Topic

26 November 2024

BUT on the road to sustainability. Developing a strategy and calculating its emissions footprint

Rectorate of BUT - illustration photo | Autor: Archive BUT

Brno University of Technology (BUT) is systematically working to integrate sustainability principles into education, research, creative activities, and university operations. It also acknowledges its social role in this context. Currently, in collaboration with the consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers Czech Republic, BUT is preparing a comprehensive Sustainability Strategy. It is being developed through the support of the National Recovery Plan under the project Accelerating Green Skills and Sustainability at BUT.

Environmental conditions on Earth are changing in an unfavorable direction for humanity. These changes have been and continue to be driven by energy-intensive industrial sectors and technologies, particularly those based on the use of fossil fuels. One hope for reversing this trend lies in innovations based on new technologies. As a leading educational institution and recognized authority in education, research, development, and creative activities with a focus on practical application, BUT educates technical experts and innovators. The University is aware of its role and accepts its responsibility to build a sustainable future.

Each year, more than 4,000 graduates in technical, artistic, and economic fields leave Brno University of Technology. Along with graduates from other universities, they will significantly contribute to addressing sustainability challenges.

Therefore, it is essential for BUT to position itself as a sustainable university with an environmental mindset. This goal is supported by the mentioned project, endorsed by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic (MŠMT). "The BUT Sustainability Strategy, which is part of the project, focuses on two practical objectives: calculating the carbon footprint in the greatest possible detail and designing a sustainability strategy through comprehensive planning and institutionalizing sustainability within the university," explained Kateřina Myslivcová, coordinator of the BUT sustainability process.

Several workshops have already been held in collaboration with the project's partner, involving faculty leadership representatives and university experts. The conclusions from these workshops serve as a foundation for both the analytical and proposal phases of the sustainability strategy. The first outcome of this collaboration is an analytical report. It maps the university's sustainability activities and includes an analysis of the external environment, as well as strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities.

"In the context of the Czech university environment, this is a unique collaboration. There are still not many strategic projects focused on sustainability. Within this project, we are aligning technical conditions, university management, and the engagement level of students and staff in sustainability. Ultimately, this collaboration should also make studying and working at BUT more attractive, thereby enhancing the university's brand value. This is significant not only for current students and staff but also for communication with prospective applicants," added Lucie Martincová, project manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers.


The BUT Sustainability Strategy is being developed through the support of the National Recovery Plan under the project
Acceleration of Green Skills and Sustainability at BUT - registration number: NPO_VUT_MSMT-2143/2024-5

Themes

Related articles:
Millions of calculations in overheated offices as a path to green gas
Microplastics in drinking water will increase
Cheaper, better quality and eco-friendly. FCH BUT researchers create new dextrin adhesive
Antibiotic resistance in the poultry microbiome is investigated by FEEC BUT
How to care for a greenhouse? In city park Lužánky, they are building an autonomous watering system that will take care of it for you.