slot gacor slot server thailand togel resmi stm88 https://pupr.karimunkab.go.id/ slot88 bandar togel slot gacor 4d http://mcprod.ukiyo-home.com/ stm88 slot gacor winsgoal winsgoal winsgoal winsgoal winsgoalSustainability is the continuity of humanity's enduring relationship with nature. Any progress toward it requires synthesizing scientifc knowledge from a diverse constellation of perspectives that might at times be in conflict. The Sustainability is the continuity of humanity's enduring relationship with nature. Any progress toward it requires synthesizing scientific knowledge from a diverse constellation of perspectives that might at times be in conflict. The Journal of Sustainability Perspectives (J. Sustainability Perspect.) is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal grounded in the belief that sustainability is not achieved through singular narratives but integrative inquiry shaped by science, culture, ethics, and practice. Recognizing that sustainable development requires balancing the demands of progress with environmental integrity and the long-term continuity of human civilization, we encourage scholars and practitioners to explore how these diverse viewpoints—scientific, societal, technological, indigenous, policy-driven, and practice-based—can be integrated to address global sustainability challenges through informed, inclusive, and adaptive pathways. Interdisciplinary works that address environmental management, climate action, ecosystem restoration, sustainable materials, circular economy, governance reform, and community-based sustainability practices are of particular interest, alongside emerging approaches that rethink how societies can achieve harmony with nature. Issues are published twice a year (June and December) by the Langkah Berkelanjutan Indonesia. We accept original research articles, reviews, perspectives, and best-practice reports across all sustainability-adjacent fields; however, only works with a clear connection to sustainability or sustainable development are considered. ISSN: 2797-7137 raja slot slot online slot gacor sbobet Slot88 slot gacor scatter hitam slot deposit 5000 Slot777 raja slot slot mahyong Slot777 raja slot slot deposit 5000 maincuan maincuan slot zeus STM88 slot resmi slot gacor malam ini slot maxwin slot thailand stm88 Slot Depo 10k Agen Bola sbobet88 sbobet slot gacor slot gacor raja slot togel hk live draw hk slot gacor stm88 stm88 stm88 slot zeus toto slot
The Journal of Sustainability Perspectives provides immediate open acess to its published articles, under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) license. As such, everyone is free to read, download, print, copy, search, upload to a social network or institutional repository, crawl for indexing, link to the full text, transform, pass as data into software, or redistribute articles for any lawful purpose in any medium, without requiring prior permission from either the athor(s) or the journal, provided they give appropriate attribution to the original author(s) and the Journal of Sustainability Perspectives, link to the license, indicate if changes were made, and redistribute any derivative work under the same license. Authors, themselves, are not beholden to these requirments, as they retain the copyright of articles, without restrictions, merely granting the journal a non-exclusive lincese to publish their article and identify itself as its original publisher. However, by submitting to the Journal of Sustainability Perspectives, authors recignize and assent to the rights of readers, in accordance with the CC BY-SA lincense.
SDG 5 at UFMS: Building an Equal Academic Environment for Women
This article examines the trajectory and advances of the Sou Mulher UFMS (“I am a Woman UFMS”) program, implemented by the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), in the context of SDG 5 – Gender Equality of the UN 2030 Agenda. Adopting a qualitative, documentary approach, the study applies thematic analysis to institutional data and strategic documents — including the Institutional Development Plan (PDI), Annual Management Reports, Institutional Committees Meetings, and Public Records from 2021 to 2024. The results reveal the program’s evolution from isolated actions to a structured institutional policy, supported by intersectoral governance, evidence-based planning, and the strengthening of institutional bodies such as the Pro-rectorate for Citizenship and Sustainability (Procids) and the Committee for People Management, Inclusion, and Affirmative Actions (CGPIA). Key achievements include greater female representation and leadership, enhanced support for maternity and paternity in academia, and reinforced mechanisms for preventing and addressing gender-based violence. The updated program for 2025–2028 sets measurable, sustainable goals to promote equity in admission, retention, and academic success for women, with attention to diversity and intersectionality. The UFMS experience offers a replicable model for other higher education institutions in Brazil and Latin America, demonstrating the transformative potential of institutionalized gender policies driven by data, participation, and strategic governance.
