UNIL stands out in particular for its strong results in the institutional strategy criteria. The solid foundation of the CAP2037 transition strategy and the scope and ambition of the objectives set were noted by the WWF. The use of participatory democracy mechanisms, such as the Transition Assembly, in the process of developing the strategy is also highlighted.
In terms of practice, the WWF points out that the Competence Centre in Sustainability plays a central role by coordinating numerous transition initiatives, both within the university and with societal external partners. Among the initiatives that have caught the WWF's attention are:
- the adaptation of Kate Raworth's donut conceptual framework at UNIL to make it a tool for navigating the transition;
- the STRIVE (Sustainability Transformation Research Initiative) program, which supports interdisciplinary research projects on the processes required for the ecological transformation of our society;
- the creation of the Sustainability and Health Platform within the Faculty of Biology and Medicine, which represents a great example of how UNIL is taking account of major societal challenges.
These external recognitions are proof that the hard work we've been doing for years is bearing fruit. It's a huge reward for the people who work every day to make our university more sustainable. There's still a lot to be done, but with CAP2037 we have a clear roadmap for moving forward”, said Benoît Frund, Vice-Rector for Ecological Transition & Campus.
Towards a Holistic Vision of Sustainability
However, according to the foundation, there is significant room for improvement to bring UNIL closer to the ideal of a sustainable university. The potential for improvement stands in:
- achieving a holistic integration of sustainability into all curricula of all disciplines to ensure that all students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to address today's complex issues;
- monitoring UNIL's indirect environmental impacts, especially throughout the supply chain of goods and services purchased by the university, and in implementing actions to reduce them.
The rating should not be read as a direct comparison between universities, but rather as a comparison with the WWF's ideal image of a sustainable university", pointed out Léo Gilliard, head of the sustainable higher education project.
With a score corresponding to 83% of this ideal vision, UNIL comes top of the list. This recognition rewards the fundamental work carried out over several years by the Executive Board, the deaneries and a growing number of people involved at different levels of the institution.
Other Highlights this month:
The world-renowned ethologist and activist Dr. Jane Goodall, inspiring lecture at the PLUS
University of Bucharest prepares the most well-paid employees in Romania, according to latest data
25 refugee students from Ukraine succeed 8-month training at UAM
New paintings and significant details uncovered in the Egyptian temple of Esna
NKUA and Google to collaborate in the field of Artificial Intelligence