The coordinating representative – Lolita Jurkšienė lolita.jurksiene@ktu.lt

The direct activities of the University do not contradict the values of sustainability implemented in the process of science and studies, they contribute to the establishment of these values and the demonstration of good examples.

KTU acts responsibly, based on the values of the university: The spirit and traditions of the University; responsibility to society; cooperation; transparency of activities; initiative; creativity; professionalism; academic integrity; continuous improvement.

The University adheres to international agreements and agreed principles of conduct, and also promotes social initiatives.

KTU voluntarily incorporates social and environmental principles into its activities.

The University works not only for the benefit of the KTU community, but also for the benefit of society as a whole.

The coordinating representative – Adriana Kviklienė adriana.kvikliene@ktu.lt

The University carries out educational activities, initiates projects, and integrates the principles of sustainable development in various activities of the University.

The university invests in human capital.

The aim is for new knowledge and technology to serve not only human well-being but also the environment. A culture of sustainable development and responsibility in the University community is purposefully fostered, contributing to ensuring the sustainability of KTU and strengthening responsibility for the environment, society and the region.

Research and results integrate sustainable development goals, which make a direct contribution to regional and KTU coherence.

Affordable and clean energy (# 7)

University participates in the development of modern renewable energy systems (# 7)

2019 The roof of the building complex of the IX building of Kaunas University of Technology was covered with solar energy elements, a solar power system was installed, integrating solar energy, its storage and coordination of flows. The total area is 5.5 thousand. sq.m. meters. It holds 1520 photovoltaic solar modules. The unique project has won worldwide recognition at the Energy Globe Awards.

The University is determined to continue implementing and developing alternative energy solutions.

The solar cell created by KTU Faculty of Chemical Technology V. Getautis together with other scientists is as much as 29.15 percent. the falling light converts it into electricity. This is a global record for the efficiency of solar cells. Self-assembled organic semiconductors are inexpensive. They cover the electrode of the solar cell with a thin, only a few nanometers thick molecular layer, which consumes a very small amount of material. It is estimated that 1 g of this semiconductor can cover a surface area of 1000 m2. It is very important that the development of silicon-perovskite tandem solar cells utilizes the existing production capacity of silicon solar cells, so the business will not need significant additional investment.

The professor’s work with co-authors was published in the world’s most famous scientific journal, Science.

Good health and well-being (# 3)

University strives for a healthy life, participates in the development of smart health technologies (# 3)

Researchers at the KTU Institute for Biomedical Engineering have developed a smart bracelet that automatically recognizes atrial fibrillation (arrhythmia), a condition that can lead to serious complications and even death if not detected in time. More than 1 percent. all populations have this disorder. Due to a rapidly aging society, the scale of the disease is expected to increase to 3 times worldwide over the next 30 years.

The bracelet is a non-invasive, comfortable device that allows you to monitor a person’s condition. When the photoplethysmographic signal detects heart activity close to atrial fibrillation, the device vibrates gently – asking the patient to touch the device with the other hand. In this way, a short electrocardiographic signal is recorded for control signal analysis.

The smart bracelet is easy to use. It is designed for seniors, people who value smart devices and technology with extreme caution.

A team of researchers from the Institute for Biomedical Engineering is further developing the smart bracelet by introducing additional features such as cardiac response monitoring algorithms.

KTU Faculty of Informatics researcher prof. R. Maskeliūnas and his team developed a method based on deep learning, based on which the onset of Alzheimer’s disease can be predicted from brain images. The algorithm is more than 99 percent. separates images of the brain affected by the disease by analyzing the magnetic resonance imaging images of 138 subjects. The new method is more accurate than the previous ones. The new algorithm could also be used to develop software that would automatically analyze data collected from vulnerable groups (over 65 years of age, experienced brain injuries, high blood pressure, etc.) – the system would alert medical staff of anomalies associated with the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