Copyright (c) 2025 Luciana Contrera, Leonardo Chaves de Carvalho, Joao Vitor Costa, Helder Samuel dos Santos Lima, Anacarla Previato Nunes, Ingrid Queiroz Oliveira de Souza, Vivina Dias Sol Queiroz, Camila Celeste Brandao Ferreira Itavo, Albert Schiaveto de Souza https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
From the Cacti Roses Grow: Eco-Governance Turning Political Desert Land to Urban Oases
This study revisits the Arsaali paradox, and the long-standing conflict rooted in the transformation of Arsaal, the largest village of Lebanon’s arid Hermel region, from a traditional agropastoral landscape into an unlikely mosaic of stone fruit orchards. What initially appeared to be a promising agricultural innovation disrupted the fragile equilibrium of miniature transhumance practiced by tribal herders, whose livelihoods depended on the sparse, endemic flora of the quasi-desert. While the orchards paradoxically revitalized local arid agriculture, they gradually displaced pastoral systems, igniting deep sociopolitical unrest. Over two decades ago, the American University of Beirut (AUB), through its Environment and Sustainable Development Unit (ESDU), helped mediate this transformation by fostering participatory land-use planning and cooperative development. The resulting truce withstood even the early years of the Syrian refugee influx and Lebanon’s growing governance vacuum. Today, however, the paradox returns with renewed vigor and pernicious mutations. Intensified climate change, urban sprawl, and accelerating land degradation now threaten not only livelihoods but entire ecosystems. Unregulated pollution, groundwater over-extraction, and veterinary collapse risk exterminating endemic species, alongside the vulnerable human communities sustaining this spiral. In response, AUB re-engages with nature-based solutions, such as Azolla-based wastewater treatment and horizontal-flow constructed wetlands, to restore ecological health, support transhumance traditions, and revive endemic plant and animal life. This strategy anchors biodiversity as a cornerstone of both conservation and peacebuilding. Promoting community stewardship through participatory action research, is grounded in the symbolic legacy of the Kamouh of Hermel, an ancient Pyramid styled mausoleum standing tall amid Hermel’s desert, mystically fusing Seleucid and Assyrian cultures. Our study reframes environmental recovery as a pathway to local empowerment and governance reform in Lebanon’s marginalized hinterlands. We call it Eco-Governance.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rami Elhusseini https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
From Vision to Metrics: Positioning Australian University-Kuwait for UI GreenMetric Excellece through Digital Transformation
This study evaluates the sustainability readiness of the Australian University – Kuwait (AU) regarding the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. Using a qualitative content analysis of AU’s strategic plan and sustainability statements, the research highlights the tangible actions implemented across the six key components: setting and infrastructure, energy and climate change, water conservation, waste management, transportation, and sustainability education and research. Our findings indicate that AU has incorporated tangible sustainability measures in all ranking areas. The most salient initiatives include energy-efficient technologies, smart irrigation, digital transformation to reduce paper use, and partnerships for managing toxic and clinical waste. The university also promotes sustainable commuting through carpooling and bus shuttles. Regarding sustainability education, AU engages the campus community through the organization of seminars, competitions, and international scientific conferences that are gaining wider scope. The study recommends further adoption of advanced digital solutions to enhance the institutional alignment with UI GreenMetric criteria, particularly in water management, thereby building a competitive advantage in the local and regional higher education sectors. This proactive approach is likely to position AU not only for potential ranking inclusion but also as a leader in environmental engagement and digital sustainability in the region.
Copyright (c) 2025 Oualid Abidi, Farid Abdallah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Paths to an Innovative, Humane and Sustainable University: The Creation of the Pro-Rectorate of Citizenship and Sustainability at UFMS
The establishment of the Pro-Rectorate of Citizenship and Sustainability at the Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (Procids/UFMS) marks an innovative milestone in Brazilian university governance, consolidating an institutional model that strategically integrates citizenship and sustainability into higher education. This pioneering initiative underscores UFMS’s commitment to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), demonstrating how universities can actively contribute to sustainable development in its multiple dimensions. The Pro-Rectorate consists of the Citizenship Board (Dicid) and the Sustainability Board (Dides), both responsible for coordinating and promoting actions focused on inclusion, diversity, equity, and sustainable institutional management. While Dicid develops and implements affirmative action and human rights policies, fostering a more inclusive and equitable academic environment, Dides oversees and applies sustainable practices, monitors institutional indicators, and ensures UFMS's participation in national and international sustainability rankings. This innovative organizational structure reinforces the role of higher education institutions as active agents in building more sustainable and socially just societies. UFMS strengthens its leadership in sustainability and citizenship, serving as a reference for other institutions by demonstrating that integrating the SDGs into university management generates concrete and lasting impacts in academia and society.
