Strategy for environmental sustainability of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University until 2030
Universities play a crucial role to achieve Sustainable Development Goals via research, education and outreach.
In accordance with the EU Sustainable Development Strategy, the Agenda for Sustainable Development until 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals of Ukraine for the period up to 2030, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University recognizes its role and responsibility to achieve Sustainable Development Goals, in particular by creating conditions for effective resource management and use, promoting the concept of sustainable development, environmental and climate balance.
Karazin University is a powerful scientific and educational center and should be a flagship organization concerning sustainable development implementation and positive impact on the environment at both regional and national levels.
Vision.
To be a sustainable university that makes a significant contribution to the development of a sustainable world.
Mission.
To achieve the educational, research and outreach goals of the university.
The priority of the Environmental Sustainability Strategy of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University is to achieve seven Sustainable Development Goals, which are targeted at the environment, namely:
2) End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.
6) Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
7) Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
11) Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
13) Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
14) Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
15) Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
Consequently, taking into account the priorities mentioned above, the Strategy for Environmental Sustainability focuses on:
- Quality education.
- Sustainable research.
- Climate action.
- Resource efficiency and recycling.
- Sustainable city and community.
Quality education.
To fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals — 2,6,7,11,13,14,15.
Main objective.
To develop, implement and improve educational components that form sustainable development competencies.
Targets:
- to ensure the application of the principles of sustainable development, climate and environmental sustainability in all educational programs of the University;
- to actively conduct educational and awareness-raising activities to promote the principles of sustainable and climate-oriented development;
- to introduce additional modules on the formation of competencies in sustainable development and environmental protection in the educational components of all fields of knowledge and specialties.
Sustainable research.
To fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals — 2,6,7,11,13,14,15.
Main objective.
To expand research capacity across the university’s research portfolio in order to establish and strengthen partnerships in key areas of environmental sustainability.
Targets:
- to ensure annual submission of several project applications for international grants on sustainable development, climate and environmental sustainability by the university departments;
- to actively conduct research activities and seek innovative ways of research practice in order to implement the principles of sustainable and climate-oriented development;
- to establish constant communication with international partners on sustainable development and environmental protection for effective scientific and technical cooperation.
Climate action.
To fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals — 2,6,7,11,13,14,15.
Main objective.
To minimize the impact of the university’s activities on climate change, including reducing carbon emissions, and to support the university’s strategy to enhance research and education.
Targets:
- Develop and implement a plan to adapt activities to climate change and integrate it into existing policies and processes.
- Reduce carbon emissions from energy use by 30% by 2030 compared to the 2021 baseline.
- Develop green infrastructure on the territory of the university and campus using tree and shrub plants with increased resistance to the changing climate conditions; apply green wall technologies onto university buildings.
Resource efficiency and recycling.
To fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals 6, 7, 11, 13, 15.
Main objective.
To develop, implement and improve technologies and methods for minimizing the use of natural resources and integrated waste processing.
Targets:
- Ensure continuous control of resource use chains regarding water use, waste generation, and energy efficiency, in accordance with the principles of sustainable and climate-oriented development.
- Reduce energy consumption (heat and electricity consumption as well) by using energy-saving innovations.
- Implement a system of active waste management by waste prevention, reduction, reuse and recycling.
Sustainable city and community.
To fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals — 11,13.
Main objective.
To develop structured cooperation and expand communication opportunities and new projects in Kharkiv and Kharkiv region to achieve relative climate neutrality.
Targets:
- Provide opportunities to develop ambitious sustainable solutions in order to encourage citizens, businesses, and communities to follow the principles of sustainable and climate-oriented development.
- Identify the problems associated with the development of a low-carbon pathway in the city and region, and focus research activities and experience of institutional professional services on the best practices of resource-saving environmental management, green economy, and energy conservation.
- Participate in inclusive facilities and common spaces (both real and virtual) creation in the city and region to stimulate creative and innovative interaction, skills exchange, and partnership when addressing sustainable development issues.
The Strategy for Environmental Sustainability involves the mandatory development and implementation of an Action Plan and measures to implement the Strategy. It aims to systematically monitor the effectiveness of its implementation by assessing key performance indicators and key implementation mechanisms.