Best practices of ENLIGHT partners
One of the main goals of ENLIGHT and the Green Network is the exchange of best practices between the partners. Furthermore, the ten partners support each other in transferring best practices to other partner universities in the form of a ‘frontrunner approach’ through ‘tandem partnerships’. Selected best practices per university are listed below.
The Planet App, Food Waste Calculator, UNICITIES, Campus Lab (University of the Basque Country)
The Planet App, for example, has already been adopted by approximately 3,000 students and is also available to staff, aiming to raise awareness across all levels. The Planet App: More information, Food Waste Calculator: More information, UNICITIES: More information, and Campus Lab: More information
Climate Strategy, Ideas Competition and Environmental Tips (University of Bern)
The University of Bern is continuously working to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. This is an ambitious goal that requires everybody’s cooperation. In the process of developing a holistic climate strategy, the University of Bern is developing a participatory roadmap with concrete measures and targets and is refraining from making claims. Instead, it is focusing on a mix of measures that, in addition to reducing the university's greenhouse gas emissions, includes alternative ways of engaging in climate protection and making positive contributions to environmental protection. As part of the climate strategy, the first climate contribution ideas competition “Ready to Reduce” was launched for the first time in spring 2025. To raise awareness, environmental tips are also published on a regular basis since spring 2025.
Support for Research Structures: Transitioning Lab Charter (University of Bordeaux)
This initiative emphasises committing to environmental and societal transitions through concrete actions. A notable example is the game "Catch Me If You Can," which was previously introduced to the Diversity & Inclusion Network within ENLIGHT. More information
Analysing Sustainability at CU (Comenius University Bratislava)
A panel exhibition showcasing sustainable best practices has already been organised at various faculties, reflecting the significant interest in sustainability among academic staff. The current focus is on analysing the state of sustainability initiatives across faculties. The takeaway is clear: while individual efforts can lead to remarkable achievements, creating lasting change requires embedding sustainability at all institutional levels. More information
Embedding Sustainability in Education (University of Galway)
University of Galway has made significant strides in integrating sustainability across its educational mission. Two new lecturers in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) have been appointed within the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT), driving curricular reform across all colleges. Their work supports course directors in embedding sustainability principles into programme design through innovative pedagogies, staff training, and resource development. A newly launched micro-credential in sustainability has also been developed under their leadership. This initiative exemplifies the university’s strategic commitments to positioning sustainability at the heart of learning and teaching.
Sustainable Campus Operations (University of Galway)
The campus continues to evolve as a living laboratory for sustainability. Recent initiatives include the expansion of biodiversity programmes through native planting, pollinator zones, a new herb garden and orchard, and the creation of a 100 m² pocket forest. All university catering outlets have eliminated single-use cups, and sustainable transport has been promoted via the electrification of the Park-and-Ride system. All laboratories in the Alice Perry Engineering Building are certified under the My Green Labs programme. We are a European demonstrator site for geothermal energy systems (GEOFIT)and a national demonstrator site for energy efficient buildings and solar energy projects.
Community Engagement for SDG Impact (University of Galway)
We have strengthened partnerships with Galway City and County Councils and local Non-Government Organisations to co-develop solutions aimed at progressing the SDGs. A new Sustainability Engagement Fund was launched to support student- and staff-led initiatives, particularly around SDG 6 and SDG 14. One flagship project, Clean Coasts, Clear Futures, engaged the local community through workshops, citizen science, and coastal clean-ups.
Governance and Sustainability (Ghent University)
The new sustainability strategy emphasises faculty commitment and highlights the importance of shaping policies through community involvement. Engagement at all levels is seen as essential to creating impactful and inclusive sustainability practices. More information
Lecture series "Sustainable Development" (University of Göttingen)
With the new interdisciplinary lecture series “Sustainable Development” the University offers students to take an in-depth look at sustainability and sustainable development. Each lecture is held by two lecturers from different faculties. The approach focuses on motivating already interested academics. Marketing leverages all available university channels to maximise outreach. Future goals include increasing student contributions to the content of the lectures. Currently, the lectures are open to all levels and all disciplines, but expanding access to ENLIGHT partners is a potential idea for the future. More information
Green office Label and CO2 cap (University of Groningen)
The programme provides subsidies of up to €1000 for student organisations to adopt more sustainable practices. Out of approximately 65 student organisations, 42 have applied to receive a green label. On a broader level, this trend highlights a shift in student priorities — many now actively choose to join organisations that prioritise sustainability. Green office Label: More information and CO2 cap: More information
Digital Clean-Up (University of Tartu)
This initiative includes recycling excess equipment and combating digital pollution. The university actively tracks and reports the amount of digital clutter cleaned up. Remarkably, the Digital Clean-Up initiative has garnered organic interest, making it accessible to all without the need to directly approach faculties or labs. More information
Climate Pot (Uppsala University)
The Climate Pot at UU serves as seed funding for sustainability initiatives. Some key takeaways include the challenges students face with the application process, particularly the administrative burden of managing the budget—an aspect that academic staff find easier to handle. Despite this, there was significant interest from both students and staff in applying for the funding. Sustaining student engagement over the long term remains a challenge, but there are excellent examples of successful student-led initiatives, such as a student-run kitchen, where students are paid for their work. More information