Copyright (c) 2025 Joao Vitor Costa, Leonardo Chaves de Carvalho, Vivina Dias Sol Queiroz, Luciana Contrera, Camila Celeste Brandao Ferreira Itavo, Albert Schiaveto de Souza https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Strategic Sustainability Action Plan at Unicamp
The Strategic Sustainability Action Plan (PAESUS) at Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp) ensures a structured and predictable approach to sustainability investments, in line with the university's 2021-2025 Strategic Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative integrates sustainability into academic, operational, and governance practices, promoting long-term environmental impact. In its Year Zero, PAESUS implemented pilot projects across Unicamp’s campuses, focusing on energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and climate resilience. In 2024, the first public call for projects attracted 17 proposals, with 10 selected for development in 2025, based on a prioritization matrix evaluating impact and feasibility. The program secured R$3 million in additional and immediate investments, reinforcing initiatives in climate action, sustainable mobility, and resource optimization. With integrated governance and interdisciplinary collaboration, PAESUS fosters innovation and strengthens Unicamp’s sustainable management culture. Progress is monitored using global sustainability indicators, such as UI GreenMetric and THE Impact, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement. By advancing strategic sustainability actions, PAESUS positions Unicamp as a leader in sustainable development within higher education, offering a model for other institutions to follow.
Copyright (c) 2025 Thalita dos Santos Dalbelo, Henrique N. Sa Earp, Fernando Cesar Vieira, Filipe Vieira Lima dos Santos, Gabriela Marques Romero, Glauco Niro, Vanderlei Braga, William Chinelato, Marcelo de Campos Garcia Albieri, Renato Campagnoli https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Strategies for the Neutralization of the Carbon Footprint at the University of the State of Mexico
Climate Change, driven by greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), demands concrete responses from all sectors, including the higher education party. This research aimed to calculate the carbon footprint (CF) generated by the core activities of the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico (Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, UAEMEX) from 2021 to 2024, and to propose strategies for its neutralization. A hybrid methodology was adopted, based on international standards such as ISO 14064-1:2019, PAS 2050, PAS 2060 and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, adapted to the characteristics of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). This approach classified emissions into three scopes: direct emissions from fossil fuels (Scope 1), indirect emissions from electricity consumption (Scope 2) and other indirect emissions associated with waste management, paper consumption and infrastructure (Scope 3). The results indicate a 99% increase in the institutional carbon footprint between 2021 and 2022, linked to the resumption of face-to-face activities caused by COVID-19, subsequently by stabilization in the generation of HC in the subsequent years. Effective mitigation actions were identified, avoiding nearly 10 million kg CO₂e, with emphasis on sustainable university transport, process digitalization and carbon absorption through green areas. The study proposes a comprehensive neutralization plan and a replicable methodology, positioning UAEMEX as a national benchmark in university sustainability and contributing to global climate commitments through institutional management.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mariana Ortiz Reynoso, Juan Roberto Calderon Maya, Noe Armando Colin Mercado, Yoselin Montoya Garcia https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Sustainability and Local Identity: The Rocky Trail Program as a Strategy for the SDGs in Higher Education
The Trilha Rupestre (Rocky Trail) Program, developed by the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), aims to strengthen culture and the local economy. It also fosters sustainable development in municipalities with archaeological sites and paleontological records. Focusing on the Cerrado-Pantanal ecological corridor, the program covers 90 rock art sites and 733 archaeological sites registered with the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (IPHAN) in 16 municipalities. The initiative trains local communities and encourages sustainable practices, contributing to income generation while promoting environmental preservation. Structured around eight thematic axes (food, archaeology, architecture, art-ceramics, botany, geopaleontology, chemistry-pharmaceuticals, and tourism), the program promotes multidisciplinary development, integrating quality education and building more inclusive and sustainable communities. The partnership with the UNESCO Borders and Migration Chair brings a social innovation approach, combining cultural appreciation with the promotion of inclusion. Through educational and cultural actions, the program raises awareness among communities and tourists about the importance of archaeological sites, linking sustainability with the appreciation of historical heritage. The Trilha Rupestre Program is a notable example of how higher education can contribute to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.
