Environmental Management System (EMS)

Students walking through the woods on campus

Our Environmental Management System (EMS) is externally certified to ISO 14001:2015, and supports our Sustainability Policy. The scope of the EMS covers the University Bailrigg Estate, Health Innovation Campus and Chancellors Wharf and covers all campus activities and operations. We are audited every six months by external auditors to ensure compliance with the ISO14001 standard.

Having an EMS provides a clearly structured and documented framework through which our direct environmental impacts and risks can be managed. For example, issues identified during regular environmental audits have helped the university to improve waste segregation and recycling.

How does the EMS help us?

The Environmental Management System (EMS) provides a clearly structured and documented framework through which the environmental impacts, risks and compliance requirements can be managed.

Electric car charging on campus

Carbon reduction

Transport is a significant source of carbon emissions for Lancaster University. Procedures developed as part of the EMS have helped gradually reduce emissions from the University vehicle fleet, through the early adoption of electric vehicles and careful control of vehicle mileage.

Plastic bottles pollution

Waste improvements

Issues identified during regular internal environmental audits have assisted us in improving waste arrangements, security and housekeeping. The improvements have also assisted in improving waste segregation and recycling rates.

Staff sat in a meeting

External audits

These are undertaken every six months by our external auditors, who check that the system is operating as planned and following the requirements of the ISO 14001 standard. These help us stay compliant and track progress.

What does the EMS focus on?

A series of operational procedures and guidance support the day-to-day activities undertaken across our campuses.

An accordion list of operational procedures and guidance support the day-to-day activities undertaken across our campus accordion