ISO 14001

ISO 14001 is an international standard for environmental management systems (EMS). It provides a framework for different organisations to improve their overall environmental performance and ensure compliance with any environmentally related regulations and legislation.

The standard encourages organisations who participate to adopt an approach of Plan-Do-Check-Act to promote ongoing improvements in their ongoing environmental performance.

Following ISO 14001 includes looking at areas such as energy management, carbon footprints, water management, waste management, catering, and training.

Birkbeck is committed to continual improvement of its environmental management. Reflecting this, we have held a joint ISO 14001 certification, along with London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and School of Oriental and African Studies, since 2016.

We most recently passed a full audit across our whole estate in June 2025 - view our certificate. We will also complete annual check-in audits until our next full audit in 2028.