The United Nations University
Initial Draft / 6 January 2004Prepared by
the EMS Coordinator and
the ISO14001 Steering Group
The United Nations University
53-70 Jingumae 5-chome
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8925
Japan
Tel: (03) 3499-2811, Fax: (03) 3499-2828
Internet: http://www.unu.edu/ISO14001
Please email your comments to the ISO14001 Steering Group
(Brendan Barrett - or Makiko Yashiro - )
Plan to Achieve the Targets and ObjectivesIntroduction
The Environment Programme (Implementation Plan) 2004-2005 provides details the key measures of the UNU Environmental Management System to be implemented in the current biennium.
This implementation plan provides information on the key targets related to the significant environmental aspects of UNU’s operations and activities.
The UNU Environmental Policy Statement forms the framework of the Environment Programme, and key targets and objectives are presented for each unit within the UNU as well as basic schedule for implementation and reporting. The details of implementation are left for the individual units on the basis of what they consider to be the most appropriate approach and in line with existing UNU procedures and operating plans.
Monitoring will be undertaken by the UNU in order to check the rate of progress towards the achievement of these objectives and the related targets. The final results from the monitoring will be reported online via the UNU ISO14001 Website and newsletter, in the biannual environmental review and summarized briefly in the annual reports for UNU and UNU/IAS.
The document is intended to be a concise in order to allow maximum flexibility for UNU personnel to attain and even go beyond the targets and objectives.
A description of the significant environmental aspects and a list of objectives and targets and a schedule for implementation and reporting is then presented. The responsibilities of each UNU Unit here in Tokyo are also detailed in this report.
Significant Environmental Aspects
Initially UNU identified the significant environmental aspects using the procedure UNU-EMS 4.3.1 and are presented in the table below. More information on the assessment of these aspects can be found in the document entitled “Identification of Significant Environmental Aspects.”
The prioritization of these aspects is as follows:
High Priority (Positive Impacts)
No.8 Environment Related Research: Need to maintain existing levels.No.9 Training and Capacity Building
No.10 Networking and Dissemination
No.13 Local Events
High Priority (Negative Impacts)
No.1 Emergency Releases (Preparedness): The procedures and training related to emergency need to be reviewed.No.3 Other Resources: Not shown as significant in the assessment but an area where some improvements can be made in terms of green procurement and recycling.
No.4 Waste: The waste management system needs to be improved.
No.5 Internal Air Quality: Raised as a concern by the UNU Personnel and Senior Management.
A full list of significant environmental aspects can be seen in the table 1 on the following page. Information on the inputs and outputs associated with each individual project identified in Table 1 can be found in the relevant project documents.
Table 1: List of Significant Environmental Aspects Based on Activities in 2002-2003
Significant Environmental Aspects / Potential OutcomesNo. / Environmental Aspects / Work/Process
(Priority 1) – Indirect Aspects
1 / Environment Related Research
UNU Centre have a series of research, training, and networking activities under the following environmental themes:
§ Sustainable Urbanization;
§ Management of Fragile Ecosystems;
§ Solutions to Water Crises; and
§ Environmental Governance and Information.
UNU/IAS have a series of research, training, and networking activities under the following environmental themes:
§ Biodiplomacy Initiative;
§ Science and Technology options for Developing Countries;
§ Sustainable Development Governance;
§ Urban Ecosystems; and
§ Education for Sustainable Development / UNU Centre and IAS / Knowledge Generation
2 / Training and Capacity Building
Key aspects of the UNU training and capacity building projects include the following:
§ 10 Ph.D. Fellowship Programme and post doctorate fellowships
§ 2 advanced trainings courses
§ UNU International Courses
§ Global Seminars, lectures and workshops on environment
§ Virtual University (VU) initiative - an online university course at the UNU Tokyo Campus
§ Ubuntu Declaration – global multi-institutional agreement to integrate education, science, technology for sustainable development. / UNU Centre and IAS / Skill Enhancement
3 / Networking and Dissemination
In 2002 UNU Centre and IAS achieved the following
§ 15 published books
§ 17 in production
§ 25 articles in scholarly journals
§ 31 articles in the press
§ 6 CD-Roms
§ in addition to other publicity and dissemination materials in circulation, and online. / UNU Centre and IAS / Publications
4 / Local Activities
GEIC promotes environmental networking among various social sectors, through:
§ networking activities such as JEDIC-Networking for Oil Spills, and Inter-University Environment Forum (IeF); and
§ disseminating information on environmental issues to the local community (through 13,000 books, 350 videos and materials from more than 1,000 organizations, newsletter, exhibitions, seminars, workshops, publications, CD-Roms and the internet).
