Sustainable Development

In response to the various systemic crises – ecological, climatic, social, economic – which are challenging our society, it is essential that a university such as UMONS strengthens its commitments to sustainability in its institutional policy, in the transmission of knowledge, in its research and experimentation with solutions, and in the exemplary behaviour of its community on its campuses (in Mons and Charleroi).

Reducing our University’s environmental footprint also requires improving our institutional practices. Greater moderation in the use of our resources, reducing waste production, adopting sustainable energy sources, and thoughtful and responsible mobility can all contribute to collective well-being and environmentally friendly campuses.

It is with this holistic approach that our University is committed to playing an active role in the transformation of our society.

 

Given the urgency of the situation, sustainability is something we cannot ignore.

 

It concerns us all, including and especially at the University, where our work aims to:

  • Train the citizens of tomorrow, making them fully aware of societal challenges and the positive impact they can have.
  • Contribute to progress that respects our planet through our scientific research, while always striving to meet the needs of tomorrow.
  • And finally, help share this progress and scientific breakthroughs with the general public, thereby raising awareness.

Aware of this changing world, UMONS has set up a Sustainable Development Council (CDD).

The CDD was created in 2012, initially as the Institutional Sustainable Development Circle and then, in 2014, as the Sustainable Development Council. This transformation has enabled the CDD to acquire significant institutional influence at UMONS.

Today, the CDD consists of more than thirty permanent members, as well as a dozen members of the university community who have expressed an interest in its activities. The CDD draws on expertise from the university’s faculties and schools, administrative departments (Student Affairs, Infrastructure, Security, etc.) and students, enabling it to address various environmental issues, such as energy, buildings, resource management, green spaces and waste, from a variety of angles and in a collaborative spirit.

The CDD’s missions include:

  • Strengthening the integration of sustainable development into teaching and research programmes;
  • Reducing the institution’s environmental footprint (optimising energy and water consumption, promoting soft mobility, reducing waste generation and sorting waste, etc.);
  • Raising awareness of environmental issues among students and staff;
  • Integrating an environmental dimension into its services to society.

Through its dynamic approach to sustainable development, the CDD plays a central and vital role in catalysing the actions undertaken, while fostering a participatory approach within its institution.

In the summer of 2023, a sustainable development charter was adopted by the Board of Directors, clearly setting out the institution’s ambitions and commitments. A parallel action plan translated the charter into detailed and practical terms, providing strong guidelines for the entire institution.

The CDD has set up working groups (WGs) to develop an ambitious and realistic action plan for sustainable development.

The six working groups cover six key areas:

  • The well-being of the university community: strengthening psychosocial support and opportunities for personal and professional development, improving interpersonal relationships, promoting health;
  • Campus management (in Mons and Charleroi) in the following areas:
    • The environment: preserving biodiversity, improving waste management policy, promoting sustainable food;
    • Energy and water: conducting an inventory of our property portfolio, making recommendations for optimising existing or future properties, promoting awareness-raising initiatives in this area;
    • Mobility: encouraging low-carbon and electric transport, promoting more sustainable international travel;
  • Education and Awareness: increasing opportunities to acquire knowledge and skills, promoting awareness-raising activities among students, staff and the general public, and boosting actions and work to develop a more sustainable UMONS campus.
  • Interactions with the local area: establishment of a transition plan involving all socio-economic partners in our local environment.

 

The work carried out by the various working groups, with the assistance of the administrative departments, is compiled into a Sustainable Development Policy proposed and endorsed by the UMONS Board of Directors.

A preliminary sustainability report from UMONS was published in December 2023.

This report provides an overview of the progress UMONS has made towards sustainability in all its forms. It cannot be considered exhaustive, given the wide range of activities undertaken by the institution in this area.

 

Les personnes en charge du Développement Durable