EMS Implementation at Cranfield University

1
EMS Implementation at Cranfield University

• EAUC Conference
• 1st April 2009
• Alan Fowler (Principal, ENVIRON)
• Roger Richards (SHE Manager, Cranfield University)

2
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

3
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

4
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

5
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

6
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

7
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

8
Any questions?
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Workshop
10
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?

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Barriers to EMS Implementation

• Have you encountered barriers to EMS
  implementation?
• What are they?
• How can you overcome them?

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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?

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Chemical storage
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Oil storage tank
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Oil storage tank
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Chemical storage
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Car washing on campus
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Housekeeping