ULiège has published the first edition of its annual sustainable development report. It highlights the actions carried out within the University in favour of the 17 sustainable development objectives adopted by the United Nations (UN).
Faced with the major challenges of a world in transition, universities have a particular responsibility: they contribute to a better understanding of contemporary issues, cooperate in favour of sustainable development, train their students so that they can act on their environment, innovate to develop solutions to environmental, social and economic problems. In this context, ULiège is resolutely committed to contributing to the sustainable development objectives adopted by the UN.
This first edition of the institutional report on sustainable development highlights the diversity and complementarity of the projects carried out in this perspective by the Institution and by the university community during the year 2020-2021. In particular, it presents training and research related to the transition, initiatives for sustainable campuses as well as the numerous projects carried out by students involved through the Green Office.
Download the report
LThe annual report cannot be exhaustive, as the activities of ULiège are so closely linked to sustainable development. It is intended more as a portal to this diversity, as a complement to the sustainable development website.
ULiège's 2019 carbon footprint
The sustainability report also presents the results of the carbon footprint of the University's activities in 2019. This is an essential tool in the fight against climate change by identifying the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2019, ULiège emitted nearly 95,300 tonnes of CO2 (equivalent). These emissions are divided into approximately 24% for energy (heating of buildings, cogeneration, professional vehicles), 23% for travel (students and employees), 1% for waste management and 52% for purchases of goods and services (indirect emissions). The carbon footprint methodology does not allow precise figures to be obtained for all categories of emissions, but the detailed results will enable the Scientific Council on Sustainable Development to propose actions with a real leverage effect on the University's emissions.
The carbon balance sheet makes it possible to appreciate the path already taken by the Institution, particularly in terms of infrastructure renovation and renewable energy production, sustainable procurement, food, waste management or mobility, but it also highlights the path to be taken towards neutrality in the fields of international mobility, procurement of goods and services and electronic equipment.
ULiège's carbon balance will be updated in 2023 for the reference year 2022. This new diagnosis will make it possible to assess the evolution of the Institution's emissions as a result of its environmental policies and to integrate or refine certain emission items on the basis of the most recent data.
Project coordination
In 2019, the University of Liège created a Sustainable Development Unit to coordinate institutional projects, to support members of the university community in their initiatives and to inform the community of ongoing projects. Members of the university community who wish to propose or contribute to a project are invited to contact their coordinators.
