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Sustainability is no longer optional, but essential for shaping the future of higher education. To support this transformation, we’ve developed seven interactive formats containing case studies that highlight practical approaches and innovative solutions for creating greener, and more sustainable institutions. Each case study offers actionable insights that can inspire and guide your own sustainability journey.
To make learning engaging and accessible, every format is complemented by a concise summary video and enriched with interactive formats. These features allow you to explore strategies in a dynamic way, making it easier to adapt ideas to your context. Dive in and discover how higher education can lead the way toward a sustainable future.
Laboratories at higher education institutes are necessary – no doubt about this. However, how about decreasing the massive amount of waste (especially plastics) and reduce the high energy amount? In this case study you will learn how to start, and you will get to know the gold standard of a green lab certificate.
There are plenty of ways, in which universities can effectively decrease their energy consumption.
The “Planting the Future” initiative was born in 2018 from a partnership between the University of Aveiro (UAveiro), the youth association Agora Aveiro - Association for the Promotion of Active Citizenship and the Municipality of Estarreja with the commitment to secure and promote the native forest and its value in climate change mitigation, fire resilience and biodiversity conservation. By involving the entire academic community, it also promotes environmental awareness and education, contributing directly and indirectly to the recovery of the native forest.
Net zero HEIs do not just need ambitious managers, net zero HEIs need all people on campus; from students to lecturer, from researcher to infrastructure staff. This is the reason why increasing the awareness of your staff is crucial, so join us on the journey of a staff awareness day.
The Next Big Change (NBC) competition, launched in 2023 at MTU by the Hincks Centre, empowered students to develop innovative, SDG-aligned ideas that tackle real-world challenges. It encouraged creativity, collaboration, and social impact—helping students become changemakers while enhancing their entrepreneurial mindset across disciplines.
This good practice focuses on the “Sustainable Travel”. The Green Traveling Award encourages sustainable travel among students and staff participating in mobility programs by rewarding low-emission journeys. Organized by the International Office at FHV – Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences, the initiative recognizes eco-friendly transport choices such as biking, walking, carpooling, or using public transport.
Research and Innovation is the 6th pillar of the technical support for implementing the European Green Deal and is a representation of the areas for governance and capacity building while also reflecting the projects implemented by Directorate-General for Structural Reform to date in support of the European Green Deal. This pillar promotes leveraging knowledge, scientific advancements, technology development, and systemic innovation to address the climate crisis, environmental degradation, and sustainability goals across various sectors.
Environment and the Circular Economy is the 2nd pillar of the technical support for implementing the European Green Deal and is a representation of the areas for governance and capacity building while also reflecting the projects implemented by Directorate-General for Structural Reform to date in support of the European Green Deal, illustrated below. This pillar emphasises the creation of a circular economy, enhancing the sustainability of food systems, protecting ecosystems and biodiversity, and mitigating pollution in air, water, and land.
The Greening Public and Private Finances is the 4th pillar of the technical support for implementing the European Green Deal and is a representation of the areas for governance and capacity building while also reflecting the projects implemented by Directorate-General for Structural Reform to date in support of the European Green Deal, illustrated below.
Case Studies on Climate Action and Emissions Reduction
The Skills, Education and Training is the 6th pillar of the technical support for implementing the European Green Deal and is a representation of the areas for governance and capacity building while also reflecting the projects implemented by Directorate-General for Structural Reform to date in support of the European Green Deal, illustrated below.
The Just Transition is the 5th pillar of the technical support for implementing the European Green Deal and is a representation of the areas for governance and capacity building while also reflecting the projects implemented by Directorate-General for Structural Reform to date in support of the European Green Deal.