Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse recent actions of energy efficiency implemented by University of Passo Fundo, a higher education institution located in the south of Brazil, and their contributions to Goal 7. Design/methodology/approach The analysis is based on collected energy data and information of energy efficiency actions applied at the university. Findings The paper shows the progress related to the energy practices and discusses opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses of applying energy efficiency at universities and its contributions towards sustainable development goal (SDG) 7. Practical implications The findings of this study can inform readers about University of Passo Fundo鈥檚 initiatives towards energy efficiency focussed in lightening, photovoltaic solar power generation and free energy market. Readers are able to improve their knowledge with the discussion of internal and external factors related to the initiatives. Originality/value The originality of this paper is connected to the idea of sharing the experiences from University of Passo Fundo, connecting energy efficiency practices at universities to SDG 7 and also exploring opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses of applying these practices in the context of a higher education institution.
Purpose Considering the different roles universities can perform to contribute to sustainable development, it is through teaching and outreach that they might be able to connect to the academic and local communities the most. The purpose of this study is to investigate the extent to which energy sustainability is being considered in campus teaching and outreach activities of different higher education institutions worldwide. In this context, this exploratory study was developed. Design/methodology/approach Through an online survey, a group of 36 universities from all continents was inquired about the level of sustainability in energy aspects of teaching and outreach activities, including curriculum change, training courses for staff and the regularity of outreach projects. Findings The results allowed global analysis concerning challenges and opportunities of these educational activities. This study also touches upon the interconnection between these practices and the contribution of universities towards the 2030 Agenda, and how universities can expand their activities and contribute practically to society. In terms of practical contributions, this study provides recommendations for higher education institutions to develop further in the area of energy sustainability through teaching and outreach. Originality/value Energy is a sustainability aspect relatively well covered by actions on campus operations, but there is a paucity of studies connecting this topic to teaching and outreach activities. This study is an approach to not only fill this gap but also reinforce the university role and contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Purpose Universities have an important role in articulation of the transformation of society, in the formation of individuals capable of acting in the processes that enable sustainable development goals (SDGs), in theoretical areas and in practical and concrete actions. Within the University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Brazil, some practices are being adopted from this perspective. This paper aims to present the efforts of UPF to achieve SDGs in its activities. Design/methodology/approach For the development of these research were consulted all administrative instruments of the Foundation University of Passo Fundo, from the proposals and guidelines of its creation in the decade of the 1960s to the most recent of the Institutional Development Plan PDI 2017-2021 and other bibliographic references. From the documentation, the effective results achieved by University Social Responsibility Policy (PRSU) and Institutional Environmental Policy were evaluated. Findings A process of consolidating the thematic of the SDGs within the university structure is perceived, with a participatory vision of the academic community. Research limitations/implications Although PRSU the policy has been developed since 2005, the effective results are recent and under construction. Practical implications The study identified a direction for a change of paradigms, moving from isolated and non-continuity actions to the establishment of normative guidelines. Social implications In this sense, this paper seeks to contribute to the process of discussion and generation of practices for the implementation of an agenda with its own goals in the areas of university鈥檚 action at local and regional levels, as well as contributing to a wide level. Originality/value The paper reports the process of development of the social and environmental policies at UPF to include SDGs in its academic and administrative procedures, which should encourage another similar university to follow suit.
Energy efficiency has received increasing attention in sustainable development over the past years due to the attention of climate change mitigation. In this context, universities have the role of promoting sustainability through energy efficiency efforts, improving environmental, economic and social aspects and increasing energy savings and the use of renewable energy. The aim of this paper is to perform a systematic review of the literature on the topic energy efficiency initiatives/practices/actions at Universities and analyse how they are contributing to the four categories created by LiFE Index: facilities and operations; leadership and governance; learning, teaching and research; partnerships and engagement. The databases Web of Science and Scopus were used to the review and resulted in 100 articles published in the last 10 years. This research illustrates a comprehensive approach related to the panorama of initiatives, practices and actions that universities are developing in the energy efficiency topic. In addition, the literature review highlights examples and barriers between energy efficiency and sustainable development by comparing and analysing them, showing its relevant features.
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