Eco-campus
To help further reduce its environmental impact, LJMU has just signed up for EcoCampus, a national Environmental Management System (EMS) specifically developed for the higher education sector.
LJMU, like all higher education institutions, is very complex in terms of its organisation, activities and estate. EcoCampus provides a framework to help us to develop an environmental management system using a step-by-step approach. Using this framework we will be able to set and more importantly achieve our targets for environmental improvements.
EcoCampus was initially set up and funded by HEFCE in 2005 and is now a collaborative project between Nottingham Trent University and Loreus Ltd (an EMS software development and training company). The scheme offers a complete package where members are walked through the process of designing, implementing and auditing a fully operational EMS.
Six years after its launch, approximately 30% of UK universities are now enrolled on the scheme. The phased approach means that universities gain recognition for improved environmental performance through a series of awards; bronze, silver, gold and platinum. The platinum award is equivalent to the international standard ISO 14001.
Under EcoCampus all aspects of LJMU’s operations, from waste management to water efficiency, biodiversity to community involvement, will be scrutinised and audited to see just how sustainable they are.
But adopting EcoCampus is not just about getting an award; it’s about minimising LJMU's impact on the environment. Even if the University is awarded platinum in a few years time, we can’t stop looking for areas where we can improve still further.
Watch this space for details of our progress and awards.
To find out more about EcoCampus, go to: www.ecocampus.co.uk