§ The UNU also hosted the Tokyo Designers Block (international art and design fair) within the UNU courtyard grounds in 2003. / UNU Centre and IAS / Awareness Raising
(Priority 2) – Direct Aspects
5 / Energy Consumption/ Air Emissions (see box 1 for details) / Heater-Cooling System / Emissions to Air
6 / Waste (see box 1 for details) / Research and Administration / Waste generated
7 / Emergency Releases (none to date) / Mechanical and Electrical Systems / Emissions to air and water, health and safety
8 / Procurement Practices (see box 1 for details) / UNU Centre and IAS / Depletion of natural resources
(Priority 3) – Direct Aspects
9 / Water Consumption/Discharges (see box 1 for details) / Building Operation and Cooling System / Emissions to Drains
10 / Other Resources (see box 1 for details) / Research and Administration / Waste generated and energy consumed
11 / Indoor Air Quality / Building / Human Health
12 / Drinking Water Quality / Building / Human Health
UNU Objectives and Targets
Based on the above significant environmental aspects and in accordance with procedure UNU-EMS 4.3.3, a set of objectives and targets have been developed that are in line with the key themes of the UNU Environmental Policy Statement (refer to Annex I). The development of these objectives and targets has been involved, the development of an initial set of objectives and targets from analysis of the previous biennium’s objectives and targets from the Environmental Review 2004.
In consultation with the ISO14001 Unit Heads and ISO14001 Steering Group, the objectives and targets were refined and then reviewed by the Rector and amended accordingly. Subsequently this updated version was prepared in January 2004 and will form the basis of the implementation plan of the UNU’s environmental programme in the period 2004-2005.
A full list of the objectives and targets are presented in Annex I 2 below:
Responsibilities for Implementation
With regard to the specific objectives and targets for each unit (refer to the Annex II). The responsibility for meeting the objectives and targets can be broken down on a unit by unit basis as follows:
Unit 1: UNU/IAS
UNU/IAS should take the lead in maintaining Objective 3-1 in line with existing operational practices and reporting procedures and should also make efforts to comply with the following objectives 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 1-6, and 2-1.
Unit 2: UNU Centre
The UNU Centre should take the lead in maintaining Objective 3-1 and 4-1 in line with existing operational practices and reporting procedures. The UNU centre should also comply with 1-2, 1-3 and 1-6.
Unit 3: UNU Services
UNU services should pay attention to the implementation of Objective 3-1 (in particular the target 3-1-3). It should comply with Objectives 1-2,1-3 and 1-6 and should provide support to GEIC with Objective 4-1.
Unit 4: UNU Administration
The UNU Administration Unit has the main responsibility for the implementation of measures under Objectives 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 1-6 and 2-1. The UNU Administration Unit, through the personnel section, should implement a programme for staff development related to ISO14001 as specified under the procedure UNU-EMS 4.4.2 and in support of the attainment of the above objectives and targets.
Unit 5: UNU Building Tenants
Participation of UNU Building Tenants in the UNU’s ISO14001 programme is purely voluntary although they may be interested to cooperate with the implementation of Objectives 1-2, 1-3, 1-4 and 1-6.
Schedule for Implementation and Reporting
The implementation and reporting for the research, capacity building and dissemination activities of the UNU related to ISO14001 will follow the existing biennium programme that has been in operation since the founding of the University. Additional implementation and reporting for other significant environmental aspects will be annual (normally in December of every year) or based on requirements set out in contracts (between UNU and Sanko) or as per existing regulations.
The ISO14001 reporting requirements and those already operational within the UNU are being monitored and reported (refer to Annex III). In addition, a considerable amount of data is collected on a more regular basis. For instance, information on the consumption of electricity, gas, water, rainwater and waste are recorded daily. Drinking water quality is also monitored daily. Records are maintained by Sanko Inc. and Cosmos Aoyama. Monthly reports on energy and water consumption are submitted to the UNU Administration Unit (these include breakdowns by various floors within the UNU and for individual units such as GEIC. A monthly summary of the water balance at the UNU is prepared by Sanko Inc. Weekly reports on waste levels are submitted by Tokyo Clear Centre to UNU Administration Unit.
