What is Environmental Services?

Environmental Services Definition

Environmental Services (EVS) encompass various activities and industries focused on protecting, preserving, and enhancing the natural environment while promoting sustainable development and resource management. These services aim to mitigate the adverse effects of human activities on the environment, ensure regulatory compliance, and promote the health of ecosystems and human communities as a whole.

Key Environmental Services Areas

• Environmental Consulting: expert advice and direction to assist businesses, governments, and organizations in complying with environmental regulations, assessing potential risks, and developing environmental management and sustainability strategies.
• Detection: identifying, monitoring, and controlling pollution sources, such as air, water, and soil pollution, via emissions monitoring, wastewater treatment, and air quality management.
• Waste Management: collection, transportation, processing, recycling, and disposal of solid, liquid, and hazardous wastes to minimize waste generation, maximize resource recovery, and ensure environmentally responsible disposal.
• Remediation and Restoration: cleanup and restoration of contaminated sites and rehabilitation of damaged ecosystems to improve ecological health, sustain biodiversity, and facilitate safe redevelopment.
• Environmental Monitoring and Assessment: collection and analysis of environmental data to evaluate ecosystem health, track changes, and identify potential risks or impacts, including monitoring of air, water, and soil quality, as well as assessments of wildlife and habitat.
• Regulatory Compliance and Permitting: guidance for navigating environmental regulations, acquiring necessary permits, and ensuring ongoing compliance with legal requirements.

Environmental Services foster a sustainable future by addressing environmental challenges, promoting responsible resource management, and preserving ecosystems and human well-being.

EVS Types of Services

Environmental Services (EVS) are essential for maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy hospital environment for patients, visitors, and staff. EVS teams are accountable for a variety of services that aid in preventing the spread of infections and creating a comfortable, welcoming environment for patients. Here are some of the most common types of EVS services provided by hospitals:

Infection Prevention

The most important service provided by EVS teams is Infection Prevention. It includes disinfecting and cleaning patient rooms, operating rooms, waiting areas, restrooms, and common areas. They use specialized cleaning agents and techniques to ensure that all surfaces are properly sanitized and disinfected.

Pest Control

Hospitals are prone to pest infestations, which can endanger patients and staff. EVS teams are responsible for identifying and eliminating rodents, insects, and other pests.

In addition to standard cleaning and disinfecting, EVS teams may offer specialized cleaning services. For instance, they may be responsible for cleaning up blood spills, handling biohazardous materials, and deep cleaning infrequently used hospital areas.

Environmental Services (EVS) teams are critical in maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy environment for hospital patients, visitors, and staff. In addition to cleaning and disinfecting, they are responsible for waste management, linen and laundry services, floor care, pest control, patient transport, security, and specialized cleaning. By providing these essential services, EVS teams contribute to preventing the spread of infections and fostering a comfortable, welcoming environment for patients.

External Resources

• An Overview and Tasks of Environmental Services
• Environmental Services explained
• Patient Experience & EVS Technicians: How Cleanliness Impacts Healthcare Satisfaction