Download
1 / 18
180 likes | 375 Views
EMS Implementation at Cranfield University. EAUC Conference 1 st April 2009 Alan Fowler (Principal, ENVIRON) Roger Richards (SHE Manager, Cranfield University). Workshop structure. Presentation What is an EMS? Why implement an EMS? The implementation process at Cranfield Key challenges
E N D
EMS Implementation at Cranfield University EAUC Conference 1st April 2009 Alan Fowler (Principal, ENVIRON) Roger Richards (SHE Manager, Cranfield University)
Workshop structure • Presentation • What is an EMS? • Why implement an EMS? • The implementation process at Cranfield • Key challenges • Tips for Success • Structured discussion • EMS uptake and perceived benefits • Barriers to EMS implementation • Practical examples of how an EMS can improve environmental performance
What is EMS? • A structured framework for delivering continual improvement in environmental performance • ISO 14001 structure • Policy • Planning • Implementation and operation • Checking • Management review • A journey, not a destination
Why did Cranfield University Implement an EMS? • Environmental Benefits • Reduce waste and emissions • Avoid accidents and incidents • Environmental risks are better managed • Business Benefits • Greater compliance assurance, fewer regulatory inspections • Risk reduction (e.g. spills / leaks) • Enhanced stakeholder reputation (attract students & funding) • Cost savings (e.g. materials, waste, energy) • Other Benefits • Provides research opportunities • Allows staff and students to contribute directly to improved environmental performance • Encourages better teamwork between Schools and Services
The EMS implementation journey • Timetable • Initial gap analysis at Cranfield and Shrivenham in 2005 • Silsoe certification to ISO 14001 in 2006 • Cranfield campus EMS implementation launch in January 2008 • Certification achieved in March 2009 • Approach • Consultants worked in partnership with a Cranfield team • Regular senior management reviews and participation • Transfer of knowledge via training, workshops and teamwork • Engendered ownership and designed the system so the university could maintain it itself • Scope • Academic Schools (Faculties) as well as Estates and Site Services (i.e. staff and students • Future rollout to other Schools and Services at Cranfield campus
Key challenges • Complex organisation • Many different levels of autonomy, including academic and university management • Four Schools with a wide range of activities (e.g. labs and industrial scale research units) • Large area • Many tenants • Accommodation • Complex infrastructure (sewage treatment works, district heating system, waste management facilities, chemical storage facilities) • Limited resources • Personnel very busy with other initiatives • Estates personnel overstretched • University needs value for money • Aggressive schedule
Tips for Success • Secure management commitment ASAP • Set a realistic deadline (12-18 months) • Measure and report on progress • Focus on practical benefits rather than create a paper chase • Tailor system to your requirements • Consider external help for key system elements, but keep ownership • Aspects and impacts • Compliance assessment • Training • Use a good certifier with relevant experience
EMS uptake • Which organisations here have an EMS? • Which organisations are considering implementing one? • Why has your organisation decided to implement an EMS? • Which model (e.g. ISO 14001, EMAS, Acorn / BS 8555)? • Have you, or do you intend to, achieve certification to ISO 14001? • Why? • What are the benefits of certification? • Has your organisation decided not to implement an EMS or pursue certification? • Why?
Barriers to EMS Implementation • Have you encountered barriers to EMS implementation? • What are they? • How can you overcome them?
How can an EMS improve environmental performance? • For each of the following examples: • Does the photo illustrate good or bad practice? • What are the environmental risks / issues? • What improvements could be made? • How can an EMS help us manage these issues?
