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About U.Porto - Sustainability

The University of Porto positions itself as an agent for change regarding sustainable development, while considering the well-being of current and future generations. We want to set an example through initiatives and specific actions.

U.Porto is strongly dedicated to its 17 Sustainable Development Goals defined by the United Nations. It is aware of the important role it plays in scientific education and research, as well as in social responsibility and the protection of the common good.

It is not by chance that sustainability is nowadays a characteristic of the University's classrooms and laboratories. It is present in courses and course units in various dimensions (environmental, social and economic); or in the development of research projects geared towards answering the great global challenges faced by society in fields such as health, climate, biodiversity or renewable energy.

This "culture of sustainability" is rooted in the academic community and in the campus through the implementation of measures aimed at the energy efficiency of buildings, the valorisation of the waste produced, or the promotion of sustainable mobility (for example, the U-Bike project). There are also more green spaces which colour the University's campus.

The U.Porto's commitment to sustainability is also reflected in the inclusion of strategic goals in its strategic plan for 2030, like the certification of buildings according to the European standard NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) and the levels of self-production of energy. In addition, the University has implemented, whenever possible, the principles proposed by the National Strategy for Green Public Procurement.

In the front line for a more sustainable world

As a leading player, U.Porto also aims to encourage other Portuguese universities through initiatives such as the Sustainable Campus Network. Its first conference took place in 2019 at FEUP and resulted in the signature of the first letter of commitment to sustainable development in the framework of Portuguese higher education.

On a local level, U.Porto is one of the institutions that participates in the Porto Climate Pact. Through this initiative, the University commits to the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 205, participanting with its critical mass, scientific resources and technological innovations in the environmental field participate in the city's sustainable development.

The University of Porto is also the seat of the Common Home of Humanity, a network which advocates the global management of Earth's natural resources.