If we wish to fight for a more sustainable world, we must first acquire environmentally responsible habits. In this sense, the University seeks to promote responsible consumption by implementing the three Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

The most important of the three is the first, reduce, since the best waste is waste that is not generated. Therefore, it is recommended to use durable and sustainable materials to prevent greater waste production and, at the same time, minimize the pollution generated. Reduction can take place on two levels: on the one hand, reducing the consumption of goods, as does the UPF “Paperless” project, which seeks to reduce paper consumption in teaching; on the other hand, it would consist of reducing energy consumption, along the lines of the “district heating” initiative on the Poblenou campus, which consists of an air conditioning system that uses cold and hot water to regulate the temperature of the buildings. On the “Reduce” website, you will find a description of these and all the other measures that UPF takes to achieve this goal.

The second most important ‘R’ is reuse, which is based on giving new uses to the products and materials we use, to extend their service life. In this respect, computer and scientific equipment that is no longer used is transferred or sold second-hand to schools and to public or non-profit entities so that they can continue to use it. Find out about other measures implemented by UPF related to this goal on the “Reuse” website.

Although it is the last of the ‘Rs’, recycling is still key to sustainability as it ensures that waste that can no longer be reused is separated, thus facilitating subsequent recycling. To encourage this practice among students, 120 selective collection containers have been installed on the campuses, and three waste compactors have been installed on the Ciutadella campus. On the “Recycle” website you will find these and other measures that UPF has put in place to meet this goal.

By practising the three Rs, we can make a difference!