News
Monday 6 November 2006
Environmental scheme launched at university
A national pilot scheme which seeks to encourage higher education institutions to address key environmental issues has been launched at Nottingham Trent University. ‘EcoCampus’, which is being spearheaded by pilot institutions and partners, is a phased, modular approach for implementing an environmental management system (EMS).
Each participating institution will host a workshop encouraging the sharing of best practice on a range of environmental management issues. The scheme will assist higher and further education institutions move towards environmental sustainability through encouraging good operational and management practices.
EcoCampus, which will run until December 2008, currently includes 11 institutions from across England. Each will undertake a baseline environmental review, implement procedures and establish an EMS.
They will also introduce training to improve their performance in 11 management areas: community involvement, construction and refurbishment, emissions and discharges, energy and water, environmental management systems, health, welfare and safely, policy, sustainable procurement, transport, waste management and sustainable curriculum development.
Institutions will be recognised and rewarded for their efforts in addressing environmental issues through the EcoCampus sector awards scheme. The four phases will be Planning (Bronze) Implementation (Silver) Operating (Gold) and Checking and Correcting (Platinum).
Dr Peter Redfern, the Director of EcoCampus, said: “EcoCampus offers a real solution for institutions looking to improve their environmental and sustainable development performance. It brings structure and a systematic approach to the whole process.”
Professor Yvonne Barnett, Head of Nottingham Trent University’s College of Science and Technology, said: “Nottingham Trent University’s timely sector leadership in this area is highly supportive of government and HEFCE commitment to sustainable development.”
She added: “This not only builds on previous work, but also on the university’s BEST Network, a highly successful business support programme for small and medium-sized businesses in the East Midlands. This initiative uses an EMS approach with supporting software tools to improve competitiveness and resource efficiency.”
EcoCampus is funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and is a collaborative project between Nottingham Trent University, Loreus Ltd (EMS, software development and training consultancy) the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC) and Environmental Campaigns (ENCAMS).
ENDS
Notes for editors: For more information on EcoCampus visit www.ecocampus.co.uk
Press enquiries please contact:
Dave Rogers, Press Officer, on Tel: 0115 848 8782, or via email: dave.rogers@ntu.ac.uk
Or Therese Easom, Press and Media Relations Manager, on Tel: 0115 848 8774, or via email: therese.easom@ntu.ac.uk
