SGGW implements the principles of sustainable development on the university campus
SGGW plays a key role in promoting sustainable development in the area of environmental protection and the rational use of its resources. Implementation of pro-environmental activities contributes not only to the protection of the environment but is a form of practical education for the academic community and society.
Execution of tasks related to the introduction of the principles of sustainable development requires systemic shifts involving the designing of the entire concept of campus development, introducing modern solutions and upgrading the existing ones.
Reducing energy consumption and renewable energy sources
The systems enabling to reduce energy consumption and using of renewable energy sources are being introduced successively at SGGW.
Energy-efficient lighting, solar electricity panels, and heat pumps have been installed in one of the student dormitories, SGGW sports facilities, and the Forest Experimental Station in Rogów.
By the end of 2023, the photovoltaic panel system will be increased to 650 KW in the university campus and 300 KW at the university’s experimental units. There are currently four EV charging stations at the university campus.
Thermal Renovation
The temperature monitoring and regulating systems related to the control of heating substations and ventilation and air conditioning monitoring systems are used throughout university buildings.
The thermal renovation of buildings are carried out and systems allowing for significant service automation of academic and administrative facilities are introduced.
In order to reduce the use of cleaning products, paper and other disposables some actions have been undertaken.
Printouts, EZD system, and restrictions on plastics
A central printing system that allows for a significant reduction of office paper and toner usage, as well as the service costs of the equipment, has been introduced at the facilities located on the university campus.
The EZD system (electronic document management) operating at the university not only facilitates working, but also reduces paper consumption. A new, more efficient waste segregation system is also being successively introduced. Managing waste sorting, especially paper allows for its sale.
The university has its own waste baler to compress waste into uniform bales that can be recycled efficiently. The drinking water distribution systems installed in buildings effectively reduce the use of plastic bottles.
Wildflower meadows and rainwater
Some design work is also underway on the use of rainwater for watering lawns and converting some of the lawns into meadows. The first meadow was planted last year.
Studies – the future direction
The Warsaw University of Life Sciences offers different study courses full of knowledge and skills enabling students to carry out tasks related to sustainable development not only during studying but also after graduation.
Science
Researchers from several SGGW scientific institutes are working on projects that will comprehensively contribute to the implementation of the principles of sustainable development around the campus and at the university’s experimental units. The objective result of research in the area of sustainable development is the high place of SGGW in THE Impact Rankings 2022. SGGW was among fourteen Polish universities distinguished in this ranking. This is the only international university classification based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The ranking aims to show the importance of universities in building a sustainable world and to promote universities that work to solve the biggest challenges of our time.