KTU Institute of Health Telematics Science prof. A. Ragauskas together with the team invented and patented a non-invasive method of measuring head pressure. High head pressure, which can be caused by a head injury or brain tumor, can be fatal. Across Europe, around 2.5 million people are affected by brain injuries each year. people, and 75 thousand. such cases result in death. Effective measures can be taken when an increase in head pressure is observed in a timely manner, but the current method of measuring head pressure is based on an invasive procedure – surgical implantation of sensors into the human brain. Invasion of the brain poses a risk to the patient, and this procedure is not possible in all circumstances. The invented device makes it possible to measure head pressure without invading the brain, which has not been possible until now. This allows doctors to start treatment in a timely manner that can save the patient’s life.

KTU prof. Researchers of K. Baršauskas Institute of Ultrasound together with LSMU researchers have developed a non-invasive method of diagnosing melanoma.

Removal of the primary tumor remains necessary in the diagnosis of melanoma, and the decision to operate is usually based on a dermatoscopic assessment of the lesion. The accuracy of skin melanoma diagnosis without surgery is only 65 percent. and is highly dependent on the experience of the dermatologist performing the test.

Based on the analysis of diagnostic images from 100 patient samples, a scientifically developed and patented automated diagnostic system can detect melanoma by more than 90 percent. accuracy. The novelty of the method and technology is based on the fact that the combined diagnostic information is obtained by non-invasive imaging technologies operating on different physical principles. The developed automated system can complement the non-invasive diagnostic methods already used in clinical practice by automatically reliably distinguishing melanoma from melanocytic moles. Effective diagnosis of early-stage malignancies would shorten the time required for the study, allowing more patients to be tested during the routine time of the study.

Based on the results of the research, a prototype of the technology was developed. studies are being continued in a clinical setting.

Researchers at the KTU Food Institute are developing innovative products for personalized nutrition with the participation of an interested group of consumers. Seniors were invited to the creative process. 18 seniors over the age of 65 participated in the project “Consumer Involvement Laboratory”. During the project, they used a variety of new product development methodologies, offering both innovative (protein sauces) and simple ideas (more shredded products, more expressive and informative packaging). The seniors who participated in the practical seminars had the opportunity to participate in joint activities with KTU researchers and not only to see how new products are being developed, but also to create products that meet the expectations of Lithuanian seniors themselves.

Clean water and hygiene (# 6)

University contributes to the implementation of the European Green Course (# 6)

Researchers at the Department of Environmental Technology, KTU Faculty of Chemical Technology, have introduced and are continuing to test a hybrid system of advanced oxidation and sorption with a biologically active adsorbent. It allows to achieve very high efficiency of contaminated water treatment.

Various organic pollutants – phthalates, pharmaceuticals, pesticides – are still found in the treated water of domestic wastewater treatment plants. Scientists around the world agree that these pollutants have a negative impact on aquatic ecosystems and can also enter the human body because the substances are found in drinking water and the food we eat.

The polluted water treatment process proposed by the researchers of KTU Department of Environmental Technology is carried out in 2 stages:

• In the first stage, the contaminated water is treated by integrating ozonation with photocatalysis. In a relatively short time, various organic pollutants are broken down into small-molecule organic compounds that can be further removed in a biological reactor.
• In the next stage, the contaminated water enters the biologically activated carbon reactor. In it, activated carbon together with microorganisms that decompose water pollutants form an efficient system. Activated carbon adsorbs organic compounds and reduces the initial concentration of organic compounds in water.

Microorganisms attached to the surface of the activated carbon form a biofilm and decompose contaminants in the water. During such a complex process, the time of using activated carbon in the system is significantly extended and a very high efficiency of contaminated water treatment is achieved.

Such a water treatment system can be easily adapted to treat both domestic and industrial wastewater contaminated with persistent organic pollutants. The introduction of this technology in various industrial and agricultural sectors and the re-use of treated water could significantly reduce the cost of clean water from nature.