Copyright (c) 2025 Leonardo Chaves de Carvalho, Lia Raquel Toledo Brambilla Gasques, Joao Vitor Costa, Laura Roseli Pael Duarte, Vivina Dias Sol Queiroz, Luciana Contrera, Camila Celeste Brandao Ferreira Itavo, Albert Schiaveto de Souza https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
University Nature Trails as Experiential Tools for Shaping Student Sustainability Attitudes: A Case Study from the University of Sopron (Hungary)
University nature trails are innovative forms of experiential learning and environmental education that foster sustainability awareness, student engagement, and well-being. This study examines the impact of the nature trail located on the campus of the University of Sopron on students’ sustainability-related attitudes and behaviors. The research applies a mixed-methods approach: narrative and institutional case studies are complemented by a quantitative survey with 916 valid responses. The case study presents the conceptual background of the trail, its design and implementation process, and its integration into the university’s educational and community life. It highlights the cultural and local significance of the trail, as well as its connection to the sustainability efforts of higher education in Central Europe. The quantitative survey assesses students’ knowledge, confidence in applying sustainability principles in practice, and opinions on the university’s environmental initiatives (e.g., selective waste collection, use of renewable energy sources, and green infrastructure). The findings indicate a high level of interest in environmental issues among students, yet gaps remain in translating sustainability knowledge into consistent, everyday actions. The case study reveals that the trail provides a place-based, experiential learning environment that strengthens emotional bonds with nature, supports interdisciplinary learning, and fosters community engagement. By linking theoretical knowledge with direct experiences, it enables deeper understanding and helps bridge the gap between knowledge and action. The combined methodological approach offers a comprehensive view of how experiential learning environments can influence sustainability awareness. The study presents a Central European example in which sustainability education is embedded in local values and a nature-based setting, supporting behavioral change and community building in higher education.
Copyright (c) 2025 Andras Polgar, Veronika Elekne Fodor, Andras Nahlik, Dora Nemeth, Marton Toth, Arpad Orsi, Eniko Pasztor, Ferenc Lakatos, Attila Fabian https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Vem pra UFMS Program: Popularizing Science ad Promoting Sustainbale Development Goals (SDGs)
The Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), through the “Vem pra UFMS” (Come to UFMS) Program, promotes access to knowledge, science, and academic culture. This article aims to analyze how the program has contributed to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the context of higher education (HE). By disseminating courses, popularizing science, and presenting UFMS's teaching, research, extension, and innovation spaces, the program strengthens the connection between university and society. Its initiatives include several projects such as “Thinking About the Future”, “Science for What?”, and the “UFMS Preparatory Course”, which expands the democratization of HE by exposing high school students to academic and professional opportunities, thereby reducing inequalities. Complementary projects such as “Science in Schools”, “Science Pills”, and the “Science Park” foster the popularization of science, building more informed communities prepared to address global challenges while promoting innovation and sustainability. The “UFMS Museum of Science and Technology” further contributes to these efforts by strengthening scientific and technological culture. Methodologically, the study adopted a qualitative approach, using secondary data from institutional reports, websites, and social media to evaluate the program’s impact and its contribution to the SDGs. Findings reveal that the program encompasses seven specific actions directly linked to SDGs 4 (4.1, 4.3, 4.4, 4.7) and 10 (10.2), and reached more than 50 schools and benefited over 11,540 people. These initiatives highlight the transformative role of UFMS in education and sustainable development, demonstrating how higher education institutions can positively influence society by integrating the SDGs into their practices.
