SUSTA Erasmus + program

We are happy to share highlights from our recent Multiplier Event held in Poznan on October 21, 2022, at the inspiring venue Magazyn Dobra

The event brought together passionate individuals committed to promoting sustainability within education, business, and beyond 🌳

The choice of Magazyn Dobra was perfectly aligned with our project's ethos of sustainable consumption. This venue set the stage for fruitful discussions and collaborations among our diverse participants.

During the event, we delved into the core objectives of the SUSTA project, showcasing:

📊 Results of a student survey (IO1)
📚 Syllabus for a sustainability course (IO2)
📘 Assumptions and contents of an e-book (IO3) and case studies collection (IO4)
📽️ Recorded films on sustainability from the Summer Course in Prague (IO5)

Following the presentations, engaging discussions ensued regarding the integration of sustainability into educational curricula and training programs.

With 16 participants representing various sectors and regions, including education, business, and NGOs, the event fostered a vibrant network of like-minded individuals dedicated to advancing sustainability initiatives.

👥 Our participants included:

- Educational sector representatives
- Business trainers from Poland's VET sector
- Employers from Slovakia with a focus on sustainability
- NGO representatives passionate about sustainability

We are grateful for the collaborative spirit and valuable contributions from all attendees.

Let's talk about digital pollution!

🌐💻 Digital pollution is real, encompassing e-waste, excess storage, energy consumption, and a hefty carbon footprint! 🌍🌳

🚫 Digital pollution poses challenges from toxic e-waste to staggering energy consumption.

The impacts are real – data centers alone consume 10 times the power of an average home.

💡 How can organizations lead the charge?
Adopt green IT practices.
Opt for sustainable server management and cloud storage.
Recycle electronic equipment responsibly.
Cultivate a sustainability culture among employees.
Reduce digital clutter and invest in sustainable tech solutions.

🌱 Individuals, you have a role too:
Choose eco-friendly electronic products.
Clean up unnecessary cloud storage files.
Raise awareness about digital pollution.

💬 Digital pollution is a challenge we can overcome together. Let’s be mindful consumers, advocate for sustainability, and strive for a tech-savvy, green future. 🌍💚

🌿 5+1 Sustainability Actions You Should Start in 2024! 🌍

Our Project may be over, but we are still here to educate and share our knowledge about sustainability!

As we step into a new year, let's make a commitment to a greener and more sustainable lifestyle.

Here are some simple yet impactful everyday sustainability tips to incorporate into your routine in 2024:

1. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle): Kick the single-use plastic habit and carry a reusable water bottle. It's a small change that makes a big difference!

2. Power Down: Unplug chargers and electronic devices when not in use. Conserving energy is not only eco-friendly but also easy on the wallet.

3. Eat Green: Consider adopting a plant-based diet, even if only a few days a week (it is not as hard as you think). Your choices at the dinner table can have a positive impact on the environment.

4. Mindful Commuting: Opt for eco-friendly transportation options when possible. Whether it's biking, walking, carpooling, or using public transport, reducing your carbon footprint starts with your commute.

5. Digital Detox: Be mindful of your online activities. Reduce your digital footprint by unsubscribing from unnecessary emails and deleting old files. Every byte counts!

6. Thrift and Upcycle: Embrace second-hand shopping or upcycling projects. Give new life to old items and contribute to reducing the demand for new resources.

Remember, small changes collectively make a significant impact. Let's embark on this journey towards a more sustainable future together! 🌱💚

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December 31

This is our last post for this season and we want to devote it to a summary of the things that SUSTA Erasmus + project has achieved throughout this time.

First of all in order to achieve the below outputs the partner teams had to meet and organize everything. There were 5 team meetings!

TPM #1: The aim of this meeting was set up the work of the partnership both regarding the formal issues and the core aspects of intellectual outputs with the special focus on planning. This meeting was held online.

TPM #2: The aim of this meeting was to sum up results of the first output and it was dedicated to the curriculum of teaching course preparation. It took place in Prague (Czech Republic) at Czech University of Life Sciences.

TPM #3: The aim of this meeting was to sum up results of the second output and to aggree details of the upcoming workflow. This meeting took place at University of Zagreb.

TPM #4: The aim of this meeting was to sum up results of IO #3 (e-book) and IO #4 (case studies) to aggree details of workflow of IO #5 (videos planned to record during the mobility for students). It took place at Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra.

