Imperial’s Property Division is implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS) to provide a structured approach to managing environmental risks, impacts and compliance across its estate.

The EMS provides an auditable framework that supports legal compliance and enables the delivery of objectives that form part of Imperial’s wider Sustainability Strategy, where these relate to the Property Divison.

What is an Environmental Management System?

An Environmental Management System (EMS) brings together policies, procedures, responsibilities and controls to ensure environmental risks are managed effectively. It provides a structured framework to help organisations identify and manage environmental aspects and impacts, ensure compliance with environmental legislation, reduce environmental risks, prevent pollution, and continually improve environmental performance. An EMS also helps embed environmental responsibilities into day-to-day operations.

ISO 14001:2015 is the internationally recognised standard for Environmental Management Systems. It sets out requirements for managing environmental responsibilities in a structured and appropriate way, using a Plan–Do–Check–Act approach. This requires the Property Division to set environmental objectives and controls, implement and operate agreed procedures, monitor performance and compliance, and regularly review and improve the system over time.

Environmental Policy - Imperial (Property Division)

Progress

Imperial is working towards ISO 14001:2015 and is aiming for certification in April 2026. The EMS is being developed to ensure environmental management is consistent and appropriate across the Property Division, while supporting Imperial’s wider sustainability and net zero ambitions.

The EMS focuses on managing the environmental impacts associated with estate operations, waste management, maintenance activities, energy consumption, construction & procurement activities, catering and travel & transport.

Scope of the EMS

The scope of the Property Division's Environmental Management System covers:

The services and operations managed by the Property Division, excluding the activities of individual faculties and departments within campus buildings.

This applies across the following campuses:

  • South Kensington
  • White City
  • Hammersmith

Activities outside this scope may be managed through separate local arrangements but are not currently included within the formal EMS.

Benefits of the EMS

Implementing an EMS will help Imperial to:

  • Demonstrate effective environmental management
  • Reduce environmental risk
  • Support compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
  • Provide assurance to regulators, partners and stakeholders
  • Drive continual improvement in environmental performance across Property
  • Align operational activities with Imperial’s wider sustainability commitments.

EMS Documentation

The Environmental Management System documentation is available to view via Box.