Format of the Reports/Monitoring
Specific checklists and formats are available for each monitoring/measuring programme as required by existing legislation or in line with UN regulations. Samples are available for inspection with the relevant unit concerned with monitoring and are not presented in this form.
In addition, the UNU maintains an electronic record system for administrative purposes covering all issues such as personnel contracts, procurement and travel.
Monitoring of the indirect effects of UNU operations relevant to ISO14001 essentially adopts the standard UN project development and reporting procedures. Essentially, the UNU adopts a biennium programme for project development and implementation. However, in some instances projects can be adopted in a more flexible manner when funds become available externally and for over two years if appropriate.
A standard reporting procedure is in operation that roughly includes the following information on a project by project basis.
· Name of project
· Duration
· Responsibilities
· Personnel
· Abstract
· Action Plan
· Outcomes and Audience
Information on the project is maintained by the relevant project coordinator and progress is regularly (at least twice a year) reviewed by the Unit Leader and the Office of the Rector.
It is not anticipated that significant changes will take place in the reporting of indirect significant environmental aspects of the UNU’s activities. Rather it is envisaged that simply including an icon within the annual reports would be sufficient to indicate to the reader that the project and related outcomes were objectives and targets for the UNU ISO14001 initiative. The following icon provides a useful example of how the system may operate.
ISO14001 Target and Objective21 young professionals and students attended the UNU Seminar on Leadership for the Environment in July 2000 coordinated by GEIC and UNU/IAS.
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ANNEX IUNU Objectives and Targets
Objectives / Targets / Responsible for Management / Responsible for Implementation /(1) Greening Our Work Practices
Objective 1-1:
Maintain and Improve on Legal Compliance. / (1-1-1) Review “Identification of Legal and Other Requirements” and the current state of compliance by end of 2004 / ISO14001 Steering Group & ISO14001 Implementation Officer / Unit 1 UNU-IAS (Administration)
Unit 4 UNU Administration (Building Management)
Objective 1-2:
Better Waste Management and Recycling / (1-2-1) Reduce all waste generated by 5% by the end of 2005 compared to 2003 levels. / ISO14001 Steering Group & ISO14001 Implementation Officer / All Units and personnel
(1-2-2) Develop a Waste Management and Recycling Policy, based on data analysis and stakeholder consultation by early 2004 / As per 1-2-1 / Unit 1 UNU-IAS (Administration & Biru Daiko)
Unit 4 UNU Administration (Building Management & Sanko Inc.)
(1-2-3) Revise and improve waste and recycling explanatory materials and disposal facilities and develop waste and recycling guidelines by the end of 2004 / As per 1-2-1 / As per 1-2-2
(1-2-4) Investigate opportunities and develop Options study to improve industrial waste disposal (in particular of electronic and computer waste) by end of 2005 / As per 1-2-1 / Unit 3 UNU Services (C3 Computing Centre)
Unit 4 UNU Administration (Building Management & Sanko Inc.)
(1-2-5) Investigate opportunities for ‘paperless office’ improvements end of 2005 / As per 1-2-1 / As per 1-2-5
Objective 1-3:
Manage energy wisely / (1-3-1) Reduce annual energy consumption levels by 5% by end of 2005 compared with 2003 levels / ISO14001 Steering Group & ISO14001 Implementation Officer / All Units and personnel
(1-3-2) Develop an Energy Management Policy based on data analysis and stakeholder consultation by end of 2004 / As per 1-3-1 / Unit 1 UNU/IAS (Administration & Cosmos Aoyama)
Unit 4 UNU Administration (Building Management & Sanko Inc)
(1-3-3) Develop energy management explanatory materials and guidelines by 2004 / As per 1-3-1 / As per 1-3-2
(1-3-4) Investigate opportunities for alternative energy sourcing (i.e. solar power micro-panels for powering lighting systems) by the end of 2005 / As per 1-3-1 / As per 1-3-2
Objective 1–4:
Purchase environmentally responsible products. / (1-4-1) Review Green Procurement Manual by the end of 2004 / ISO14001 Steering Group & ISO14001 Implementation Officer / Unit 1 UNU/IAS (Administration)