EcoCampus – A Phased Approach to Environmental Management Systems

EcoCampus scheme Software support tools- practical session Feedback/discussion Questions Introduction

Overview EcoCampus is a phased environmental management system and award scheme being developed for the HE & FE sector (HEFCE funded institutions) EcoCampus provides a modular, phased, incremental approach to developing an EMS in line with both BS8555 & ISO The scheme enables colleges and universities to be recognised for addressing key issues of environmental sustainability

The EcoCampus scheme is being developed to support institutions where resources are limited and/or inexperienced EcoCampus provides awards relating to 4 levels of achievement, linked to each stage of EMS development Overview cont..

Limitations to achieving progress Some perceptions from FE/HE institutions in the UK Many institutions can find the implementation of formal environmental standards daunting:  They don’t know where to start, what is ISO & EMAS all about?  Time consuming  Staff lack the skills and knowledge  There is little support and encouragement  Implementation tools are scarce  Too bureaucratic, increasing pressure & paperwork  How do we get recognition along the way?  Leadership

The phased approach of EcoCampus has many benefits: Gets you started as tasks come in bite-size steps Work at your own pace towards an International Standard Has auditable benchmarks with awards to recognise and reward improvement Can be focused on selected themes Experience and support from others and the pilot scheme

A modular approach that can be undertaken in 4 phases (with multiple stages) Operating (7 stages) Resources Competence Communication Documentation Control of documents Operational control Emergency preparedness Continual Improvement Planning (4 stages) Commitment Training Establishing the baseline Draft policy Implementation (4 stages) Legal & other requirements Assessing aspects Objectives, targets & programmes Policy 2 2 Checking, & Correcting (6 stages) Monitoring Evaluation of compliance Nonconformity Records Internal Audit Management review 4 4

PHASE 1: PLANNING (BRONZE)  Senior management commitment  Environmental awareness training*  Baseline environmental review*  Draft environmental policy* PHASE 2: IMPLEMENTING (SILVER)  Legal & other requirements  Significant environmental aspects*  Objectives, targets & programmes  Environmental policy* Structure of Scheme

PHASE 3: OPERATING (GOLD) o Resources, roles, responsibility & authority o Competence, training & awareness* o Communication o Documentation* o Control of documents* o Operational control o Emergency preparedness and response PHASE 4: CHECKING & CORRECTING (PLATINUM) o Monitoring & measurement* o Evaluation of compliance * o Nonconformity, corrective action & preventative action* o Control of records* o Internal audit o Management review Structure cont…

Award Scheme

The Modules

Feedback

EMS’s institutions were aware of and which they would prefer to implement EMASISO EcoCampus AcornGreen Dragon Environmental Management System % Awareness Prefer to implement

Support Tools Review, Action Plans & Draft Policy with the IT-based review tool

Support Tools E-learning - Training system

Support Tools Which area to tackle first? Use the EcoCampus Significance Calculator

EMS DOCUMENTATION EFFECTIVE WRITING / USE OF WORDS Lord’s Prayer 54 words Ten Commandments297 words American Declaration of Independence 300 words EEC Directive on Export of Duck Eggs 26,911 words

Support Tools Document control structure with document templates

Additional Support Tools Project Management, SMART objectives, targets & tasks with notification and reporting

The ICT supported phased approach received a National Award

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Keep in mind… The EMS and related tools are just that - tools. Alone, they will not guarantee success The institution must use the tools, not just have them An effective EMS is “alive”; constantly measuring performance, making adjustments, and looking for opportunities to make continual improvement

Support Materials EcoCampus Toolkit Software e - Training Material EcoCampus Handbook EcoCampus Information Case Studies Online EcoCampus News Project Management EcoCampus Membership Information Membership Database Mailings & Significant EventsContacts Document Control Significance calculator EcoCampus

Any questions ? Thank you for your time

Contact details School of Biomedical and Natural Sciences Nottingham Trent University Clifton Lane Nottingham NG11 8NS ecocampus.co.uk