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University of Reading

NQA recognise Reading's commitment to environmental sustainability

Friday, 19 August 2016

ISO14001 certification 2016

Following a thorough audit by the NQA, our London Road and Whiteknights campuses have maintained certification to the internationally recognised environmental standard ISO14001. NQA praised the University and stated: “It is abundantly clear that the University has conducted a great deal of work to reduce their carbon emissions and are commended for this”.  

The University’s Greenlands Campus was also recertified to the ISO14001 standard in July and had positive feedback from the auditors about their efforts and Green Eventsinitiatives. Greenlands continues to ensure that the area of outstanding natural beauty in which the campus is situated is maintained and enhanced.

Both Environmental Management Systems (EMS) aim to manage the environmental impacts of the University’s activities by implementing a structured framework that imbeds environmentally aware management practices into normal businesses processes. This includes improving the awareness of sustainability issues, communicating best practice, correcting and improving systems, compliance reporting and monitoring and measuring. The EMS covers areas as diverse as the use of natural resources, handling and storage of waste, sustainable procurement and energy consumption.

Recognition and thanks go to those who have contributed to the continual improvement of the University’s EMS; from litter picking to amending business policies, from recycling to reporting issues.  Schemes such as the Green Impact awards, The Black Out and Green Week have all played a big part in this achievement. It is also the continued effort of staff and students that are thinking sustainably that helps us maintain and enhance the beautiful environment that we work and study in.  

Moving forward, retaining our ISO14001 certification will be even tougher, with our next audit in April 2017 being against the revised 2015 standard. This standard places an increased emphasis on leadership, commitment and embedding sustainability into business processes throughout the University.  We will all have a part to play in ensuring these standards are met.  

For more information about the EMS process, or to report sustainability issues or achievements please contact Sustainability Services on ext. 6837 or viasustainability@reading.ac.uk.