Rozana Vanessa Fagundes Valentim de Godoi
Copyright (c) 2025 Naiade Valenzuela de Alcantara, Rozana Vanessa Fagundes Valentim de Godoi, Lia Raquel Toledo Brambilla Gasques, Ana Paula Banyasz, Leonardo Chaves de Carvalho, Joao Vitor Costa, Cris Almeida Orue, Jefferson Silva de Padua Melo, Camila Celeste Brandao Ferreira Itavo, Albert Schiaveto de Souza https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
The University of Genova Climate Policies
The University of Genova (UniGe) has undertaken a significant commitment against climate change, with the goal of becoming climate neutral by 2030. The commitment began in 2014 with the calculation of its carbon footprint and has developed through several stages. In 2019, it joined "The Sustainable Development Goals Accord" and declared a Climate Emergency, also joining the United Nations' "Race To Zero for Universities and Colleges" campaign. In 2022, it approved its Climate Neutrality Strategy 2022-2030, and in 2025, it will implement its Climate Action Plan. UniGe's Climate Action Plan includes two main sections: mitigation and adaptation. The mitigation plan, based on annual greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory, outlines the path to climate neutrality, with intermediate and long-term goals to reduce direct emissions (from fossil fuels), indirect emissions linked to energy consumption, and indirect emissions related to mobility, waste, water consumption, and procurement. Residual emissions will be offset through the purchase of certified credits. The adaptation plan aims to increase UniGe's resilience to climate change: it is based on the Liguria Region strategy, integrated with internal policies and procedures for risk management (weather alerts, hydrogeological risks, exposure to extreme temperatures, etc.) and actions for educating and raising awareness within the academic community.
Copyright (c) 2025 Federico Delfino, Michela Gallo, Paola Laiolo, Valentina Marin, Stefano Spotorno, Adriana Del Borghi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Fostering a Sustainable University in Germany - Setting, Infrastructure and Perspectives
Today, circumstances have changed across Europe and the world, sustainable development engagement in politics unfortunately steps back for military investments and more protective and defense spendings. The world is experiencing a rollback in terms of climate protection, sustainable development and scientific freedom. The consequences could have very negative impacts on today’s and future generations. Hence universities worldwide have to concentrate harder and broader on future focused and science based sustainable solutions. So the concept of the Environmental Campus Birkenfeld is not only to instruct and talk about sustainability. We practice very consequently what is taught in the lectures every single day with an advanced infrastructure. Students, lecturers, labs and institutes study and work successfully with a professoral experience in these fields of almost 30 years, researching, testing and installing new environmental engineering technologies, teaching state of the art sustainable business and advanced environmental law. This paper focuses examples of the campus setting regarding facilities and buildings that are equipped technologically on a high level – as the Environmental Campus is Germany’s first zero emission campus and a model site of Trier University. Finally, the ‘UI Green Metric family’ must foster and maintain advanced sites to convince people, politicians and third-party funds to assure the endowment of universities further on. Reducing or even stopping the admission of resources for science and education like in the U.S. 2025 is not acceptable – nowhere. This is a challenge for universities worldwide.
Copyright (c) 2025 Klaus Rick, Klaus Helling https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Promoting Energy Efficiency in Panpacific University, Philippines
Panpacific University, located in the northern part of the Philippines, has been active in promoting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal No. 7, or the push towards affordable and clean energy, by promoting sustainable energy use through a variety of energy efficiency initiatives. These initiatives include: (a) the University’s commitment towards channelling renewable energy through the installation and use of photovoltaics, so that this array of solar panels may generate sufficient energy to become a major contributor in meeting the demand of the school’s energy consumption needs; (b) the replacement in the campus buildings of more conventional incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs with lower cost and longer-lasting LED lamps for both greater energy efficiency and lower energy use and maintenance costs; and (c) the setting up of various school guidelines and policies aimed at promoting personal and institutional responsible energy consumption and also at further raising awareness of the need to take a more sustainable approach towards resource use, as well as encouraging further study and discovery in this area. This current report serves to detail the implementation of these initiatives, and the results achieved to date. As the school goes through a restructuring process and installs a newly appointed Sustainability Officer tasked now to oversee these initiatives, a further discussion on the projected targets and potential future directions that these initiatives might take is also in order. It is hoped that this information might be of use for other Higher Educational Institutions in the locality or in the region towards their own energy efficiency efforts.
Copyright (c) 2025 Donna Padilla-Taguiba, Jesus Deogracias Principe, Marvin Sermonia Jr., Marvin Calpito https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Strengthening the 3C Partnership for Sustainable District
A mutual relationship among the 3C partners—Campus, City, and Community—is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Siam University, as the only higher education institution in the Phasi Charoen district, has been actively collaborating with surrounding communities and the district office for several years. At present, university administrators and faculty members have taken leading roles in supporting local and community development. The UPC4LocalSDGs and the 4Co (Co-Create, Co-Design, Co-Produce, Co-Reflect) Action Model have been developed as a framework for working with the district office and communities, which serve as our social living labs. This paper presented case studies that employed the 4Co action model in the 3C partnership sustainable initiatives. The “Tiny Heroes, Global Saviors” project in Lad Pachi community exemplified an innovative organic waste management approach using black soldier fly larvae to decompose organic waste and develop into a protein-based and laboratory-tested pet food product. The project received the 2024 IGGA Award in the “Benefitting Society” category. In the area of sustainable transportation, the “S-Guard Barrier Pole” was developed to enhance pedestrian safety, particularly for individuals using wheelchairs, while also deterring motorcyclists from driving on the footpath. Most recently, the 3C partners have co-developed a smart, rechargeable electric garbage-collection motorcycle designed for narrow alleys, with prototypes currently being tested in several communities throughout the district.
