Environmental Sustainability Plan

Introduction

The Earth’s climate has always evolved naturally (climate variation), but compelling evidence from around the world reveals that there is currently a new type of evolution caused by human activity (climate change) that is altering and endangering the planet’s ecosystems and even human life on Earth.
This is mainly due to what is known as the “greenhouse effect”, a natural atmospheric phenomenon brought about by greenhouse gases (GHG), the increase of which causes an rise in temperature that, as of a certain level, has unpredictable consequences. Obviously, the University alone cannot reverse this trend, but it can collaborate as much as possible and lead by example. The aim of this line of work is to reduce the University’s carbon footprint, mitigate climate change and adapt to its consequences. Universities must be an engine of social and institutional change and UPF is fully aware of this.

Diagnosis

Given this worrying situation, the University has undertaken to progressively reduce its carbon footprint over the next few years until it becomes fully neutral in 2040 (a reduction of 25% by 2025, and of 55% by 2030); adhering to the Government of Catalonia’s Commitments for Climate.
With the aim of helping to minimize the consequences of climate change and under the premise that it is essential to know the origin of emissions in order to reduce them, in 2018 the University, with the collaboration of the UNESCO Chair in Life and Climate Change, prepared the UPF Carbon Footprint Report in 2018 (published in 2020). The report quantifies UPF’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2018 at 8,663.2 tonnes of CO2-equivalent. These emissions come, fundamentally, from the consumption of fossil fuels for heating and for mobile equipment and vehicles to transport people and goods that are not owned by the University; from the electricity consumption associated with campus activities and the use of the Distritclima network, both for cooling and heating buildings; and through personnel and student transport.

Areas of action

•    Periodic data collection and monitoring
•    University carbon neutrality
•    Offsetting unavoidable emissions

Introduction

As stated in the UPF carbon footprint report, energy generation contributes significantly to total polluting emissions. This factor must therefore be taken into account when implementing actions; the technological advances of recent years allow, on the one hand, improving the efficiency of systems (of all kinds) and, on the other, enhancing energy from renewable sources.
It is therefore necessary to take into account both the origin and the destination of the energy circulating through the institution, since this constitutes much of the University’s ecological footprint.

Diagnosis

Since the creation of UPF, energy has been an important issue, from the gestation of the architectural projects to their subsequent maintenance and use. Issues such as energy efficiency, the use of resources, the automation of HVAC controls and the awareness of the University community have been pre-eminent in and central to decision-making.
This plan, in accordance with the University’s policies, aims to give more relevance to the concept of campus in terms of energy design and to incorporate everything represented by passive architecture and nZEB (nearly Zero-Energy Buildings) while continuing to have an impact on the energy efficiency of the systems. Likewise, the aim is also to expand and strengthen our energy supply through renewable energy sources. According to the UPF Carbon Footprint Report, energy uses at UPF (direct or indirect) account for 18% of the total CO2 emissions generated by the institution’s existence. This is where action can be taken, and one of the goals for the coming years is to supply the University with green energy.
Thus, it is also proposed to carry out regular monitoring of energy consumption, analysing the annual trends, both in consumption and in the production and use of renewable sources. Without a thorough analysis of the data, it is impossible to properly appraise the situation. 

Areas of action

•    Electricity generation from renewable sources
•    Purchase of green energy between lessors and the UPF Group
•    Efficiency of energy-consuming equipment
•    Regular data collection and monitoring
 

Introduction

Water, globally, moves within the so-called hydrological cycle. Most of it is found in the seas and oceans, from where it evaporates into the atmosphere to later fall in the form of precipitation on the surface of the planet, from where it returns to the seas and oceans.
It is estimated that only 3% of all water is fresh and only 1% is available for human use. It is a scarce good and is limited, despite being renewable, which implies that its use must be monitored and it must not be wasted.

