Sustainability in Action: The Faculty Strengthens Green Initiatives

At the beginning of December, the Sustainability Working Group at the Faculty of Science of the University of South Bohemia met once again. The meeting followed up on a staff survey conducted in cooperation with the Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences. Another key point on the agenda was the current status of the student-led sustainability project.

• In November, a survey focused on water, energy, and waste management at the Faculty of Science and the Biology Centre was carried out, with 77 respondents participating. The results were discussed in teams, a summary report for staff is being prepared, and key areas for improvement have been identified.
• Sustainability in procurement and purchasing was another major topic. The group proposes developing a purchasing methodology that emphasizes local and certified suppliers, reducing packaging materials, and enabling the return of packaging to suppliers.
• For laboratories, international certifications such as My Green Lab Certification and the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework are being prepared. These certifications aim to reduce the ecological footprint and strengthen competitiveness in project calls.
• The group also plans to encourage more student volunteering, for example in compost disposal and care for shared spaces. A newsletter with tips and tricks for sustainable faculty operations is also in the works.
• At the university level, the “Sustainable USB” logo and logos for individual faculties have been created and are available for use. In the field of education, a popular science article and a questionnaire for students and staff are being prepared. The questionnaire will use Eurostat waste data and offer opportunities for involvement.
• The student project “Sustainable Activities and Activities Raising Awareness of Sustainability at the Faculty of Science and Other USB Faculties” continues. Students are currently working on materials for educational panels (botanical, mycological, and zoological). In the future, an interactive map of the faculty garden will also be available on the website.
• The working group has access to extensive data from an inter-university survey on staff and student commuting, which has not yet been analyzed in detail. These data will serve as a basis for proposals for measures in transport and mobility at the faculty.

For 2026, the group plans to continue student projects, work on laboratory certification, and organize educational activities focused on waste and sustainable operations. Staff and students are invited to contribute their ideas or assistance. The next meeting of the working group is scheduled for February 2026.