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Deutsch AURORA has taken part in unveiling a groundbreaking sustainability plan for its Campus Sur, marking a significant step toward long-term environmental, social, and economic stewardship. This strategic initiative aims to align the campus’s operations and activities with sustainable practices, addressing critical areas such as resource conservation, carbon emission reduction, and waste management.
The plan will serve as a comprehensive roadmap for the campus’s future, incorporating measures to minimize environmental impact, promote ethical practices, and ensure economic viability. To spearhead this effort, UPM has appointed a Sustainability Delegate who will oversee the implementation and development of the plan.
The initiative is informed by several key documents and guidelines:
- The CESAER Declaration on university contributions to sustainability, issued on October 20, 2023.
- The CRUE Commitment of Spanish universities to the 2030 Agenda from November 2021.
- UPM’s own Environmental Sustainability Plan, established in 2018.
- UNESCO’s 2023 General Guidelines for Implementing Sustainability in Higher Education Institutions.
Citizen Engagement and Co-Creation
A crucial component of the plan’s development involved extensive community engagement. Six co-creation sessions, styled as “co-creation cafés,” were held, featuring diverse participation from students, faculty, administrative staff, and sustainability experts. These sessions aimed to define the campus’s sustainability goals and align them with UPM’s broader vision.
Key insights from these sessions included the need for tangible and practical ideas, increased visibility of sustainability efforts, and the creation of a cohesive sustainability culture. The participants emphasized the importance of going beyond traditional waste management to include broader issues such as social equity and environmental conservation.
Different images of the cafes performed during the academic course 23/24.
In addition to this, broader engagement with the university community was carried out in the following format: An art exhibition was organised in collaboration with the “Circle of Solidary Painters” Association, aiming to denounce environmental degradation and raise awareness about the need for sustainable development. This exhibition started on March 22nd, “International Water Day,” and ended on March 30th, “Zero Waste Day.” It was free to attend and featured 20 artworks displayed in the main hallways of the Campus. A feedback panel was set up so that all members of the community could express their ideas on what would constitute “a more sustainable Campus Sur.”
Strategic Axes and Actions
The strategic framework developed during the sessions identifies several key areas of focus:
- Teaching: Integrating sustainability into both formal and informal education, including the promotion of sustainability awards and grants.
- Research: Enhancing visibility for sustainability research and adapting doctoral programs to include interdisciplinary perspectives.
- Infrastructure: Developing metrics for waste management and promoting eco-friendly campus practices.
- Transfer: Supporting social and sustainable entrepreneurship and fostering collaborations with external stakeholders.
- Community: Encouraging active participation from all campus members.
The draft plan is currently undergoing revisions by the Faculty Board after being presented at the final meeting of the last academic year. It is anticipated that the plan will receive final approval in October 2024.
