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Richard Lemoine is the assistant director of EHS (Environmental Health and Safety) at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He is currently involved in EMS (Environmental Management Systems) and TURI (Toxic use Reduction Institute) where he assists in piloting programs to help perform evaluations on such concepts as recycling and other ways to help the environment.
Growing up in Lowell, Richard saw the results of the Lowell Mills and the effects the mills had on the environment. Coming into his profession he saw how far back sustainability goes and how well Lowell has changed and cleaned up within the past fifteen years. Working with the EHS Lemoine helps support the University "stay compliant with all the federal, state and municipal regulations. You know, regarding environmental regulations and standards and in addition to that, our position here include that staff and faculty make sure we have a safe environment." Lemoine stays hopeful that the EHS can continue to move forward here at the University to assure that students are aware of material safety and what they are dealing with in forms of chemicals. The EHS is also assisting in recycling to assure that waste can be recycled and if not find a safe source to assure that it is disposed properly. Being involved in EHS, EMS and TURI, Lemoine has been fortunate to be help in many programs here at the University to help the environment. The EMS helps for the Dean, custodians, students and others to be aware of many ways that they can be more environmentally friendly. Being involved with the EMS Lemoine was able to work with IT students to develop a software program to help other agencies implement an EMS through the Internet. When speaking about the program he acknowledges, "all in all it's been very successful but it takes an awful lot of work to keep it going." Lemoine helps with TURI in looking for supplemental products that can replace hazardous products. An example of what he does includes bringing less toxic materials to the custodians here at UML to ensure the safety of the faculty and students. However, "TURI just happens to be one of such agencies that is here not only to help us, but the state." Lemoine is doing all he can to help with sustainability and environmental health and safety here at Umass Lowell. This is what he does for work and it is clear that he enjoys what he does and takes pride in it. Lemoine also spoke about sustainability and the popularity of it over in Europe and other countries. He will continue to help sustainability grow here at UML and hopefully around the U.S. "I think what you see is with the big sustainability push is really in its infancy in the U.S., but we are moving forward and there's no doubt this will be with us for many, many, many years to come." |