TPM #5: The aim of this meeting was sum up all results of project and to discuss on final management, impact and reporting issues. It took place at Poznan University of Economics and Business.

Regarding the outputs of this project:

Output 1: IO1 was a desk research which focused on analyzing students' awareness of sustainability issues, their expectations related to sustainability education, and existing university courses on sustainability in partner countries.

Output 2. Building on the findings from IO1, our second output involves designing the syllabus for a sustainability-focused teaching course.

Output3. We developed learning materials on sustainability in the form of an e-book for students. The e-book was organized into modules and units based on the syllabus established in IO2.

Output 4: In IO4 we compiled a collection of case studies on sustainability. These studies will showcase real-world examples of companies managing their operations in a sustainable manner.

Output 5: In IO5, led by CULS, we produced instructional videos on teaching sustainability. These videos will cover all course content and are uploaded to the YouTube channels of the SUSTA project.

You can find all of our outputs on our website: https://ue.poznan.pl/susta-teaching-sustainability-in-higher-education-in-the-field-of-economics-and-management/

We would also like to thank our partners for their hard work and devotion throughout this project!

University of Zagreb / Sveučilište u Zagrebu
Czech University of Life Sciences Prague
University of Szeged
Poznań University of Economics and Business
Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche
Slovak University of Agriculture

(Day 12, December 30)

Daily Sustainable Action:
Reuse-recycle-reduce!

Inspiring event of the day!

Today we will talk about SUSTA Erasmus + project and another great initiative that was done during the project!

Building upon the outcomes of IO1, our second output centered on the meticulous design of a syllabus for a teaching course with a sustainability focus!

This syllabus consists of lectures (20 hours) and e-learning (10 hours), the course aims to equip students with comprehensive knowledge of sustainable development, consumption, and business strategies.

Learning outcomes encompass recognizing and analyzing sustainable development goals, evaluating economic benefits, understanding innovation's role, implementing green actions, and applying regulatory frameworks.

The syllabus covers diverse topics, including climate change, sustainable consumption patterns, green supply chains, and disclosures in sustainable business practices. Student responsibilities include active participation, case study analysis, and continuous assessment through exams and practical work.

The course utilizes a variety of instructional formats, such as lectures, seminars, workshops, e-learning, independent assignments, and mentor collaboration.

Evaluation involves continuous monitoring, tests, case studies, workshops, independent assignments, seminar papers, and a concluding anonymous survey.

The required literature includes an e-book on sustainability for students and various publications from the Poznań University of Economics and Business Press, supplemented by optional readings on global sustainability standards and frameworks.

You can find more here:

SUSTA - Teaching sustainability in higher education in the field of economics and management - Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny w Poznaniu Kształcimy liderów przyszłości. Prowadzimy badania naukowe ważne dla sukcesu gospodarki.

Exciting news!

As part of the output 4 for the SUSTA Erasmus + project we successfully compiled a significant array of case studies focusing on sustainability.

These practical examples showcase companies effectively navigating their operations with a commitment to sustainability, representing a diverse range of enterprises across all partner countries.

Now you can find them available here: https://ue.poznan.pl/dokumenty/output-case-book-04/

Day 11 (December 29):

Daily Sustainable Action:
Make the switch to energy-efficient LED lights. They use significantly less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

Sustainability Inspiration:
This time we will talk about Poznań University of Economics and Business and the sustainability actions they have accomplished throughout this year!

The university actively engages in research projects and academic courses that prioritize the central theme of minimizing the ecological footprint. Their commitment to environmental responsibility is woven into the fabric of formal documents and procedures, including the university's strategy, mission, vision, and values.

Initiatives encompassing equal treatment, corporate social responsibility, support for individuals with disabilities, and ecological concerns are integral to their mission.

A proactive environmental action plan has been devised, identifying key areas within the university's operations contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Based on this analysis, they have established tasks dedicated to mitigating the carbon footprint of UEP.

The study programs consistently integrate content related to sustainable development. Notably, there has been a noticeable uptick in the number of theses focused on this subject and scientific publications authored by UEP employees over the past several years. Well done!

Day 10 (December 28):

Daily Sustainable action:
Invest in sustainable fashion choices! Opt for second-hand or eco-friendly brands. 👗

Inspiring event of 2023:
In this post, we are thrilled to introduce another remarkable output from the SUSTA Erasmus + project: the "Sustainability E-book for Students."