Copyright (c) 2025 Chanita Rukspollmuang, Pornchai Mongkhonvanit, Trithos Kamsuwan, Narumol Aungsirisak, Jaratdao Reynolds https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Student-Led, Research-Informed and Practice Focussed: University College Cork's Journey to Sustainability
Sustainability is the defining challenge of our age. As engines of social progress, universities play a foundational role in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and shaping a secure future. A student-led, research-informed, practice-focused approach has made University College Cork (UCC) one of the world’s most sustainable universities, consistently ranked in the UI GreenMetric top 10. Sustainability principles are central to teaching, research, outreach and operations at UCC, and are a cornerstone of organisational leadership, culture and strategy. UCC published its first Sustainability Strategy in 2016 and reports on priority initiatives annually. Researchers, including those in the UCC Futures Sustainability Institute, advance solutions to global challenges. Mapping research onto the SDGs ensures responsive priority setting for a sustainable future. An open-source SDG Toolkit supports the integration of sustainability in teaching, and a Connected Curriculum provides a framework to embed the SDGs in curricular and extra-curricular learning. UCC’s Sustainability Academy delivers bespoke industry-aligned programmes, educating future leaders to drive transformation. UCC integrates emerging sustainability practices into operations, recently adopting new approaches to the sustainability of its website and other digital spaces. This paper outlines UCC’s holistic journey to embedding sustainability through research, education and leadership, highlighting key enablers and success factors.
Copyright (c) 2025 John O'Halloran, John F Barimo, Siobhan Cusack, Sandra Irwin, Maria J Kirrane, Gerard Mullally, David Nyaluke, Julie O'Donoghue, Catherine O'Mahony, Mark Poland, Maurice Ryder https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
National Chi Nan University's Role in Dark-Sky Governance and Regional Revitalization: A Model of Local Engagement and International Vision
National Chi Nan University (NCNU) integrates local engagement with global perspectives, advancing University Social Responsibility (USR) initiatives to support regional development. A key example is NCNU’s role in Hehuan Mountain Dark-Sky Park, Taiwan’s first internationally certified dark-sky park, promoting sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. Taiwan’s tourism industry struggles to balance economic growth with sustainability. In Qingjing, short-stay tourism strains local resources. NCNU collaborated with governments and astronomy associations to develop dark-sky tourism (DST) as a solution to extend visitor stays while preserving ecology. NCNU helped draft the Hehuan Mountain Dark-Sky Park Management Ordinance, aligning lighting regulations with International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) standards. The university fostered cooperation among government agencies, businesses, and astronomy experts to balance conservation with economic benefits. DST integration into hospitality services encouraged eco-friendly tourism, while star-guiding programs built local expertise. Beyond dark-sky governance, NCNU supports regional revitalization in healthcare, Indigenous tourism, and AI-driven smart agriculture. By training professionals and fostering sustainable industries, NCNU strengthens economic resilience, positioning Hehuan Mountain as a global research hub for light pollution studies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yung Ping Tseng, You Zih Jiang https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Tuta Sindina: The Way Forward in Managing Academia at Escuela Superior Politenica De Chimborazo
This paper addresses the acute, interconnected socio-ecological challenges facing the Chimborazo province of Ecuador, a region characterized by high rates of poverty, chronic child malnutrition, and severe environmental degradation. These challenges demand a systemic, university-led response that transcends traditional models of outreach and knowledge transfer. The institutional model proposed herein was developed using a Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodology, which integrates a Quintuple Helix framework to engage stakeholders from academia, industry, government, civil society, and the natural environment. The primary result is the Tuta Sindina ecosystem, a novel organizational model for the Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH) designed to foster a regional socio-ecological transition. Key features of this model include the creation of interdisciplinary research institutes targeting regional crises, comprehensive curriculum reform based on the principles of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), and the deep integration of ancestral Kichwa knowledge, particularly the philosophy of Sumak Kawsay (Good Living). This paper concludes that the Tuta Sindina model offers a robust and potentially replicable framework for universities, particularly in the Global South, to function as anchor institutions for regional sustainability, thereby contributing a unique perspective to the global discourse on the role of higher education in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Copyright (c) 2025 Pablo Vanegas-Peralta, Rafael Cordova-Uvidia https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Sustainable Requalification of the Zeferino Vaz Campus Drainage System: Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Resilience
