Environmental Management System (EMS)

The RVC is committed to implementing an Environmental Management System, aiming to receive certification to ISO14001 level.

What is an EMS?
An EMS is essentially a framework for managing an organisations environmental impacts. The system involves ingraining a culture of continuing environmental performance in all aspects of operations. Various standards are available, the most internationally recognisable one of which is ISO14001. It is to this standard the RVC hopes to get its EMS certified to.

To facilitate this process the RVC is using staged approach, following the British Standard 8555. The following diagram outlines the stages involved.

Who is responsible for the EMS?
Operationally the implementation of the EMS is overseen by the Environmental Management Committee (EMC). However, all operations at the RVC have an environmental impact, positive or negative. Anything that impacts the environment, from printing on paper or using electricity to boil a kettle, is covered by the EMS and as such all staff, students and suppliers at the RVC hold a position of responsibility within the EMS.

How can I find out more?
Approved minutes from EMC meetings and updates on EMS progress can be found on this page.