Diagnosis

In the cycle described, given its urban character, the University only plays a small part and on a very small scale. It can only take steps regarding water supply, consumption and emission to the sewerage network, from a business point of view, and runoff and groundwater from a natural point of view.
It is important to regularly monitor water consumption data. The objectives set in this area include reducing consumption, taking advantage of rainwater, groundwater and grey water, and minimizing runoff.

Areas of action

•    Water management and use
•    Use of alternative sources (rainwater, groundwater and grey water)
•    Periodic data collection and monitoring
 

Introduction

Various studies have shown that healthy environments significantly help people concentrate and learn. UPF, as a public university that pursues excellence, has always sought to create and maintain healthy and sustainable spaces that actively involve the University community in its daily life. Thus, having safe, clean and efficient infrastructures has become a benchmark to aim for in order to continue being a modern, avant-garde university.
On the other hand, urban green spaces must also be promoted: they provide numerous benefits to citizens and to property owners and users. Environmental benefits include harnessing and storing water, reducing pollution levels, creating new habitats for wildlife, reducing the heat island effect, and improving the urban landscape and quality of life.

Diagnosis

Within the UPF 2016-2025 Strategic Plan and its corresponding action plan, the University undertook to expand its urban green spaces, having already fostered different measures such as the experimental pilot test of the roof of the Mercè Rodoreda building or the desire to provide the new buildings of the Ciutadella of Knowledge with green roofs.
Also, as there is little space for traditional gardens, the University is also interested in exploring and implementing so-called vertical gardens. To this end, in 2016, in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), a bachelor’s degree final project was carried out on vertical gardens and possible locations on UPF façades.
In this regard, work is being carried out in parallel on the University’s Infrastructure Plan, which will be linked to the sustainability plan. This, among other issues related to environmental sustainability, will include improving the energy efficiency of buildings.

Areas of action

•    The University’s urban green spaces
•    Green roofs and façades
•    Enveloping the buildings
•    Building sustainability certification

Introduction

Mobility is essentially a consequence of the need to move in order to be able to carry out social and economic activities, and encompasses the transport of both people and goods. However, mobility and transport have an ambivalent role, since while they support the functioning of the social and economic system, they also generate social and environmental dysfunctions.
In this section, the gender perspective acquires great relevance: thinking about safe spaces for women and placing people at the centre of decisions are factors to be taken into account.

Diagnosis

In 2015, the UPF Sustainable and Safe Mobility Plan 2015-2020, which defines the following mobility objectives, was approved by agreement of the Board of Governors:
•    To encourage sustainable travel (walking, cycling, public transport)
•    To improve the efficiency of collective public transport
•    To improve secure private bike parking
•    To promote safe mobility
•    To ensure the mobility of persons with specific needs (physical, economic...)
Once plan expires, the new plan will be included in the current one, highlighting the importance of sustainable mobility from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Secondly, sustainability is an interdisciplinary term that affects multiple spheres of life, which implies the need to incorporate the gender perspective in all its aspects. Thus, at the beginning of 2021, at the initiative of the Equality Unit, “exploratory walks” were carried out on all campuses, in order to analyse mobility in the university environment from a gender perspective from which a report was drawn up. This document proposes possible improvements for women’s safety.
The analysis is broken down into six sections:
•    Signposted environment: includes the need for clear, representative signage in keeping with society today
•    Visible environment: refers to the need to encourage open areas where all elements can be seen, making the different spaces safer
•    Living environment: gives importance to spaces that promote interaction and mutual help
•    Environment under surveillance: refers to elements of informal surveillance and mutual cooperation that can make people feel safe
•    Equipped environment: incorporates elements that are present in the daily routine and help satisfy daily needs
•    Community environment: includes the need to encourage the appropriation of spaces by people, giving rise to feelings of community and mutual help
Finally, and with regard to the environmental impact of mobility, in the Report on the ecological footprint, an approximation was made of the emissions that this contributes to the total (scope 3) and the distribution within this; it was concluded that the bulk of emissions within this section comes from rail transport, followed by other transport.