The increasing impermeabilization of soil and intensification of extreme weather events have heightened the risk of flooding at Unicamp's Zeferino Vaz campus. Designed in the 1960s, the current drainage infrastructure is no longer adequate to meet present and future climate challenges. This study proposes the requalification of the drainage system through Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), aligning with Unicamp’s 2021-2031 Integrated Territorial Master Plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). NbS promote a shift from traditional rapid runoff models to sustainable drainage strategies that enhance infiltration, evapotranspiration, and retention. The project adopts a multi-scalar methodology, integrating interventions at the lot, street, neighborhood, and watershed levels. Planning is structured into five steps: hydrological diagnosis, mapping of impermeable and flood-prone areas, typology selection, feasibility analysis, and integration into institutional planning. The project is currently in its third step, identifying suitable NbS typologies for priority zones on campus. Supported by Unicamp’s sustainability governance, the initiative is embedded in a broader data-driven and participatory approach. It also foresees the integration of educational components, monitoring systems, and partnerships with academic and municipal stakeholders. Preliminary results include a complete hydrological diagnosis, detailed geospatial mapping of impermeable and flood-prone areas, and the preliminary selection of NbS typologies tailored to priority campus zones. The expected outcomes include flood risk reduction, increased biodiversity, enhanced thermal comfort, and the creation of outdoor learning environments. By leveraging its living lab model and long-standing sustainability commitment, Unicamp aims to transform environmental challenges into opportunities for innovation and resilience, and offers a replicable model for universities and urban areas.
Copyright (c) 2025 Gabriela Marques Romero, Thalita S. Dalbelo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Applied Research for the Construction of a Sustainable Campus at the University of Sao Paulo
The University of São Paulo (USP), through its Environmental Policy and under the coordination of the Superintendence of Environmental Management (SGA), has been promoting sustainability initiatives across its campuses. One of the most recent efforts is the USP Sustainability Program (USPSusten), which supports teaching, research, outreach, and shared management activities focused on socio-environmental sustainability, carried out by faculty and postdoctoral researchers. Highlighted projects include: (a) the Bioenergy and Biofertilizer Production Plant (BBPP), which uses organic waste from campus dining halls and green areas at the main campus (CUASO) to produce biogas and fertilizers; (b) a pilot plant for fueling hydrogen-powered buses, with a range of 240 km; (c) photovoltaic energy generation, with the potential to meet up to 27% of contracted electricity demand; and (d) greenhouse gas inventories, based on the GHG Protocol methodology. The BBPP, in operation since May 2021, processes organic waste to generate an average of 2,800 kWh/month, with an average output of 136 kWh per ton of waste. The hydrogen fuel project uses ethanol as a renewable energy source and aims to reduce CO₂eq emissions per capita by up to 72% compared to conventional combustion vehicles. Solar generation has shown economic feasibility for units consuming over 100 MWh/month. The emission inventory, structured through an action-research approach, involves pilot units within USP and highlights the need for improvements in the use of refrigerant gases in buildings and anesthetic gases in hospitals. These integrated efforts demonstrate the University’s commitment to conserving natural resources and enhancing quality of life.
Copyright (c) 2025 Patricia Faga Iglecias Lemos, Tamara Maria Gomes, Alexandre de Oliveira e Aguiar, Beethoven Narvaez-Romo, Camila Agner D'Aquino, Danilo Perecin, Fernanda Brando, Ildo Luis Sauer, Julio Romel Martinez Bolanos, Julio Romano Meneghini, Priscila Rosseto Camiloti, Roberto Zilles, Sergio Almeida Pacca, Suani Teixeira Coelho, Thiago Lopes, Carlos G. Carlotti Junior https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0