PROJECT OVERVIEW AND UPDATE - March 2007

INTRODUCTION:

In July 2003, CSU Northridge began the development and implementation of an Environmental Management System (EMS). All activities on campus that have a potential impact on the environment will be part of the EMS. Prior to commencement of the project, the implementation plan and approach were reviewed by the Cabinet, as well as colleges and departments that will be most effected by the program (e.g. Science and Math, Health and Human Development, and PPM) and approved by the President.

BACKGROUND:

An Environmental Management System is an organization-wide process for continually identifying the strengths and vulnerabilities for all activities that may impact the environment. Key elements of an EMS include planning, implementation, corrective action, and continuous improvement of the system itself.

The International Organization for Standardization has developed a number of Standards based on quality improvement models, one of which is ISO 14001, Environmental Management Systems.

California State University, Northridge (CSU, Northridge) will use ISO 14001 as a guide, but not as a requirement in the development, implementation, and operation of the Environmental Management System (EMS). However, if at some point in the future it is determined that ISO 14001 Certification would provide added value, the campus may decide to seek ISO 14001 Certification.

BENEFITS:

Successful implementation of an EMS will have the following benefits:

• Position CSU Northridge as a national leader in academic environmental    performance

• Reduce/avoid environmental liability

• Improve the public and community image

• Increase ability to compete for research grants

• Possibility for integration with certain academic programs

EMS PROGRESS REPORT:

2003 - 2004

• Evaluated the feasibility of Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
• Developed CSUN’s EMS Project
• EMS advisory Board established
• EMS organizational structure and implementation approach established
• The President's Cabinet approved the University Policy for EMS
• A Campus wide communication of the EMS Project, in the form of a letter from the Vice President for Administration & Finance, was issued
• EMS representative for a majority of campus departments identified

2005

• EMS Procedures developed
• Process of identifying campus Environmental Aspects and Impacts completed
• In coordination with Public Relations, began development of EMS Communication plan
• Environmental Objective One approved by the EMS Advisory Board and endorsed by the President’s Cabinet
• Three Environmental Objective working groups established, one for each element of the Environmental Objective
• EMS General Awareness Training program developed

2006

• EMS Communication Plan approved
• EMS consulting partner added to the EMS Advisory Board to assist with the final implementation
• EMS Procedures completed
• First element of the Environmental Objective One complete
• EMS Management Review completed by the EMS Advisory Board

LOOKING FORWARD:

• Campus Wide EMS Communication
• Implementation of CSUN’s EMS
• Completion of Environmental Objective One
• Establishing Environmental Objective Two
• Internal Audit of the EMS