Strategy

2023–2028 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
OF INTERNATIONAL EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY

International European University (IEU) strives for sustainable development. We believe that education is a key driver of sustainable development, and we are committed to using our higher education institution to teach and provide students with more opportunities for positive impact on the world.

Our Sustainable Development Strategy is based on the following principles:

• Education for sustainable development: we aim to integrate education for sustainable development (ESD) into all aspects of our training program. We believe that ESD is essential to enable students to develop knowledge, skills and values required to live and work in an eco-friendly world.
• Research and innovation: We aim to conduct research and develop innovative solutions to solve sustainable development problems. We believe that research and innovation are crucial to find new ways to protect the environment, reduce poverty and create a fairer world.
• Sustainable functioning of the University campus: we strive to operate in an environmentally friendly manner. We work on reducing our impact on the environment by using renewable energy, conserving water, reducing waste and reducing the use of plastic products.
• Management: we aim to make sustainability a priority for our University. The sustainable development program is stipulated in the University’s general strategy. Representatives of the University administration are involved in all aspects of the development, adoption and monitoring of the University’s sustainable development policy.
• Community engagement: we strive to work with our local community to promote sustainable development. We work with local partners to develop projects on solving sustainable development issues in our region.

We believe that together we can create a more sustainable future for everyone.

Given below are some specific actions taken by IEU to implement its Sustainable Development Strategy:

• We have developed disciplines for ESD integrated into all of our educational programs.
• We have established a Green Office, the University’s sustainable development center.
• We are working on the project to install solar panels on our campus to generate renewable energy.
• We have begun implementing the water conservation program.
• We are cooperating with local organizations to develop projects on solving sustainable development issues in our region.

We strive for constant advancement and will keep taking steps to make IEU a more sustainable University.

1. Education for sustainable development

• To increase environmental awareness and involvement of the University community in environmental conservation by expanding training programs, organizing environmental events and campaigns, and promoting student initiatives.

• To ensure inclusive and fair high-quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for everyone.

International European University provides training ensuring that the future generation most affected by the climate crisis will have the necessary skills to find solutions. We train professionals in healthcare, management, information technology, etc. and the next generation of leaders to combat climate changes, as well as explain our students how to apply their subject knowledge to create a sustainable society. It is particularly important in dealing with the environmental consequences of the russian invasion of Ukraine.

Our staff and students expect us to be proactive in addressing climate emergencies and sustainable development problems. A period of recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in our land: in these tough times, we have to seize chances to move forward with innovative solutions for long-term sustainable development problems. We have to change the behavior and practices that have become a part of these unprecedented times. We realize that we need to do more than before and do it faster. Our actions require a careful balance between environmental, economic and social factors to fully understand their impact. However, we always support the urgent need to reduce emissions, restore the environment and protect our planet in the future.

Indicators: the number of educational components and programs for sustainable development education; by 2028, to ensure that all students acquire knowledge and skills required to promote sustainable development, including, but not limited to, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyle, human rights, gender equality, promoting a culture of peace and countering violence, global citizenship and assessing cultural diversity and the contribution of culture to sustainable development.

2. Research and innovation:

International European University supports and takes part in the world’s leading research to address the pressing challenges faced by humankind. IEU research also focuses on achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals.

Recognizing that sustainable development problems are beyond traditional disciplines, IEU takes a holistic approach to problem solving. The development goals encourage us to assess the impact of our work by considering a range of factors and minimizing unexpected negative consequences. IEU is deeply committed to this balanced approach, ensuring that its research and innovation activities have a positive impact on sustainable development. The University’s research initiatives address a wide range of social, environmental and economic issues, promoting sustainable solutions and contributing to positive changes.

Due to its interdisciplinary activities, IEU takes innovative approaches and facilitates knowledge exchange between experts from different fields. This interdisciplinary approach enhances the University’s research capabilities and provides a comprehensive understanding of complex problems, leading to efficient and sustainable solutions.

