Sustainable University and Volunteerism

The University of Patras holds the largest University campus by area in Greece with green spaces and Academic Departments that treat environmental issues in a responsible and scientific manner. It demonstrates high level of awareness and handles effectively issues related to environmental management.  The University monitors, records, analyses, and decides on relevant actions to improve environmental quality for the benefit of the University and the local community by drawing appropriate environmental policies.

Specifically, on 10.09.2020 the Senate’s council, after considering a plan proposed by the Rector, unanimously decided the formation of the Sustainable Green University Committee. The Committee works systematically to promote and coordinate actions in the context of a “Sustainable Green University”, with various of such actions being already implemented:

  • adopting circular economy solutions by promoting source reuse practices such as computers reconstructing through open software use, materials’ free disposal etc.
  • environmental improvement of buildings and infrastructure through actions targeted to reduce consumption of resources so as to minimize the environmental footprint
  • developing monitoring mechanisms of energy consumption and decision making for its streamlining
  • developing mechanisms to reduce carbon footprint
  • promoting the recycling of sources, such as electrical and electronic devices, paper, plastic, ink, batteries etc., through collaboration with the local government and charitable partners
  • constant review of the University’s campus plan aiming to extend the green spaces, design pedestrian’s and cyclists’ green paths etc., in order to provide quality living to all university members.

The University of Patras aims to raise the awareness of all University members and involve them in the aforementioned actions. This includes voluntary participation of students.

Moreover, the University utilizes all vital resources provided by both National and EU legislation to support local entrepreneurship, especially small-medium enterprises, so that there are sustainable working conditions in the regional level and that the carbon footprint is reduced from redundant products’ transfer. Great emphasis is put on supporting youth innovation, startup entrepreneurial activities and innovative entrepreneurship especially when its actions contribute to reorganizing the primary sector.