Environmental work in preschools : three case studies in Uppsala

Abstract: Environmental issues are global problems and they are a major challenge for any successful organizational business worldwide. Many challenges and opportunities emerge during the certification process of an EMS. Therefore it is interesting to contribute in understanding these emerging problems during this process.The aim of this study is to explore how the environmental objectives could be achieved at preschools in Uppsala, investigate the perceived challenges and opportunities and to identify the outcome of implementing the ISO 14001, Green Flag at such set up.A qualitative method is used and three Green Flag certified preschools, affiliated to the Uppsala Municipality and located at different geographical location were selected. A structured interview with the environmental representatives from the preschools and the municipality was completed. The so-called PDCA-cycle as a method of evaluating sustainable development and analysing the imperial data is used.The study showed that environmental certification constitutes a great challenge for the municipality of Uppsala. Since a general environmental policy guided by the disciplines of the Green Flag is already existed, the study preschools were able, by following this policy, to achieve environmental certification of the Green Flag. The staff was very motivated and pro-active to maintain sustainable development and increased environmental awareness among their preschool children and to some extent among the parents.In conclusion the environmental objectives of the study preschools are clearly sett up and that environmental certification is the greatest challenge, as well as great environmental concern and lowering the cost of implementing the environmental programme are perceived as the most driving forces for pursuing environmental certification.