IEU’s commitment to the UN goals goes beyond research and innovation. The University aims to introduce the principles of sustainable development in its operations, training program and community engagement activities. Integrating sustainable development practices into all aspects of its operations, IEU is an example for students, staff and the wider community, inspiring them to embrace sustainable values and contribute to a fairer and environmentally conscious society.

International European University is an institution striving to overcome global challenges and achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. IEU actively contributes to creating a more sustainable future by positively affecting society, the environment and the economy. Taking a holistic approach and fostering interdisciplinary cooperation, IEU shows its commitment to finding integrated and sustainable solutions to complicated challenges faced by humankind.

International European University not only focuses on cutting-edge research but also realizes the social impact of its scientific activities. We work on establishing the open research culture promoting the understanding and value of diverse contributions and ensuring the highest standards and best practices in research integrity and ethics. We make our data available to a wide audience, providing open access to research findings. Besides, we strive to establish a joint infrastructure enabling the efficient use of data and support the development of data reusability methods.

Our goal is to ensure high quality research and promote innovation, taking into account social needs and ethical standards. We aim to cooperate with other universities, organizations and the public to jointly advance knowledge and contribute to science and society.

Indicators: research aimed at addressing such issues as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, and access to high-quality education and healthcare; conducting research in an environmentally friendly manner; reducing environmental impact by preferring online conferences over using vehicles; using more organic food during conference catering.

3. Sustainable functioning of the University campus

International European University takes a unified university approach to sustainable development, covering all activity areas. We actively engage the staff and students in the joint work on finding solutions to these challenges. We realize that many of our employees and students already have experience in sustainable development, deep interest and awareness of the problems we face. However, we have to adopt and promote the sustainable development policy not only among participants in the educational process of our university alone.

To ensure the sustainable functioning of International European University campus, we focus on the following aspects:

• Carbon emissions
• Biodiversity
• Building
• Procurements
• Movement
• Waste

Reducing carbon emissions from University operations.

International European University realizes that the coming years are critical in the context of global warming. Understanding our responsibility as well, we strive to achieve net carbon neutrality in our emissions. Although achieving net carbon neutrality is very challenging under current conditions. It is an ambitious goal requiring considerable efforts. But we aim to reduce our impact on the environment.

When setting the emission reduction goal, we take into account the scale of our campus activities. It is quite important to reduce energy consumption and emissions per person and per square meter of buildings.

IEU strives to take decisive measures to achieve carbon emission reductions, recognizing the urgency of the global climate crisis. Due to careful planning, scientific expertise and cooperation, we aim to gain significant progress to mitigate climate changes and ensure the sustainable future for new generations.

Our priority is to reduce our emissions as much as possible in the short term, and that is where any investment should be focused on. Besides, before involving resources in any reduction scheme, we should determine the most efficient way of their reduction.

Indicators: reducing the use of own cars by the University staff and students; reducing emissions from the electricity consumption (use of renewable electricity sources); reducing emissions from air travel for business trips and optimizing procurement supply chains.

Biodiversity

We understand the importance of green spaces and their biodiversity. We aim to increase the environmental value of our green spaces. Our long-term vision is to increase the amount of green spaces at the University and to enhance the value of biodiversity.

Our University constantly supports all regional initiatives and takes part in planting green spaces. We realize the value of trees both for oxygen production and for improving mental health of the population.

Indicators: the number of planted trees, flowerbeds, fruit trees.

Building

We realize that buildings where our University operates are not new and are built according to old standards when sustainable development goals were not as urgent as now, and other materials and construction methods were used.

We have to check whether our buildings are energy efficient and meet our global goals. When constructing other University facilities, such as the simulation training center and University clinic, we should take into account the principles of sustainable development and try to achieve zero environmental impact.

