Sustainability - Environmental Excellence at J P Systems, Inc.
Sustainability Policy
The J P Systems Sustainability Policy provides a practical starting point for J P Systems, Inc. (JPSys) personnel to analyze factors contributing to greenhouse gasses, thus enabling them to contribute to sustainable development and growth. We employ an internationally applicable common set of indicators based on guidance from the OECD website to help us measure our environmental performance at the level of a project. Although we do not manufacture products, our policy focuses on the environmental aspects of sustainable healthcare IT service delivery. While we provide technical services and are not a manufacturer of products, we still aim to align our operational goals with environmentally responsible goals. First, we are a paperless company. Second, we are a virtual company and do not rent office space. These two operational mandates go a long way towards reducing greenhouse gasses.
Consequently, we have adapted our policies to that which is required for a service business, thereby taking important steps towards greener growth – ensuring our development is economically and environmentally sustainable. We at J P Systems embrace the goal of a sustainable work force.
In summary, if you need to know how J P Systems, Inc. addresses the issue of greener operations, this web page and the J P Systems Sustainability Manual is a great place to start. Measuring energy usage is a vital first step to improvement. The J P Systems Sustainability Manual provides a guide to develop metrics (indicators) to measure the environmental performance of our projects. Our J P Systems Sustainability Team will be developing our key indicators to guide improvement.
WHAT IS A GREENHOUSE GAS?
"Definition: Gases that occur naturally in the Earth's atmosphere and trap heat to keep the planet warm. Some examples are carbon dioxide, water vapor, halogenated fluorocarbons, methane, hydrofluorocarbons, nitrous oxide, perfluoronated carbons, and ozone. Some human actions, like the burning of fossil fuels, also produce greenhouse gases." Greenhouse Gases from Acid Rain Glossary
Greenhouse Gas Report
Greenhouse Gas Spreadsheet Report
J P Systems voluntarily participates in reporting of its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) usage. We split out consumption based on usage for internal verses client contract purposes. J P Systems uses the EPA simplified GHG emissions calculator tool to calculate our Greenhouse Gas emissions. As we are a professional services company which does not own any facilities.
Our usage does not include any of the following: stationary combustion, mobile sources (on road vehicles), refrigeration, A/C systems, or fire suppression systems, purchased gases, steam, commuting, or upstream transportation and distribution. Hence, all these values on the GHG Calculator Tool Spreadsheet are zero. Our goal for 2025 is to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 2% for J P Systems' operations.
We are 100% paperless company. In addition, all of our employees telecommute, as we are also operating 100% virtually.
Subsequently, our primary GHG emissions falls into the business travel category. The buttons below link to our GHG Summary page tab and our Business Travel tab from our GHG Spreadsheet Calculator Tool.
Responsible Purchasing Guidelines
Responsible Purchasing is the acquisition of goods and services that meet the business and research needs of the consumer while also being environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and ethically sourced. The purpose of these guidelines is to support and facilitate the purchase of products and materials that minimize the harmful effects from their production, transportation, use, and disposition.
General Guidelines
- Reduce waste by buying only what we need.
- Support environmental health by buying items produced with, operated with, and disposed of using environmentally beneficial practices.
- Support human health by avoiding products with toxic ingredients and outputs.
- Support social health by choosing manufacturers and vendors that treat workers and communities with equity and respect.
Use these basic considerations prior to making purchases:
- Is it necessary? Habit and impulse can be powerful drivers and may lead to unnecessary purchases. Confirm the purchase meets an actual need, and, if so, what quantity is really necessary. Evaluate automatic re-orders periodically to make sure they still reflect current needs.
- Does it provide the best long-term value? A high quality, long-lasting product is a better choice economically and environmentally than a less expensive product of inferior quality that will have to be replaced frequently.
- Is it made from reused or recycled products? From office supplies to building supplies, products made with recycled content cause significantly less environmental stress than those made with brand new materials. Details about what portion of the product/packaging are made from recycled content should be available on the product label. Click for more detail on label language.
- Is the packaging minimal? In the U.S., 90% of product packaging goes to the landfill. Choose options with the most minimal packaging possible. For larger and/or repeat orders, work with vendors to set low/no packaging delivery standards.
- Is it energy and water efficient? Products designed for low energy/water use are good environmental and economic choices, providing years of operational savings in water, energy, and dollars. Choose products with WaterSense and Energy Star certifications. For electronics, look for products with an EPEAT rating of silver or higher. Avoid products that require continuous power.
- Can it be disposed of responsibly? Think about the product’s end of life. The best product choices will be long-lasting and eligible for campus recycling or composting post-use. When short-term use is required (e.g., disposable serving ware), select products that can be composted. If that is not possible, look for items that can be reused or recycled.
- Is it available locally? Purchasing from local sources reduces greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, increases access to information about vendor practices, and supports the local economy.
- Is it a low/no toxins choice? Harmful chemicals can be found in anything from cleaning products to paint to three-ring binders, but equally effective low/no toxin options are available. Avoid products with VOCs, formaldehyde, chlorine and PVCs, lead, and mercury. For cleaning, sanitary, and building equipment and maintenance products, look for options that are Green Seal or Ecologo certified.
- Is the product made in a socially responsible way? Look for goods and services from companies that prioritize social responsibility, including a workplace free from harassment and discrimination, fair wages and conditions for workers, and environmentally friendly operations. Fair Trade Certification indicates a product has been vetted for “safe working conditions, environmental protections, sustainable livelihoods and community development funds” and can be a good starting point, as is checking for participation in the Fair Labor Association. Reviewing published company policies and relevant media from reliable news sources can also provide useful context. The US Department of Labor maintains a list of products considered likely to be made by child or forced labor. When you do not have time to research or cannot find the information you need, here’s a basic rule of thumb: if a product is priced so low it is hard to believe, it is highly likely that the people making it are being exploited. Think twice.