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (# 9)

University promotes inclusive and sustainable industrialization and contributes to innovation (# 9)

KTU Faculty of Chemical Technology prof. J. V. Gražulevičius and his team develop, synthesize and research organic non-metallic radiators (non-metallic fluorescent substances), which replace inorganic-based devices that use precious and rare metals. Organic LEDs, unlike inorganic ones, can be flexible and large enough in area. Emitters have a highly efficient emission, with quantum yields of up to 100%. Using these radiators, the devices can be formed both by vacuum evaporation and by a much more technological, economical and environmentally friendly method of casting solutions. One of their main applications is organic light emitting diodes, which are used in industry for the production of televisions, computers, telephone screens and various lighting devices. These new materials are expected to lead to greener electronic devices with higher efficiencies, simpler device designs and lower production costs. KTU researchers work together with an international consortium of researchers from 8 countries around the world.

1. Tamulevičius, a professor at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences of KTU and a senior researcher at the Institute of Materials Science, together with his team developed and applied hologram formation technology and software solutions to the market.

While evolving technologies are helping companies to better protect their products from counterfeiters, the growing number of counterfeits shows that this is not enough. The technologies and possibilities used to form holograms have changed over the past decades, but the principle of operation has remained the same: white light illuminates the space in light with diffractive gratings.

Together with a team of researchers from the Department of Multimedia Engineering, KTU Faculty of Informatics, the project “Development and Implementation of a Hologram Diffractive Image Projection Algorithm for Smart Devices (HoloApp)” was implemented. The project uses a femtosecond laser to develop a new technology for direct hologram recording on the surface and an intuitive user interface that generates hologram images for a smart Android platform device. It has been possible to display the colors of the hologram properly on the screen of the smart device, and the integrated gyroscope allows the shades of holograms and visible images to change as you would in a real hologram when you use the device in your hand. Using an advanced femtosecond laser, material is simply removed from the illuminated areas, forming the desired surface relief in the metal foil. Because holograms typically take time to produce, this solution allows potential customers to show what their product will look like without producing the test mark itself.

Hologram production is a sufficiently long process that requires complex equipment and specialized knowledge. Holograms are constantly introducing new technologies and materials, making it increasingly difficult to copy holograms.

Researchers at KTU Faculty of Electrical and Electronics have developed an innovative speedometer and system: the speed of a car is determined in less time and more accurately.

Speedometers are identified as an effective means of encouraging drivers not to exceed the speed limit. Rapid measurement of vehicle speeds is essential for more efficient traffic control, as well as rapid data processing and transmission without compromising information quality.

The system, developed by KTU researchers, is designed for traffic monitoring, vehicle classification, speed measurement and vehicle number plate identification at any time of the day in all weather conditions. The new calculation method is adapted to measure the average speed on a given road section using two meters at a certain distance from each other with the means of vehicle identification. If the speed of the vehicles is measured in order to simultaneously identify the vehicles exceeding the speed at that location, a method of their identification is also required. Using the invention of KTU scientists, a conventional method of vehicle identification can be used, where the vehicle registration number is recorded by video cameras. The video capture camera shall be positioned at such a distance from the speedometers that the speed measurement device shall be able to process the data for determining the speed of the vehicle and transmit a signal so that the video capture camera is ready to capture and capture the vehicle. Magnetic sensors that help determine the speed of vehicles must be located in the area of ​​the video camera, in the middle of the traffic lane, below the surface of the carriageway. These sensors determine not only the speed of the vehicle, but also the value.

Sustainable Cities and Communities (# 11)

University contributes to inclusive and sustainable urbanization (# 11)

In 2020, G. Balčytis, Associate Professor and Architect of KTU Faculty of Construction and Architecture, won the National Culture and Art Prize for architecture open to the city and people. The architect has already been awarded the Badge of Honor of the Lithuanian Union of Architects and the Government Culture and Art Prize, and is almost best known as the author of the projects for the reconstruction of the Kaunas bus station and the exclusive Vilkaviškis bus station.

