Pillars of the Sustainable Development Strategy 2030

Pillar I. Pillar II.  Pillar III. Pillar IV.  Pillar V.

Pillar I: Education & Values

Sustainability in education

We will focus on the systematic integration of sustainability into the University's education, research, and internal operations. We strive to create an environment at the University of Hradec Králové where sustainability is an integral part of our study programmes, professional development, and personal attitudes of individuals.

Our goals

• Integration of sustainability into study programmes and expansion of the educational offer for Czech and international students through summer schools, internships, and lifelong learning programmes;
• Creation of a system of further education for the UHK employees in the field of sustainability according to the specifics of their jobs;
• Building awareness of the importance of the role of the individual in the transition to a sustainable university and reinforcement of values of social responsibility, such as ethical principles, equality of opportunity, and gender equality;
• Enhancement of the quality and accessibility of education for all members of the University community.

What we do

• We analyse the current state of sustainability teaching at individual faculties and propose its strengthening within the existing Bachelor's and Master's study programmes.
• We prepare educational activities for employees that reflect current challenges in the field of sustainability and responsible behaviour.
• We incorporate sustainability into the UHK summer schools programme, taking into account the specifics of individual disciplines and subject-specific focuses.
• We educate students in Erasmus+ priority areas such as sustainability, inclusion, democratic values, and digitalisation through introductory courses on environmental behaviour or cybersecurity.

Pillar II. Science and research

Sustainability in research

The University of Hradec Králové supports sustainable development as an integral part of scientific, research, and social activities. Our goal is to contribute to solving environmental and societal challenges through quality research, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

Our priorities

• Cooperation with research institutions in the Czech Republic and abroad;
• Improvement of the quality of research, development, and transfer of knowledge into practice;
• Availability of scientific outputs in the spirit of Open Science and with respect to ecology;
• Promotion of interdisciplinary dialogue and innovation in sustainability.

What we do

• We are actively involved in grant calls focused on sustainability.
• We organize events (lectures, exhibitions, conferences) for professionals and the public.
• We share scientific knowledge and data in accordance with the principles of Open Science.
• We support e-publications and e-textbooks available online.
• We strengthen the international reach of our sustainable development research.
• We emphasize sustainability across all the UHK research directions.

Pillar III. Governance

Social Responsibility and Sustainability at the UHK

The University of Hradec Králové perceives social responsibility and sustainability as a long-term commitment. We are building a system that supports the development of these values across the entire University – from strategic planning to day-to-day operations.

Our goals

• We create a functional structure and staffing for the field of sustainability.
• We proceed in accordance with the UHK Strategic Plan.
• We set processes and recommendations that support the sustainable operation of all University activities.
• We are actively involved in (inter)national networks and initiatives in the field of sustainable development.

What we do

• We staff the sustainability agenda and support the work of the Social Responsibility Working Group.
• We develop and evaluate a plan for implementing our sustainability strategy on an annual basis.
• We monitor and communicate the results of the UHK in international comparisons (e.g., UI GreenMetric).
• We promote equal opportunities and implement the UHK Gender Equality Plan.
• We prioritize the quality of life for the University community in accordance with the principles of the HR Award.
• We follow the principles of responsible procurement and purchasing.
• We are seeking new opportunities to engage the UHK in relevant networks and projects related to social responsibility and sustainability.

Pillar IV. Infrastructure

Sustainable UHK Campus

We strive to make the University of Hradec Králové's Campus not only a modern educational environment but also an inspiring example of an environmentally responsible and healthy place to study and work. Our goal is to reduce the University's environmental impact and improve the quality of life of the entire University community in the long term.

Our goals

• Reduction of the University's carbon footprint and movement towards carbon neutrality;
• Application of green building principles to campus development and redevelopment.
• Promotion of sustainable forms of transport and catering.
• Creation of a healthy, accessible, and inclusive environment for all, including people with special needs.

What we do

• We will have an expert assessment of the campus energy management prepared and propose its optimization.
• We will map waste streams and propose steps to reduce waste (zero-waste approach).
• We expand filtered water facilities throughout the University.
• We promote environmentally friendly forms of transport and motivate the community to travel sustainably.
• We build infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists, and other forms of soft transport modes.
• We identify opportunities to revitalize the campus surroundings and indoor spaces for rest and regeneration.

Pillar V. Dialogue and external relations

Community engagement and communication of sustainability at the UHK

Sustainability at the UHK is not just about strategy – it's about people. We aim to actively engage students, staff, and the public, inspire a responsible approach, and communicate our activities openly and transparently. We believe that by working together, we can change the University environment and the world around us.

Our goals

• Involving as many members of the University community and the public as possible in sustainability activities.
• Promotion of the topic of sustainability through social networks, media, and PR.
• Support of the establishment and operation of a student association focused on sustainability.
• Development of cooperation with Czech and foreign universities, as well as partners from the public and private sectors.

What we do

• We develop a sustainability strategy and communication plan, and regularly evaluate them.
• We use existing and new channels to share information about sustainable activities at the UHK.
• We promote the results of research related to sustainability.
• We prefer to use ecological and locally sourced products in our promotional items.
• We actively seek new opportunities to collaborate with strategic partners and non-profit organizations.
• We support the establishment of a student association focused on sustainability and its involvement in University activities.
• We organize and co-organize events that focus on environmental and social topics.