EMS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Colleges and Universities

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FAQs

What is an EMS?
How can an EMS help my college or university?
Is developing an EMS very resource intensive?
How can I get started?

What is an EMS?
An EMS is a framework that colleges and universities can use to examine their environmental issues, then develop and implement environmental procedures that promote responsible environmental management. An EMS ensures continual improvement by incorporating ongoing monitoring, reviews, and revisions of the environmental procedures.

How can an EMS help my college or university?
An EMSs’ strategic approach to continual improvement can result in a wide range of benefits for your college or university – from compliance benefits to public relations advantages. Learn more about the benefits of an EMS.

Is developing an EMS very resource intensive?
While designing and implementing a successful EMS takes resources, the cost savings and other benefits that result from the investment make it worthwhile. In fact, many campuses already have components of an EMS in place that they can build upon, such as written and unwritten procedures, practices, and environmental training.

How can I get started?
To get started, visit our EMS Roadmap page to learn the steps for implementing and maintaining and EMS. Then, visit Tools and Resources to find valuable documents and templates to help you begin the development of your own EMS.