C2E2 Study Paints a Mosaic of Campus EMS Progress
In a report on their 2010 study, the Campus Consortium for Environmental Excellence (C2E2) found progress since 2006 in the implementation of environmental management systems (EMS) at the nation's campuses, but the results are decidedly mixed. While 22% of survey respondents saw their EMS expand, 13.2% have seen the program narrowed, and many more have seen mixed results.
The campus is a dynamic setting that faces multiple challenges simultaneously. For this reason, the C2E2 study shows a lot of variation in progress across campuses, but it is fair to say that the status of an EMS is due more to administrative accountability and support than anything else, even program cost.
Then, what explains the differences in administrative support across campuses? While there are many factors at work, one crucial element would be an integrated and well-communicated plan to achieve environmental regulatory compliance. This plan could define compliance risks, costs, and accountability in a way that would earn support that could sustain program efforts beyond regulatory compliance.
The C2E2 2010 Study: Compliance is the Driver
The 2010 benchmark survey was done as a follow up to the 2006 benchmark research. A total of 151 respondents representing 113 colleges and universities across the nation answered questions about campus EMS programs. Almost 80% of the respondents were "very familiar" with the EMS on their campus. Over 60% of the campuses in the study served 10,000 students or more.
There are now at least partial EMS programs in place at 55.6% of the campuses in the study. Factors perceived as promoting the programs include clear accountability, regulatory compliance advantages, cost savings, and administrative support. Barriers to progress include funding limitations and lack of interest (that is, lack of administrative support).
Virtually ALL of the programs in place prioritize basic compliance objectives. These safety and risk-related components are primarily driven by narrow regulatory concerns, but there is a broad general interest in "sustainability":
- 91.4% of programs focus on environmental compliance.
- 63.4% make health and safety compliance objectives.
- 41.9% have "sustainability" programs.
- 23.7% address risk management.
- 22.6% address security and public safety.
On those campuses where at least a partial EMS is in place, some move beyond regulatory compliance to broader environmental issues (N = 58 in this data). The most common of these are:
- 79.3% of programs manage recycling.
- 65.5% address energy conservation and efficiency.
- 44.8% concern green buildings/LEED standards.
Respondents say that the highest value of an EMS is in achieving compliance goals, and the second highest is in supporting accountability. But it is also clear that a program that succeeds in building compliance and transparent accountability can -- and many do – take on broader issues of sustainability and environmental impact.
Organizational Capacity is Key to EMS Success
The C2E2 study does not directly address organizational capacity, but it clearly implies the need to have the capability to organize and address campus environmental issues systematically. Typical EMSs follow a model defined and promoted according to the ISO 14001 EMS model. The trouble is, this model is known for its use in industrial settings -- not for the dynamic nature of the college and university setting.
Campuses Need a Dynamic EMS Approach
A campus needs an EMS approach that will enable it to grow its environmental program at the rate and in the direction of its choice. The approach must simultaneously reduce regulatory and financial exposure; ensure compliance with local and federal laws, provide access to resources; and eliminate unbudgeted compliance expenses.
At WasteStrategies, we have defined an EMS approach that is specifically created and proven to deliver results for colleges and universities. This uniquely-designed EMS framework allows campuses to assess, correct, manage, and improve environmental health and safety across a dynamic campus environment.
Learn more about EMS for colleges and download our Environmental Management Systems brochure.
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