Elmwood College ISO14001 – 12 years practical experience

Initial Vision  ISO Perceived as providing automatic compliance with Learning for Life – then Scottish Office policy  Providing the basis for new consultancy opportunities and collaborative projects – basically a commercial venture

The System  Fairly Lightweight  BSI regulated – annual external assessment  £2,500 pa budget  One half man days per week staff time  Costs of all environmental compliance issues are expected to be met within existing budgets

Current Situation  ISO14001 has been incorporated into the College’s Team Management System under the headings:  Customers  Finance  Staff  Systems  Developments

Benefits - Customers  Provides “real” working environment for students  Environmentally aware culture  Green Curriculum / Green Institution  Provides our students with that vital edge when applying for jobs in the environmental sector

Benefits - Finance  Cost savings related to:  Waste Management  Energy Management  Publicity  External finance sourced for special projects RSS, Landfill Tax, Staff development, etc.

Benefits - Staff  The Corporate image of Elmwood is that of a “Green” Institution – staff benefit in various ways particularly through CPD:  Membership of third party collaborative projects / committees – Biodiversity Groups, Education Committees, NGO’s  The College is actively part of a policy forming rather than policy following culture

Benefits - Systems  ISO14001 is now fully integrated into all College systems – it has gradually become a part of our corporate culture  Systems provide a framework for teaching activity: Organic Farming; Environmentally informed Golf Course Management and Land Management etc.  ISO14001 is a driving force for continuing compliance / improvement

Benefits - Developments  Clear environmental benefits: integrated land management / promotion of biodiversity  Clear institutional benefits: compliance with anticipated legislation / recognition of HMI  Strong industry links with environmental sector providing employment opportunities for staff and students