Many cities want to stand out with their architecture and be famous for their world-class buildings – landmarks. However, such objects are often built regardless of the specifics of the area, which greatly alters and sometimes erodes the long-established environment. According to G. Balčytis, architecture is the art of spaces, not planes. For this reason, it is especially important what space the building creates for itself, the street next door and, in general, what space the city creates.

The architect G. Balčytis, who designed the Kaunas bus station together with his colleagues, proved that the exceptional architectural expression of the building is a strong motive for the building to become a city sign, create a distinctive face for several decades of change and enjoy the quality of the urban environment.

“It is said that new buildings are no longer needed, but it is necessary to renovate or replace old buildings – so that they meet today’s requirements and are suitable for the future. If the building can be adapted to these times, it is both a great advantage and a challenge for architects, because the world has never changed so fast, ”says G. Balčytis.

University students gain the knowledge, skills and understanding to contribute to building a sustainable future.

Coordinating representative – Kristina Ukvalbergienė kristina.ukvalbergiene@ktu.lt

• Renewable Energy. This study programme develops the skills needed to competently address the challenges of designing and applying renewable energy sources and their control systems, evaluate scientific achievements in the field of renewable energy, and assess the key factors in the business environment.
• Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Buildings. The master’s study programme which includes sustainable building principles, building microclimate, environmental protection, sustainable use of renewable energy and data analytics, contributes to Sustainable Development Goals #6, #7, #9, #11, #12, #13, #17 (see below for details on how the degree programme contributes to each goal). This study programme focuses on the European Union’s strategic objective of reducing environmental impacts: cost modelling, appropriate design, waste management and recycling technologies for secondary raw materials, energy production, and smart heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. The programme focuses on conceptual building design, design and analysis, modelling and forecasting of building energy consumption and microclimate, the integration of renewable energy sources, efficient building management and maintenance – smart building engineering systems, life cycle costs, renovation and refurbishment of buildings. The topics of the final master’s degree projects are related to the annual SDG target of the faculty or proposed by the social partners.

Themes in study programmes

The University’s mission is to develop future members of society capable of creating high added value. They are unafraid of change, have comprehensive education and can tackle today’s complex problems. They care about the country’s and the world’s challenges and are civic and socially responsible. During their studies, our students learn how to act and live in a multi-ethnic and multicultural environment, and after graduating from the University, they are ready to address the complex challenges of the country and the world. Sustainable development themes are integrated into the study programmes or individual study modules, and societal challenges related to sustainable development and sustainability are addressed in the course of studies.

The following is offered in the study programmes:

