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The EcoCampus Scheme

What is EcoCampus?

EcoCampus is a national Environmental Management System and award scheme for the higher and further education sectors. The scheme enables universities and colleges to systematically identify, evaluate, manage and improve their sustainability and environmental practices.

The scheme was initially started in 2006 with 10 pilot institutions, and has since attracted around 30% of the higher education sector and 38% of the Russell Group. The scheme offers a flexible phased approach to implementing an environmental management system, with universities gaining recognition at each stage of the process through a series of awards (bronze, silver, gold and platinum). The platinum award conforms with the requirements of the international standard ISO 14001.

The four phases of EcoCampus:

1. Bronze –planning

2. Silver –implementing

3. Gold –operating

4. Platinum –checking and correcting

Each of the four phases contains a number of minimum requirements. Once these requirements are met then the institution is awarded a certificate stating the level of award and the date achieved.

Who is it applicable to?

The EcoCampus scheme is open to all higher and further education institutions within the UK and Ireland.

What is included?

EcoCampus not only provides the framework for improving environmental performance, but assists institutions along the way. It provides:

A flexible approach to implementing an environmental management system (EMS)
A nationally recognised award scheme for the HE and FE sectors
Training workshops to help implement the scheme and additional CPD workshops in specific areas of environmental management
Networks to discuss best practice and exchange ideas
Comprehensive guides and manuals
Software applications to assist with operation of the management system (e.g. a full document control system with pre-written templates)
Consultancy support including one to one sessions.
External audits and training delivered in partnership with NQA

What are the benefits?

The EcoCampus scheme can help your institution:

Provide a framework to manage sustainability with your institution
Achieve sector and regulatory compliance, including carbon reduction targets in line with HEFCE strategy
Evidence that action is being taken to reduce the impact of your activities, products and services
Reduce costs in major areas such as resource efficiency
Receive acknowledgement and recognition for your activities undertaken
Learn from best practice within the sector to help drive improvements in sustainability
Provide a framework to manage both sector and regulatory compliance
Improve your corporate image, giving you a competitive advantage
Address sustainable development and climate change
Translate your corporate values and commitments into mainstream management practice.

Awards

Following successful audit, an institution participating in the scheme will be awarded a framed certificate of the EcoCampus stage that has been achieved. Those achieving Platinum will receive a plaque in recognition of their achievements.

Upon achieving the requirements of each phase, the institutions details and award level will be added to the EcoCampus register on the EcoCampus website (www.ecocampus.co.uk).

Maintenance

The cost of external audits required in the gold and platinum phase are covered by the annual fee paid to EcoCampus. Following the initial three year programme, the institution will go onto the continuation package which includes an annual audit, continued access to the software and continued support.

Contact us

For more information about this service, contact our friendly team today on 08000 522424.

Alternatively, you can contact the EcoCampus team through www.ecocampus.co.uk.

EcoCampus July Newsletter
The difference between auditing a HE institution and other companies: an auditing perspective and interview with Dr Margaret Rooney (NQA)
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