Framework for the Environmental Sustainability of Research Organisations

Key Details

• Published by: Science Europe, November 2024
• Location: Rue de la Science 14, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
• Contact: [email protected]
• DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14179864
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Foreword

• Climate change and environmental degradation are urgent global challenges.
• 2024 expected to be first year global warming exceeds 1.5°C.
• Science Europe seeks to reduce environmental impacts of research activities.
• Prioritizes the role of science in tackling societal challenges and promoting sustainable development.

Introduction and Background

• Addresses the triple planetary crisis: climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
• European Green Deal aims for EU climate neutrality by 2050.
• Academic system considered not climate-sustainable by current standards.
• Greening research involves planning, management, and conduct aligned with sustainability.

Goal and Structure of the Framework

• Ultimate Goal: Promote environmental sustainability as a core value in research.
• Includes eight thematic action areas for systemic change.
• Aims to identify, share, and coordinate environmental sustainability practices.

Actions and Objectives

• Overarching Goal: Promote environmental sustainability alongside research excellence.
• Key Actions:
  • Develop policies for greening research.
  • Awareness campaigns.
  • Dialogue and collaboration between organizations.
  • Systemic approach to long-term investments in sustainable practices.

Action Areas

1. Environmental Footprint of Research Organisations

   • Assess and mitigate environmental impacts.
   • Promote sustainable procurement and resource use.

2. Environmental Criteria in Research Evaluation

   • Integrate sustainability as a criterion in research evaluation processes.

3. Sustainable Travel Policy

   • Develop criteria for sustainable travel considerations.

4. Promoting Digital Solutions

   • Utilize AI and digitalization for sustainability goals.

5. Environmental Impacts of Digitalisation

   • Minimize environmental impacts of digital technologies.

6. Science for Policy Activities

   • Enhance science-policy interactions.

7. Inter- and Trans-disciplinary Approach

   • Foster collaborative approaches to sustainability challenges.

8. Knowledge Management

   • Encourage open exchange of sustainability practices and knowledge.

Next Steps for Science Europe

• Priorities:
  1. Share best practices for sustainability in research.
  2. Coordinate actions towards sustainable practices.
  3. Mobilize research organisations to tackle sustainability challenges.
  4. Broaden stakeholder network.
  5. Engage with decision-makers for policy support.
  6. Monitor and adjust the Framework based on feedback and progress.
• Goal: Integrate environmental sustainability into research cultures as a fundamental value.