University of Coimbra presents its first Sustainability and Social Responsibility Plan

Today, 29 October, the University of Coimbra (UC) is releasing the public version of its first Sustainability and Social Responsibility Plan (PSRSUC). This launch coincides with World Sustainability Day, a global initiative held on the last Wednesday of October, which encourages individuals, businesses and governments to protect the planet, and highlights the importance of collective action.

UC is committed to managing its activities and resources in a sustainable manner and to integrating social responsibility into its daily workings. It aims to become the first Portuguese higher education institution to achieve carbon neutrality and has led the Times Higher Education Impact Ranking in Portugal for six consecutive years.

“It is indisputable that we are doing quite well, but we are neither satisfied nor complacent. We continue to strive to do more and better for people and the planet, and we know that we can only achieve this if we act collectively. For this very reason, the existence of a Strategic and Action Plan focused on Sustainability and Social Responsibility at the University of Coimbra makes perfect sense. We are highlighting it because we want it to stand out.” ," said Amílcar Falcão, Rector of the University of Coimbra.

“Supported by the experience gained during previous strategic cycles, in which sustainability and social responsibility were already central themes, this Plan now acquires the necessary autonomy to reinforce its visibility and impact, while remaining fully aligned with the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan.”, stated Patrícia Pereira da Silva, Vice-Rector for Planning, Sustainability and Quality.

The Plan was developed considering the expectations and needs of multiple stakeholders to reinforce actions promoting sustainable development, particularly in relation to the University’s Rectorate and Administration. It clarifies institutional priorities and aims to promote intervention across multiple domains of sustainable development.

The public version of the Plan outlines its strategic framework, objectives, and the processes for implementation and monitoring, highlighting 24 actions designed to achieve the defined strategic vision. These actions address both environment and climate action as well as citizenship, equality, and inclusion.

UC’s commitment to sustainable development has been growing over time, naturally shaping institutional management mechanisms to ensure a holistic integration of sustainable development, in line with the whole‑school approach. The PSRSUC thus represents a new milestone in this area.