• The topics of sustainable development are included in all undergraduate study programs and are usually covered in more detail in at least 3-4 different study modules. For example, the study modules of the Bachelor’s study program “Industrial Biotechnology”, which deal with the topics of sustainable development: Introduction to Biotechnology, Sustainable Development, Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Engineering Economics, Bioproducts. Sustainable development topics are covered in most master’s degree programs (65%) and are often studied in at least 2 study modules. For example, the study modules of the Master’s study program “Economics”, which deal with the topics of sustainable development: Macroeconomic Policy, Quality and Sustainable Development Management.
• All students of bachelor’s study programmes can choose a study module Sustainable Development (students choose between two alternatives). The objective of this study module is to help the graduate develop a global, critical and reflective awareness, an understanding of the social, economic, cultural and environmental context in which the graduate will operate, and an ethical stance based on the principles of sustainable development. On average, 420 students study this module each year.
• Students of bachelor’s study programmes can choose a study module Product Development Project which unites researchers, social partners and interdisciplinary student teams to work together to address real-world challenges and create a productive environment for the development of new product ideas relevant to society. This opportunity is available in 32 bachelor’s study programmes. Real products and services are developed in this module. The project topics are based on the University’s announced initiative of the year which reflects issues of the world, the European Union, the region, the city and the University. For example, in the AY 2022-2023, approximately 500 students worked on product development projects on the topic of the European Green Deal (examples of the topics include “Multimedia Content Promoting Waste Management”, “Waste Reduction Support System”, “Smart Parking System”, “Development of a Smart and Energy-Sustainable Road Sign”, “Saving Corporate Computing Resources”, “Food Donation and Recycling Information System”, “Mobile Strategy Game on the Topic of Ecology”, etc.).
• Master’s study programmes offer the option of MA+ competencies. Students can choose the path of the Field Expert to deepen their knowledge and skills in their main study field, or the path of the Interdisciplinary Expert to acquire knowledge and skills in another study field or area. “Circular Economy” and “Circular Design” are some of the MA+ competencies offered to students that are focused on sustainable development goals.
• All bachelor in the 3rd-4th year of studies and master students are offered a study module Development of Challenge-Based Innovations, in which students from KTU and other universities address real-life challenges related to the SDGs, mainly Goal 11. The challenges are offered to students by Kaunas City Municipality, and Lithuanian businesses and non-governmental organisations. The module is part of the ECIU University, a network of 13 European universities.
• Study modules of bachelor’s and master’s study programmes related to climate science and environmental sustainability are available here.
• Students have an opportunity to choose study modules analysing the aspects of environmental sustainability (for example, study modules “Sustainable Human Development”, “Sustainable Development”, etc.). Students also attend compulsory study modules analysing the issues of social sustainability. For example, all students of bachelor’s studies attend the modules for introduction to studies which analyse career issues and complete a mandatory professional internship; they can choose to attend modules “Healthy Lifestyle”, “Modern Health and Sport Technologies”, “Career Creation”, etc. The sustainability knowledge of the participants in the study modules is assessed using a variety of evaluation methods of the learning outcomes.

Promoting student leadership

For more than two decades, KTU has been organising an exhibition competition for the innovations by young researchers Technorama. Every year, the exhibition presents around 60 innovative solutions in eight areas closely related to sustainable development (areas of solutions are available here). For example, the best solution in 2023 was a game developed by a team of KTU students to promote recycling called Recyclers United.

At the University, semester and final degree projects often focus on Sustainable Development Goals, for example,

• ensuring health and well-being (#3, examples of projects: “Impact of the Health Care System Centralisation on the Accessibility of Health Care Services in Tauragė County”, “Preventive Adolescent Psychosocial Health Programme and Its Implementation in a Virtual Learning Environment”, “Model for Evaluating the Performance Transparency of Public Healthcare Institutions”, “Factors Influencing the Change in Income Inequality in Lithuania”, “Employees’ Wellbeing in Robotised Workplaces”);
• Tackling the challenges of quality education (#4, examples of projects: “Research on the Adaptation of Educational Tools to Virtual Reality”, “Transformation of 2D Educational Games into Educational VR Games”, “The Development of Students’ Competences through Museum Education”);
• Development of sustainable cities and communities while addressing the issues of mobility, transport, land development, etc. (#11, examples of projects: “Implementation of Sustainable Mobility Policy in Lithuanian Cities Municipalities”, “A Study on the Walkability of City and Proposals to Improve It (Klaipėda Case Study)”, “Assessment and Long-term Forecasting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Kaunas city”);
• Development of affordable and clean energy, focusing on increasing the efficiency and adaptability of renewable energy sources, etc. (#7, examples of projects: “Influence of Renewable Energy Sources on High-Voltage Transmission Network Transfer Capacity in Electric Power System”, “Design of Plumbing, Sewage Disposal, Heating and Ventilation Systems for Energy-efficient Single-family House Using Solar and Wind Power Plants”, “Design of Building Service Systems for a Residential Building, Efficiently Utilising Renewable Energy Sources”, “Reservation and Management System for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations”, “Wireless Interface Device for Electric Vehicle Charging Station and Dynamic Power Controller”, “Project of High-Power Combined Intelligent System of Electric Vehicle Charging, Electricity Generation and Storage Devices”);
• The issues of responsible use and production (#12, examples of projects: “Resource-Efficient and Low-Carbon Pet Food Production in Lithuania”, “Investigation of Balancing Possibilities of Application of Green Hydrogen Production to Electricity Generation from Renewable Energy Resources”, “Assessment Research of Utilisation Costs of Solar Power Plants in Lithuania, ”Consumer Engagement in Sharing Economy Platforms in the Context of Sustainability”, “Determinants of Sustainable Food Consumption Among Gen Z Consumers”).

