James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center - Altoona, PA

The James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center 
Goes Green!

In order to accomplish our mission, the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center recognizes that it must operate so as to protect both the environment and the health and safety of patients, employees, and visitors. In order to accomplish this, we are committed to the following actions:

• Operating a Green Environmental Management System (GEMS) that meets the requirements of Presidential Executive Order 13148 and the guidance provided by the 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 James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center to incorporate actions into facility planning and procedures to reduce environmental vulnerabilities.
• Integrating pollution prevention, waste minimization, and resource conservation into medical center operation, whenever practical.
• Using natural resources efficiently, and maintaining a policy of protecting plants and wildlife habitats consistent with our mission.
• Recognizing that development and construction at the medical center must consider the unique conditions of the environment of which the facility is a part.
• Training our 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.