Rene Ohms Brings Sustainable Practices to Jewel Cave

Rene Ohms, Physical Science Technician at Jewel Cave National Monument, has provided outstanding leadership. Her innovative ideas to save energy and recycle more items have inspired other employees to join the effort to incorporate sustainability in all park projects since 2010. Ohms coordinated efforts that led to the park's success in becoming a member of the Climate Friendly Parks Program (CFP). Because of Ohms' efforts, the park was able to complete greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories and develop a modified environmental management system (MEMS) and CFP Plan, in order to attain CFP status. Jewel Cave was the first park to successfully complete a MEMS/CFP Plan. Ohms also shared her lessons learned with other parks in the Black Hills area by coordinating and leading two CFP workshops, helping these parks make their way toward CFP status.

Rene Ohms has been a "force multiplier" by inspiring other park employees to greater awareness and involvement in sustainability and energy conservation efforts. Employees have aggressively incorporated sustainability into project designs, begun carpooling, and found ways to reduce energy use. In addition, Rene and the Green Team have provided in-person and on-line training for park employees in the Green Team's role and function, and in Environmental Purchasing. Articles about Jewel Cave's progress have appeared in the Midwest Region Sustainable News In Parks (SNIPS) Newsletter of Jan. 2013 and a Case Study for Jewel Cave will appear in the upcoming NPS 2012 Annual Environmental Report. Two "Best Practices" were submitted to the My Green Parks website for reducing unwanted mail and the employee energy conservation contest.

SOURCE
http://www.doi.gov/greening/awards/2013/ohms.cfm

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