The following challenges were addressed in the study module Development of Challenge-Based Innovations (examples):

Studies projects

University teachers and students participate in various studies projects related to sustainable development. Several examples:

• Erasmus+ KA2 project ‘PBL South Asia’, a collaborative effort among ten universities from Finland, India, Nepal, Bhutan, the Netherlands, and Lithuania. The project aimed to enhance problem-based education by integrating sustainable development, social responsibility, and human rights into teaching through problem-based learning.

PBL South Asia focused on developing competencies and best practices for problem-based learning with a global sustainability theme at South Asian higher education institutions. The project resulted in applied PBL methods being adopted in Nepal and Bhutan and influencing partner institutions. This effort fostered deeper ties between academia and society, improving critical thinking, innovation capacity, and professional skills. It sparked interest in global sustainability-focused PBL and led to spin-off initiatives across Europe, South Asia, and beyond. South Asian institutions seeking to engage with project partners are advised to connect with the PBL South Asia Network coordinated by Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) and the PBL Lab at Indian Institute of Science (IISc).

Student-led activities encompassed a range of topics, spanning 3 to 18 ECTS credits depending on the course. Examples of these topics included: Affordable housing, Construction waste management, Accessible healthcare, Modular public housing, Modern organic farming, Alleviating traffic congestion in Kathmandu Valley, Solar-powered street lighting systems, Sustainable municipal landfills, Campus natural disaster management plan using CIS, Promoting sustainable tourism, Evaluating the impact of climate change on hydropower generation in Bhutan, Intelligent renewable irrigation systems, Preserving heritage architecture, Innovative construction practices in building operations, and more.

Teachers and mentors from the KTU Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, along with KTU students, travelled to India and Nepal. During these trips, they engaged in collaborative workshops, guided student teams, and contributed to the creation of content for MOOCs and PBL teaching materials.

• Erasmus+ strategic partnership project ‘Assessing the Social Responsibility of European Universities’. In 2016-2019, the team of teachers from the Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities at Kaunas University of Technology, together with KTU Students’ Association, carried out the Erasmus+ strategic partnership project “Assessing the Social Responsibility of European Universities” aiming to develop a methodology for assessing the social responsibility of universities, as well as the related learning materials for students and teachers that was used to teach students who later had to assess the social responsibility of different European universities. The project was coordinated by the National Union of Students of the United Kingdom. Project partners: Kaunas University of Technology, Edinburgh University Students’ Association, the Students’ Association of the Faculty of Psychology and Education Science at the University of Porto, Edinburgh University, European Students’ Union, Students’ Association of Kaunas University of Technology, National Union of Students of the United Kingdom, University of Porto. Project website: https://www.essaproject.eu/.

Lifelong learning opportunities

The University invites all interested students to attend non-formal education courses on sustainable development topics such as “Sustainability in the Construction Sector”, “Upskilling Courses for Experts in the Certification of the Energy Efficiency of Buildings”, “Training Courses for Experts in the Certification of the Energy Efficiency of Buildings”, and “Microbiological Testing Methods for Food and Drinking Water”.