Indicators: replacement of windows with energy efficient ones, insulation of buildings, the use of economical lamps for lighting, switching to renewable energy sources and heating of buildings, sorting and recycling of garbage, reducing the use of paper and plastic, reducing the use of disposable tableware, reducing the use of water by installing water dispensers, flexible working hours.

Procurements

International European University admits that socially and environmentally conscious procurements are important for a truly sustainable organization. We strive to meet the highest standards in this regard.

Our obligations regarding green procurement are as follows:

• To improve the understanding of the volume of emissions related to our supply chain: we recognize that the impact of our supply chain extends beyond our direct operations. However, to solve this problem, we will work on better understanding and quantifying greenhouse gas emissions related to our suppliers and their activities.
• To introduce staff training to eliminate unsustainable procurement practices: we understands the importance of expanding opportunities for our employees to make informed choices when it comes to procurements. The training will allow us to promote awareness of environmental procurement practices, including such considerations such as environmental impact, social responsibility and ethical choice of sources. Providing our employees with knowledge and tools for making procurement decisions, we can work together to promote positive changes.
• To stimulate social value via our supply chain: we realize that our supply chain provides an opportunity to stimulate social value. Cooperating with suppliers who follow ethical principles, support fair working conditions and promote diversity and inclusion, we can create a positive ripple effect throughout our value chain.

Through responsible procurements, we aim to support businesses prioritizing social and environmental responsibility, thereby reducing the likelihood of external impacts on communities and the environment.

Indicators: optimization of supply chains, careful selection of suppliers, organization of trainings in environmental and socially responsible procurements.

Movement

International European University admits that trips to the University or for operational necessity is a problem for the whole sector, but we aim to find solutions meeting our research and educational needs while reducing the use of polluting vehicles.

Eco-friendly trips are more than just reducing emissions. It is a matter of making available environmentally friendly and economically viable means of transportation that meet everyone’s needs.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to optimize this issue that would work in all circumstances, and different objectives often require compromises. However, we are considering this issue holistically in order to adopt a travel policy reducing environmental impact, ensuring the availability of all necessary trips.

IEU examines various aspects of eco-friendly trips, such as supporting environmentally friendly means of transportation, implementing highly efficient routes, as well as providing infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists. We also support research and innovation aimed at developing sustainable transportation solutions, cooperating with leading education institutions in this area.

IEU is obliged to create an environment where eco-friendly trips are convenient and available to all community members. We are working on the development of policies and action plans that will reduce our impact on the environment using sustainable transportation and promote a healthy and sustainable community.

Indicators: better planning of commuting routes, purchase of electric cars for the University fleet, reduction of travel to conferences by air, the use of bicycles in the warm season

Waste

To achieve sustainable development at International European University (IEU), we focus on proper garbage management.

Given below are a few steps we are taking to efficiently manage waste in the University environment:

• Separate waste collection: collection of waste in proper containers at the campus with proper identification for plastics, paper, glass and organic waste. Promotion of observing separate collection among the staff and students and informing them of its importance.
• Reducing the use of disposable items: promoting the use of reusable dishes and containers for food and drink. The use of refillable containers, reusable coffee or tea cups. Reducing the use of plastic and paper dishes and cutlery.
• Introduction of a recycling system: ensuring the availability of appropriate recycling containers at the campus. Developing cooperation with local recycling companies that can utilize production waste or recycle it into resources.
• Conscious consumption and recycling: promoting conscious consumption and recycling among the staff and students. Promoting the practice of repairing and recycling items instead of immediately throwing them away. Organizing charity events where people can donate unwanted items to others who can use them.
• Education and awareness: conducting information campaigns, seminars and lectures on sustainable waste management. Involvement of students in projects aimed at waste reduction and promotion of environmental practices.

International European University prefers the approach to waste management that combines separate collection, recycling and conscious consumption to create a sustainable and environmentally responsible learning environment.

Indicators: the number of containers for separate waste collection, the number of agreements with recycling companies, the number of responsible waste management campaigns involving students.