Areas of action

•    Telecommuting, remote meetings and events
•    Sustainable transport and mobility
•    Periodic data collection and monitoring

Introduction

The climate and environmental crisis is caused by several factors, one of which is waste management and wasted resources. The useful life of products and their fate once in disuse are a challenge when it comes to their management, hence the concept of the three “Rs”, which refer to the need to reduce consumption, to reuse resources insofar as possible (extending their useful life), and to recycle in the event that the previous steps cannot be carried out.

Diagnosis

The University moves some 15,000 people who spend a substantial part of their lives at our facilities every day. This generates a considerable amount of waste, although the vast majority is not overly complex to manage. With the exception of laboratory waste, electronic waste and batteries, all is considered urban solid waste, the vast majority of which is managed by the council. Despite this, UPF, searching for greater efficiency and in collaboration with nDavant, the company that currently renders the cleaning of our facilities, has equipped itself with a paper and organic matter compactor, managing the waste directly and through authorized handlers.
The University has been collecting waste selectively for some time (organic, glass, paper, packaging, and so on) in addition to separating WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment), batteries, laboratory waste, writing utensils and container lids. Collection must follow the philosophy of the three Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle) and head towards a true circular economy hand in hand with society and industry.

Areas of action

•    Waste and recycling management
•    Regular data collection and monitoring

Introduction

The food production chain is one of the biggest generators of CO2 emissions, and is also responsible for the deterioration of natural habitats and animal overexploitation. Meat consumption, especially by Western countries, is responsible for about 20% of greenhouse gas emissions. The sector also consumes an enormous amount of fresh water to meet the needs of the high number of animals raised on intensive farms.

Diagnosis

UPF deems it necessary, for health and sustainability, to focus attention on the food on offer on the different campuses. Making an effort to introduce sustainable, healthy food is a good decision for the health of the people who eat at the University on a daily basis and, at the same time, a way to stress the need to rethink the food system, which is currently one of the main sources of pollution.
In this sense, in order to set an example and make these convictions a reality, and thanks to the initiative of a group of students, in 2020 it began to offer the “Menu for the planet”, with 100% vegetable products. The intention was to continue in this line and to promote a study that revealed the benefits that a change in diet can bring for the well-being of the body and the planet.
The use of reusable water bottles was also encouraged to reduce single-use bottles insofar as possible, with actions such as the “Eco Cup” campaign, which consisted of handing out a reusable bottle to the University community to promote the initiative.

Areas of action

•    Sustainable food supply
•    Awareness campaigns
•    Analysis and management of waste generated by food and beverages

Introduction

It is clear that without resources it is not possible to implement transformative measures: it is essential to accompany the actions included in this plan with an appropriate budget. To this end, and as already mentioned in the methodological framework, an action plan will be produced specifying the budget allocated for each one, to allow its proper planning.

Diagnosis

Internally, sustainability criteria must be applied when procuring supplies of different types: this applies to energy and reprography as well as maintenance. Currently, social and environmental criteria are already used in procurement, and the intention is to maintain and elaborate on them. Thus, the life cycle of the acquired goods must be taken into account when deciding as to their suitability, prioritizing those that have a longer service life or can be reused. Along these lines, we would highlight the need to move towards an administration that uses less and less paper, both as regards its procedures and printing.
Also, the search for external funding can also be an opportunity to deploy this plan. As already mentioned, the European Green Deal provides a great opportunity for all institutions that, like UPF, want to become “climate neutral” and can become an important source of resources, as well as an opportunity to promote projects with a long-term outlook.
Also in the European framework, the EU has presented the European Recovery Funds with an unprecedented investment of more than two billion euros with which it aims to tackle the crisis generated by the pandemic, in addition to building the Europe of the new generation. The plan consists of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 (the “continuation” of the H2020 programme, with some changes as a result of the pandemic, endowed with 1,074 billion euros) and the “Next Generation EU” Recovery Fund (the great novelty), endowed with 750,000 million euros). Some of the proposals put forward in this plan could be financed with the help of this source.

