Following the principles of the UnaVex program on sustainability, we were divided into small groups from the various participating universities with the goal of developing a sustainable act. After some brainstorming sessions the main topic of discussion was the different strategies, campaigns and initiatives that are currently in place at our universities, or lack thereof, and to somehow showcase them in order to raise awareness on the topic of sustainable campuses.
Through these sessions, we have decided that a good way to showcase the different sustainable initiatives from our respective universities is via video. With the popularity of short video format, we decided, as a group, to follow that path and assign tasks of filming and editing the video as well as writing an accompanying description. Apart from this, we have also decided to appeal to the viewer by having a “call to action” segment at the end of the video, highlighting the importance of contributing to sustainability. Click here to see the full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9v3L8yKyH8I
Group members from the University of Johannesburg, KU Leuven and Freie Universität Berlin filmed some of the sustainable practices that are in place at their campuses. Here are some examples from them!
🌱 University of Johannesburg, South Africa:
Green spaces have been created to help combat climate change but also naturally ventilated greenhouses to reduce water and pesticide use. The campus also features recycling stations and solar energy systems, including an electric bus that supports sustainable transport and reduces carbon emissions.
🌱 KU Leuven, Belgium:
Water filling stations and coffee machines are spread around the different campuses where students must bring their own bottles, mugs or cups since single-use plastics and disposable cups have been banned to reduce waste. Recycling and composting have also been implemented in the student residences.
🌱 Freie Universität Berlin, Germany:
The canteen has embraced sustainability with many actions: convenient water dispensers for easy refills, reusable utensils and food containers replacing single-use packaging, a strong focus on delicious plant-based dishes, and efficient waste separation.
To conclude, through this project we hope to raise awareness and encourage the adoption of even more effective sustainability practices across campuses worldwide!
Many thanks to our coordinator Irene for encouraging us and being part of the team and to the UnaVex organizers for the opportunity to participate in such an engaging and insightful program.
Credits:
Filming: Foster Junior Osei, Aqhama Blossom Bayi, Victoria Demetriou, Phuong, Adriano Cimmino
Video editing: Foster Junior Osei
Subtitles: Lemi Hafa, Amrit Parkash
Accompanied text: Chiara Tessariol, Victoria Demetriou