Within this comprehensive e-book, you'll discover a wide array of topics pertaining to sustainability. From an insightful Introduction to Sustainability and a Macro-economic approach to sustainability to discussions on sustainable business practices, consumer behavior, and disclosure in sustainable business practices, the e-book offers valuable insights and knowledge.

This ebook was written by by an international team of authors:
● from University of Zagreb
● from Czech University of Life Sciences Prague
● from University of Szeged
● from Poznań University of Economics and Business
● from Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche
● from Slovak University of Agriculture

You can find the e-book on the link below!
https://ue.poznan.pl/pobierz/elpGXVdQWFdUWXsJFgMIDgcBAwg/

LinkedIn This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

Day 9 (December 27):

Daily Sustainable Action
Practice mindful water usage. 🚿 Where do you use most of your daily water? How can you reduce it?

Sustainability Inspiration:
In our previous post, we touched on our project and one of its noteworthy outputs. Today, let's shine a spotlight on one of our esteemed partners, the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague.

Over the years, they have consistently impressed us with a range of impactful initiatives. From the establishment of a biogas plant and insect hotels to the creation of a flowery meadow, solar pergola, and a freeshop accessible to all, they have set a commendable example. Additionally, their commitment extends to installing water refill stations—a small yet significant step toward sustainability.

The Czech University of Life Sciences Prague's inspiring actions serve as a model for other universities to emulate. Congratulations on these achievements, and we look forward to continued collaboration in fostering sustainability! Well done!

CZU Responsible and Sustainable A number of responsible activities and projects are implemented at the Czech University of Life Sciences, and they spread the principles of sustainable development amongst students, employees and the public. Their implementation is often provided by individual faculties and in cooperation with stude...

Day 8 (December 26)!

Sustainable daily action:
Close the tap when you are not actually usually water. Its a simple habit that saves so much water!

Sustainable inspiration of the day:
We've discussed various initiatives, and I'd like to highlight the impactful work of the SUSTA Erasmus + project over the past year in promoting sustainability among higher education students.

In particular, we have launched our own YouTube channel as part of Output 5. On this channel, you can explore a range of free courses covering diverse topics within the field of sustainability.

We invite you to take a look and engage with these valuable resources. Your participation contributes to our shared commitment to fostering sustainability in higher education.

SUSTA UEP - YouTube Erasmus + Strategic partnership - Higher Education project.Entitled "Teaching Sustainability in Higher Education in the field of Economics and Management" Th...

Day 7 (December 25):

Sustainable Daily Action:
So, assuming you bought the gifts for your loved ones, and now its to wrap them, do not forget to use eco-friendly gift wrap or reusable options. 🎁

Sustainable action of 2023:
In 2023, a global surge in sustainability legislation is anticipated, with governments worldwide focusing on circularity and ESG-related rules.

Europe, a sustainability leader, approved the Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), making sustainability reporting mandatory for 50,000 businesses by 2026. European corporations plan to use 2023 as a test year for CSRD and ESRS requirements. Beyond Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, India, and the United States are intensifying their commitment to sustainability.

Initiatives include cracking down on greenwashing, mandating ESG reporting, developing green bonds, and increasing climate accountability. Despite delays, the SEC plans to rule on climate disclosure in April, aligning with the newly approved Inflation Reduction Act's $374 billion in climate spending.

The global "forcing function" is driving companies worldwide to adhere to evolving sustainability standards.

Legislation is a very important way to promote sustainability in many sections!

Day 6 (December 24):

Daily sustainable action!
If you are running for last minute Christmas Gifts, support your local and sustainable businesses!

Inspiring event of 2023:
Today we will not refer to a University and their actions, but we will talk about EU.

The European Union (EU) has implemented a regulation, effective since June 2023, to halt imports of commodities associated with deforestation!!

This includes products like soy, beef, palm oil, wood, cocoa, coffee, and rubber. Importers must demonstrate that these products are not sourced from recently deforested areas or have contributed to forest degradation.

The EU, previously the second-largest importer linked to deforestation globally, aims to address its 16% contribution to deforestation tied to international trade.

Greenpeace commends this regulation, emphasizing its pioneering nature while advocating for its expansion to protect additional natural areas and cover more products, such as corn and poultry.

Its a great step of 2023 and we could not skip it!