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Investigating benefits from the implementation of Environmental Management Systems in a Greek university

Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy volume 14, pages 669–676 (2012)Cite this article

Abstract

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) can contribute significantly to the achievement of environmental sustainability through teaching and research activities, and also through improvements in the environmental management of University estates. This article explores the results of implementing Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) in a HEI in Greece. Specifically, the results of two surveys, focusing on students’ perceptions in the University of the Aegean, are presented and analysed. The surveys were conducted prior and after the implementation of an EMS in the University. The survey results demonstrate several positive consequences from the implementation of EMS across the University campus. In particular, there is a positive influence on students’ environmental awareness and behaviour, accompanied by greater preference among them for more participatory environmental management initiatives.

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Acknowledgments

Thanks are due to two anonymous referees for their useful comments. The authors are also indebted to Philippa Harris for her proofreading of this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK

    N. Jones & J. R. A. Clark

  2. Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, 81100, Mytilene, Greece

    E. Panoriou, K. Thiveou, S. Roumeliotis & K. I. Evangelinos

  3. School of Architecture, Design and Construction, University of Greenwich, London, UK

    S. Allan

Authors
  1. N. Jones
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  2. E. Panoriou
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  3. K. Thiveou
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  4. S. Roumeliotis
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  5. S. Allan
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  6. J. R. A. Clark
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  7. K. I. Evangelinos
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Correspondence to N. Jones.

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Jones, N., Panoriou, E., Thiveou, K. et al. Investigating benefits from the implementation of Environmental Management Systems in a Greek university. Clean Techn Environ Policy 14, 669–676 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-011-0431-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-011-0431-8

Keywords

  • Universities
  • Environmental Management System
  • Sustainability
  • Students’ environmental awareness