A number of FHEIs are following this route in the belief that an EMS can provide a number of benefits. These include:

• driving continuous improvement by setting their own internal targets
  
• managing/reducing risk
  
• achieving external recognition
  
• greater integration of environmental activities and company's policies
  
• achieving greater consistency of performance
  
• increased senior management commitment
  
• greater action, motivation and accountability as a result of clear allocation of responsibilities and increased environmental awareness
  
• more active and strategic use of existing environmental data (for example, obtaining consistency of data measurement and format across the organisation)
  
• creation of a common understanding of environmental actions across the organisation
  
• better understanding of significant environmental impacts and how they can be ameliorated
  
• better rationales for, and prioritisation, of environmental actions
  
• cost savings in areas such as energy and waste management