EMS Implementation at Cranfield University

EAUC Conference1st April 2009Alan 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

Any questions?

Workshop

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?

Chemical storage

Oil storage tank

Oil storage tank

Chemical storage

Car washing on campus

Housekeeping