Elmwood College

ISO14001 – 12 years practical experience

1995 - 2006

Initial Vision

ISO 14001 Perceived as providing automatic compliance with Learning for Life – then Scottish Office policy

Providing the basis for new consultancy opportunities and collaborative projects – basically a commercial venture

The System

Fairly Lightweight BSI regulated – annual external assessment £2,500 pa budget One half man days per week staff time Costs of all environmental compliance

issues are expected to be met within existing budgets

Current Situation

ISO14001 has been incorporated into the College’s Team Management System under the headings:

Customers Finance Staff Systems Developments

Benefits - Customers

Provides “real” working environment for students

Environmentally aware culture Green Curriculum / Green Institution Provides our students with that vital edge

when applying for jobs in the environmental sector

Benefits - Finance

Cost savings related to: Waste Management Energy Management Publicity External finance sourced for special

projects RSS, Landfill Tax, Staff development, etc.

Benefits - Staff

The Corporate image of Elmwood is that of a “Green” Institution – staff benefit in various ways particularly through CPD:

Membership of third party collaborative projects / committees – Biodiversity Groups, Education Committees, NGO’s

The College is actively part of a policy forming rather than policy following culture

Benefits - Systems

ISO14001 is now fully integrated into all College systems – it has gradually become a part of our corporate culture

Systems provide a framework for teaching activity: Organic Farming; Environmentally informed Golf Course Management and Land Management etc.

ISO14001 is a driving force for continuing compliance / improvement

Benefits - Developments

Clear environmental benefits: integrated land management / promotion of biodiversity

Clear institutional benefits: compliance with anticipated legislation / recognition of HMI

Strong industry links with environmental sector providing employment opportunities for staff and students