Ambitious climate and sustainability work continues

    12 April 2024

    39 of 40 planned activities described in the action plan for 2021–2023 have now been completed. Umeå University will be taking a purposeful step forward in the Action plan for climate and sustainability for 2024–2026. Just like before, the overall target is for the University to contribute to the achievement of the sustainable development goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

    "Over the last three years, Umeå University's achievements in climate and sustainability show that we have a good ambition, the right competence and ability to make a difference," says University Director Hans Wiklund. "There are many positive results to be proud of, although there is obviously also room for improvement."

    The follow-up of the previous action plan shows that the University's work has improved, which Hans Wiklund has commented on in a previous post in the Management Blog. For instance, that business trips by air travel have reduced by over 40 per cent despite an increase in the number of employees; the amount of combustible renewables and waste has reduced by 31 per cent; and energy use has reduced by 9 per cent. Likewise, the number of courses and programmes that have integrated sustainable development and the amount of research that contributes to the sustainable development goals are increasing.

    The new action plan contains two overarching targets, several targeted goals and around thirty activities. These are divided into six key areas: Education and students; Research and utilisation; Purchase, procurement and investments; Property and campus; Meetings and travels; and Chemicals and waste management.

    "The University's vision includes an ambition to contribute to a sustainable future. I'm looking forward to working together to make even more advancements using the action plan as a basis," says Hans Wiklund.

    A new detail is a clearer integration of the University's work with Healthy Campus into the action plan.

    Read Action plan for climate and sustainability 2024–2026 (legal framework).

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