How does our environmental management system work?

What is an environmental management system?

An environmental management system (EMS) in accordance with ISO 14001 helps organisations work in a structured and systematic way with environmental issues. It serves as a tool to reduce negative environmental impact, ensure compliance with legislation, and continuously develop operations in a sustainable direction.

The foundation is simple: plan, implement, follow up and improve. The organisation begins by identifying its most significant environmental aspects – the parts of its operations that have the greatest environmental impact, such as energy use, waste, transport or chemicals. Based on this, clear objectives and procedures are established to reduce negative impacts and strengthen positive contributions.

Management has a particular responsibility to ensure that environmental considerations are integrated into decision-making. The work is regularly reviewed through internal audits, which assess whether the system functions as intended and whether progress is being made. Each year, an external audit is also conducted by an independent, certified auditor. This ensures that the environmental management system meets the requirements of ISO 14001 and works effectively in practice.

An environmental management system is not a document that gathers dust on a shelf – it is a living way of working that supports sustainable decision-making, resource efficiency and employee engagement.

Being certified according to ISO 14001 demonstrates that the organisation takes its environmental responsibility seriously and is committed to continuous improvement.

 
How does SLU’s environmental management system work?

At SLU, environmental work is an integral part of everything we do – in research, education, collaboration and daily campus life. To work systematically with environmental issues, we have an environmental management system certified in accordance with ISO 14001.

The system helps us identify our most significant environmental aspects – such as energy use, transport, waste, chemicals, and how land and water are used in research and teaching. Based on these, we establish environmental objectives aimed at reducing climate impact, preserving biodiversity and using resources sustainably. The objectives are developed within the organisation and decided by the Vice-Chancellor. They apply to the entire university, while each faculty and department adapts the work to its specific conditions and may also set local objectives.

The work is followed up through internal audits, where we assess how well routines and objectives function in practice. The results form the basis for the management review, where new improvements and priorities are decided.

An important part of the system is that everyone contributes to improvement. By reporting improvement proposals, non-conformities or risks, you help identify issues early and support organisational development. This may involve anything from shortcomings in waste management to ideas for reducing energy use or travel. Every report is an opportunity to learn – and small initiatives can lead to significant change.

Our environmental management system is built on participation and continuous improvement. All staff and students are part of the effort. Through engagement, ideas and sustainable choices in everyday work and study, we ensure that SLU not only researches and educates for a sustainable future – but also practises what we preach.