Areas of action

•    Funding for investment in sustainability
•    Investments in equipment efficiency
•    Sustainability criteria in procurement and contracting

Introduction

Transparency and communication are key to motivating the community to participate in the sustainability actions carried out by the University, as well as to promote new ones.
Involving the student community, teaching staff, researchers and technical, management and administration and service staff is also necessary to promote pro-sustainability measures. To achieve this goal, there is a need to employ the tools available to raise awareness, sensitize and communicate.
Social media, new technologies and growing concern around sustainability, especially among young people, present opportunities to reduce our environmental impact. Raising awareness, on the one hand, increases people’s interest in the issue and, on the other, can generate synergies that help develop new ideas.

Diagnosis

At UPF, different awareness-raising actions and activities are carried out to involve the University community. All the progress made and campaigns carried out are published on the UPF Sostenible website, and are also shared on the different social networks.
All the pillars and actions mentioned in this plan involve two goals. The first are the direct positive benefits they involve, such as reducing emissions or improving waste management. The second is to approach the issue of raising awareness at UPF on the basis of the first goal. The actions implemented must be disseminated and awareness must be generated.
In this way, the use of communication channels becomes essential to inform as many people as possible of the progress made and the existing problems. UPF is aware of this reality, which is why it devotes great efforts to keeping social networks and the web active.
Currently, UPF Sostenible has its own website and profile on X (formerly Twitter). Additionally, it emails the latest developments in the newsletters to students on a regular basis. Through these channels, the University community is invited to participate in the activities offered by the institution.
One successful example of the involvement of all the University’s stakeholders is the Energy Savings Marathon, held for the first time at UPF in 2019. Over a period of one month the community strove to reduce energy and water consumption as much as possible, achieving excellent results.

Areas of action

•    Boosting the web and social media
•    Dissemination of actions carried out by the university dealing with sustainability
•    Dissemination of important sustainability actions and initiatives
•    Awareness campaigns

Introduction

The last of the goals of the Agenda 2030 on sustainable development gives special emphasis to the alliances that must be forged between different sectors of society. Without the collaboration and involvement of all actors, we will fail to right the economy and avoid environmental collapse.
Faced with a situation that affects so many areas, cross-cutting alliances must be established, both nationally and internationally, involving as many people, institutions and entities as possible.

Diagnosis

Since its foundation, UPF, due to its own idiosyncrasy, has forged strong alliances with its environment, paying special attention to international networks and consortia.
One example of this is the EUTOPIA project or, more recently, its adherence to The Guild, a network committed to research of excellence, the importance of the search for truth and the creation of trust as a basis of public life and the creation of new knowledge for the benefit of society, culture and economic growth. With 21 members in 16 different countries, the network includes institutions such as the University of Warwick (United Kingdom), the University of Bologna (Italy), the University of Tübingen (Germany), the University of Paris (France) and the University of Bern (Switzerland).
Within Spain, since 2008 UPF has been a member of the Alliance of 4 Universities (A4U), together with the UAB, UC3M and UAM, universities with which it shares the same passion for quality research, excellence in teaching and the desire to carry out projects together. Also, UPF is part of the Council of Rectors of Spanish Universities (CRUE) and the Catalan Association of Public Universities (ACUP), where actions are being jointly worked on and discussed, some of which focus on environmental issues. Secondly, it is essential to establish alliances with other agents of society and establish the necessary links with the organizations and foundations that operate at the University.

Areas of action

•    Involvement of the university community in sustainability projects
•    Participation in new networks of cooperation in sustainability and the promotion of existing ones
•    Promotion of new national and international cooperation projects
 

Pillar 8. Responsible investments, procedures and supplies