Sustainability
We all share the responsibility of building a greener campus and a more environmentally friendly university. From energy efficiency to community initiatives, we integrate sustainability into everything we do, including education, research, and campus life.
A community with a sustainable future
We respect the environment and the community we are part of, and we turn that commitment into action. From reducing resource consumption and implementing green campus initiatives to advancing education and research for a responsible economy, we are building a more sustainable future.
Education and research
Developing the knowledge and skills for the green transition
Degree programmes, courses, and specialisations focused on sustainability, including the Sustainable Engineering bachelor's degree programme and the ANC-accredited Sustainable Development Expert course.
Initiatives in renewable energy, the circular economy, sustainable digitalisation, and green engineering.
Partnerships across faculties and fields of study to develop practical solutions to today's challenges.
Publications, studies, and conferences dedicated to sustainability topics
At UPT, sustainability starts in the first year
Through dedicated tutoring sessions, students are introduced to UPT's sustainability initiatives, values, and opportunities to get involved.
Green campus
We want a campus where sustainability is part of everyday life, a space that is friendly to both people and the environment:
The university uses photovoltaic panels, LED lighting systems, and measures to reduce energy consumption.
We have expanded green areas, created community gardens, and protect urban biodiversity.
Improving the energy efficiency of our buildings is a priority.
From bicycle-focused events such as PoliBike and dedicated cycling infrastructure to partnerships for public transport and car-sharing, as well as electric vehicle charging points, we encourage environmentally friendly mobility.
We discourage unnecessary plastic use, implement selective waste collection on campus, recycle materials, and compost waste. We also reduce paper consumption by increasingly digitalising processes and interactions.
Community
We build partnerships for a sustainable society together with students, academic staff, institutions, and communities. We support student initiatives such as green clubs, hackathons, and awareness campaigns, and collaborate with local and regional authorities, NGOs, and companies. We are involved in academic networks and international projects and organise events that bring the community together around sustainability values.