, health and safety affairs for the institution. This individual shall be a key member of each institution's administrative leadership team.
- Promote environmental, health and safety awareness among all faculty, staff and students and provide appropriate resources for training and program implementation;
- Design, construct and operate all facilities in a manner that protects human health, safety of the occupants and the environment. Environmental, health and safety considerations shall be an integral part of each institution's master planning efforts;
- Practice pollution prevention by recycling all appropriate materials, purchasing recycled products, substituting less hazardous materials and establishing micro-scale chemistry operations;
- Recognize the interrelationship between energy and the environment and implement energy efficiency strategies, including purchasing / using alternative and clean-fueled vehicles, where appropriate;
- Work cooperatively with government, industry and other appropriate organizations in developing reasonable environmental, health and safety legislation and regulations which protect the environment and human health and which are cost-effective;
- Serve as environmentally responsible neighbors and promote sustainable development in local communities.