Students and employees are recommended to improve their competencies by studying courses offered on massive open online course platforms, for example, “The Sustainable Development Goals – A global, interdisciplinary vision for the future”, “From Climate Science to Action”, “The Great Sustainability Transition: Global challenges, Local actions”

Every year, the University organises the Earth Day with KTU event, which aims to introduce ecological ideas to students and pupils. Students are encouraged to take an interest in environmental protection, develop critical thinking and notice global problems in terms of future perspectives. https://ktu.edu/events/svesk-zemes-diena-su-ktu/

Students and employees have an opportunity to attend various study modules, including those analysing the aspects of environmental and social sustainability (for example, study modules “Sustainable Human Development”, “Sustainable Development”, etc.). The sustainability knowledge of the participants in the study modules is assessed using a variety of evaluation methods of the learning outcomes.

Accessibility of studies

The University creates an open environment based on the principles of universal design, where the individual differences, potential and contributions of all its employees and students are recognised and valued. The University aims to ensure that all members of the University community have equal opportunities to integrate into the work and study processes, services and activities offered by the University, creating a study, work and research environment in which the community is properly supported, encouraged, accessible, and not subject to discrimination or harassment regardless of the individual or their individual needs. The aim is to make the University’s studies integrated, flexible, high quality and student-centred.

The study process at the University is adapted ensuring equal opportunities for every student. The University financial assistance and support continuously improve the University’s infrastructure to make the University’s physical spaces and information systems accessible to members of the community with visible or invisible disabilities according to the principles of universal design. The study modules included in the study process are taught in buildings, most of which are accessible to people with special mobility needs, e.g., KTU spaces are equipped with lifts, special toilets adapted to people with disabilities, parking lots, tactile surfaces to help people with visual impairments to better navigate through space.

Adaptation of studies is available to students with disabilities or individual learning needs (physical, sensory, complex disorders, mental health problems or other learning disabilities or difficulties): https://students.ktu.edu/studies-accessibility/.

Following the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the European Social Charter, the University aims to implement a personalised learning model. Each situation is considered and adapted individually aiming to provide equal opportunities for every community member. The workplace, the presentation of study materials, the concept of assessment, the accessibility of classrooms and the adaptation of teaching/learning spaces for persons with special needs are coordinated by the social welfare coordinator of the Career and Service Centre at the Department of Student Affairs in cooperation with the faculties.

The most vulnerable groups in the University community are provided with an environment for studies, research and work in which hostile, unethical, degrading or offensive actions that violate the honour or dignity of a person or his/her physical or psychological integrity are not tolerated. Students are exposed to a variety of challenges in their daily lives; therefore, their mental health is of great importance to the University. KTU takes full care of students’ physical and psychological well-being by providing free psychological services. It pays great attention to students’ emotional and social well-being of students through self-education and public education lectures, guides, and pastoral after-school activities.

The Department of Student Affairs and the Human Resources Department, in cooperation with the academic community, the Students’ Association and external partners, initiate changes based on student and staff interests and feedback. They provide conditions for community members to disclose information in confidence, without prejudice to personal privacy, avoid discrimination, and provide the right conditions for involvement in the full range of University activities.

The University has ongoing activities to educate the community and foster a culture of equal opportunities by organising various training for administration and faculty on disability awareness, ethics and adaptation of studies, universal design, and equal opportunities.

Involvement in international networks of sustainability competencies

The University participates in national and international research projects in the field of sustainable development, and develops new technologies to address regional and global environmental challenges; therefore, it is actively involved in international networks of sustainability competencies and is an active member of networks related to sustainable development:

• The European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU) – KTU is a member of this consortium and, together with 12 other partner universities, is participating in the European Universities Initiative project to create an “ECIU University” where students use a challenge-based learning method to solve real-life challenges (https://engage.eciu.eu/browse). The ECIU University challenges are focused on Sustainable Development Goal #11 “to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”. The challenges are proposed by municipalities, businesses, NGOs and communities.