4. Management

The role of the management team

At International European University, we strongly believe in integrating sustainable development into all aspects of our operations, business practices, research and teaching methodology. Sustainable development is a unifying force, inspiring our staff and students to jointly develop creative and innovative solutions to the current challenges.

Our desire for sustainability is deeply integrated into our management structure, fostering inter-institutional cooperation and allowing teams to adopt and improve sustainable practices. It is the foundation for our shared university vision and values, permeating every aspect of our work. This integrated approach ensures that sustainability is not considered as a separate application but rather as a shared responsibility embraced by everyone.

The University’s sustainable development management team leads the strategic area of sustainable development. This group is responsible for monitoring sustainable development initiatives, monitoring performance and approving policies. The management group headed by the Chair of the University Academic Council consists of academic, university staff and student leaders engaged in sustainable development, as well as Academic Council members responsible for education, research and finance.

In order to implement sustainable results at the University, we have created a sustainable development group. This group consists of both teaching staff, employees of various services and students of the University. The team manages routine sustainable development processes, ensuring the efficient implementation of our general sustainable development goals across the institution.

Sustainability at IEU is not just an abstract concept; it is an integral part of our organizational DNA. Due to our approach, we strive to create a sustainable future and inspire for positive changes within our University community and beyond.

Involvement of students

At International European University, we have adopted a unique and inclusive approach to sustainability, encouraging true partnership among scientists, professional services staff and students. Recognizing that students have a deep understanding of sustainable development and a desire for decisive actions, we used their passion to create a unified approach for the entire education institution.

Our Sustainable Development Strategy is the product of cooperation with our students. We are proud to bring the contributions of our students to the center of our approach to sustainability.

To ensure student participation and representation, we included students in both sustainable development management and implementation teams responsible for designing and implementing the strategy. Throughout the development process, students have been actively included in all groups involved in developing and advancing the strategy, from the overall vision to specific actions and goals. We take a transparent and shared approach with student campaigning groups, facilitating the dialog and utilizing their ideas.

At IEU, we realize the invaluable role of students in forming and encouraging our sustainable development efforts. Using their experience, passion and unique perspectives, we aim to work together to create a sustainable future where all members of our University community actively contribute to positive changes.

Involvement of the University staff

At International European University, both academic and professional staff have played a crucial role in the development of our Sustainable Development Strategy. When we began to design our new University vision and strategy, it became clear that our University community has a deep interest in sustainable development. We strive to direct this energy to move further in our sustainable development journey.

Using our Sustainable Development Strategy, we aim to unlock ideas, skills and passion of our entire University community to encourage significant changes across our organization. Our strategy ensures that every staff member has the opportunity to contribute to its implementation. We strongly believe that sustainability is a teamwork requiring the active participation of all members of our community.

At IEU, we strive to develop the culture of sustainable development that permeates every aspect of our activities. Using ideas and commitment of our employees, we aim to drive positive changes and together create a sustainable future.

5. Community engagement

At International European University, we strive to use our knowledge, research and enthusiasm to support the shift not only of the University but also of the entire region to the sustainable future. Our role as a driving force of sustainable development in Kyiv is particularly important in the context of the recovery of the green economy after the pandemic and war.

Relying on our academic and professional experience, we actively cooperate with local enterprises in Kyiv and the region. Due to partnership with local private and public organizations, we jointly address sustainable development issues. We integrate sustainability as a key topic in our numerous cultural events to increase awareness and promote engagement.

We are deeply committed to our civic values and actively cooperate with various city and regional authorities. We strive to optimize our partnership and clearly define responsibilities to facilitate seamless interaction between our staff, students and organizations in Ukraine. Our goal is to maximize our impact by helping local organizations.

Our University policy: to be open and welcoming to everyone.

At IEU, we strive to be an integral part of the sustainable development of the city, encouraging positive relationships and making a significant impact on our community.