• Baltic University Programme (BUP). The objective is to explore innovative ways of inter-university and university-society interaction to strengthen regional education and research communities and promote greater awareness of sustainable development, environmental protection and democracy in the Baltic Sea Region.
• Copernicus Alliance is a European network of universities and colleges offering a platform to share resources and co-develop innovative education for sustainable development initiatives.
• Global Universities Partnership on Environment and Sustainability (GUPES) – is a platform for universities around the world to respond to the challenges of sustainable development through innovative educational approaches, active at the regional level in Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and at the national level in Spain, addresses the challenges of the environment and sustainability through teaching, learning and networking, with a particular focus on the seven UN thematic environmental priorities.

ECIU University Sustainability Initiatives

Sustainability is a core principle of ECIU University and is reflected in all its events and initiatives. The 2024 ECIU University Forum was focused not only on academic objectives but also on adopting an environmentally responsible approach to minimize negative environmental impacts. The event aimed to reflect the ECIU University brand, raise awareness, create a sense of community, and inform about European Union funding. Special attention was paid to sustainable solutions when ordering merchandise and organizing the entire event.

Souvenirs to welcome the forum guests: guests were offered high-quality stainless-steel thermos bottles to use instead of single-use cups during the event, along with sturdy, organic cotton reusable bags. Since these products are made of durable materials, they will serve for a long time. Additionally, participants received notepads made from recycled 80 gsm Nautilus Classic paper.

Participant accreditation: accreditation slips and neckerchiefs were made from eco-friendly materials, suggesting that the neck lanyards could be reused for future events.

• Accreditation sheets: printed on recycled 300 gsm Nautilus Classic paper.
• Neck lanyards: made from eco-friendly bamboo material. At the end of the event, guests could return the lanyards to the organizers for reuse. The universal labelling allows them to be used at future ECIU University events, such as next year’s ECIU University Forum.

The main event space: promotional wall and other merchandise was created from materials that can be reused in other activities to reduce waste.

The promotional wall was set up to encourage participants to take photos and share them on social media. The frame is made of aluminium, and the print is on textiles, with the reverse side adapted for general ECIU University information. Both the frame and the textile print will be reused in future events.

Other sustainable merchandise solutions: event materials, speakers’ gifts and other merchandise have been selected according to sustainability principles, using recycled and eco-friendly materials.

• Promotional material: A5 Mingle Bingo cards were printed on recycled 300 gsm Nautilus Classic paper. The venue indexes were printed on recycled 120 gsm Nautilus Classic paper.
• Speaker gifts: mini “Šakotis” in recycled paper box. “SuperGarden” freeze-dried berry kit in recycled paper box.

Transport: participants were encouraged to use public transport, share rides, and choose environmentally friendly transportation methods. During their travels in Lithuania and Kaunas, participants used trains, public transport, and shared Bolt’s shuttle service.

Food: the food supply was organised to minimise waste, offering a variety of plant-based dishes and ensuring responsible food consumption.

• Food consumption: food was provided, allowing participants to choose how much they wanted to eat, thus minimizing food waste.
• Lunch: alternatives for side dishes included a variety of seasonal vegetable sets with spreads.
• Water: water refill stations were set up outside the auditoriums where the sessions were held, enabling participants to refill their water bottles.
• Plant-based food: more than half of the food on offer was vegetarian and vegan.
• Coffee: coffee was served in large thermoses, avoiding the waste of disposable coffee capsules.

Physical activity: participants were encouraged to walk between different session venues to stay active and maintain their well-being. The Forum sessions were organized in three different KTU buildings: the Santaka Valley, the KTU Library, and the M-Lab Laboratory Centre. Walking from one session location to another took 10-15 minutes.

These solutions underline ECIU University’s commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices at all events.

The University community is encouraged, empowered and supported by contributing to the coherence of KTU and the region through its personal or departmental activities.

KTU respects human rights and guarantees the rights of its employees.

Coordinating representative – Jurgita Giniūnienė jurgita.giniuniene@ktu.lt

KTU’s infrastructure and administrative activities are an example of achieving the goals of sustainable development.

Coordinating representatives – Gražvydas Visockas grazvydas.visockas@ktu.lt, Agnė Valatkienė agne.valatkiene@ktu.lt