The quality, efficiency and effectiveness of the University’s activities are inseparable from responsible, environmentally friendly behavior, therefore the University integrates the principles of quality and sustainable development (# 16), forms a quality and ecological culture (# 15).

The University’s strategy is to strengthen the University’s responsibility to society and the country (# 16) by consolidating its activities to improve the quality of human life and accelerate the development of statehood (# 11). The most important activity in this direction is the formation and transfer of the University’s contribution to the vitality of the country and its sustainable economic, social and cultural development based on knowledge. The goals and activities of the University are focused on the creation of a person and his / her well-being (# 1) – both inside and outside the University:

• The University is actively involved in the development of the city and the state.
• The activities of the University comply with the principles of sustainable development, academic freedom and the Greater European University Charter.
• Every member of the University community acts for the benefit of the University.
• The University operates strategically outside of itself, creating a favorable environment for it to operate effectively. This shapes the uniqueness and visibility of the University, strengthens its reputation, and expands the content of university activities.
• The basis of the university’s vitality is a creative student, a professional lecturer and an inventive researcher. The strategy of their opportunities for self-expression seeks to develop an environment with an efficient infrastructure and an attractive environment for communication and knowledge exchange.

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.

KTU Faculty of Economics and Business participates in the United Nations-sponsored Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) initiative. The first progress report of the Faculty of Economics and Business on the implementation of the principles of Responsible Management Training can be found HERE.

Graduates of the Master’s program in Sustainable Management and Manufacturing acquire interdisciplinary competencies relevant to analyzing the challenges of business, industry and regional sustainability and to developing and integrating economically sound and environmentally and socially beneficial innovations to manage sustainability risks and identify innovative business opportunities.

KTU is a member of the European Consortium of Innovative Universities and, together with 12 other partner universities, participates in the ECIU University project, in which students address real-life challenges using a challenging learning approach. The challenges of ECIU University are focused on the 11th Sustainable Development Goal (# 11) – “to make cities and towns inclusive, secure, resilient and sustainable”. Municipalities, businesses, NGOs and communities offer challenges.

The study module “Creating Challenge-Based Innovation” in which students at KTU and other universities address real-life challenges related to sustainable development goals. Kaunas City Municipality, business and non-governmental organizations offer challenges to students. You can find some of the real-life challenges already solved here.

Master’s study programs provide an opportunity to choose MA + competencies. Students can choose the path of an area expert and deepen their knowledge and skills in the main field of study, or choose the path of an interdisciplinary expert and acquire knowledge and skills in another field or field of study. Several of the MA + competencies offered to students – “Circular Economy” and “Circular Design” – are focused on the goals of sustainable development.

Students of bachelor’s study programs can choose to study the study module “Sustainable Development” (students choose from two alternatives). The aim of this study module is to help the graduate gain a global, critical and reflexive awareness, understanding of the social, economic, cultural and environmental context in which the graduate will operate, an ethical position based on the principles of sustainable development.

Undergraduate students study the Product Development Project module, which brings together researchers, social partners and interdisciplinary student teams to work together to address real-world challenges and create a productive environment for developing new product ideas relevant to society. This module creates real products and services. The themes of the projects are formulated in accordance with the initiative of the year announced by the University, which reflects global (for example, in line with the goals of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)), the European Union, the region, the city and the University.

Adaptability of studies for students with disabilities or individual educational needs https://studentams.ktu.edu/studiju-prieinamumas/

Implementing the principle of gender equality, the University analyzes the gender pay gap and reports to the University Works Council.

The University community is encouraged, empowered and supported by contributing to the coherence of KTU and the region through its personal or departmental activities, in line with the goals of Gender Equality (# 5) and “Decent Work and Economic Growth” (# 8) for World Sustainable Development.

In order to ensure a work-life balance, which is particularly important for the implementation of gender equality, the University provides employees with access to statutory provisions and creates a family-friendly working environment: summer camps are organized for the children of KTU employees; children’s spaces shall be provided where all children of KTU employees can spend meaningful and interesting time during their holidays while their parents are working; prospective first-graders are provided with all the necessary tools and a ‘first-time basket’, not only to help them start a happy school journey, but also to give staff more time to spend on school supplies instead of wasting time shopping for school supplies; Not only employees but also their family members take part in the KTU Employees’ Summer Festival every year. It does not lack good mood and joyful bustle, as a really large group of children gather.

For university staff:

The legal acts adopted by the University regulating the procedures for hiring and evaluating employees, remuneration provisions, the procedure for granting employee leave (including paternity and maternity leave) are based on the universally recognized principles of equality, fairness, internal justice and impartiality and contribute to equal opportunities and diversity. implementation of the policy. Members of the University community are also provided with the opportunity to file appeals on both remuneration and employment relationships in accordance with the procedures set out in the University’s internal legislation.

• Description of the procedure for certification and competitions for the position of teachers and researchers;
• A description of the procedures for the selection, recruitment and dismissal of staff;
• Description of the procedure for the annual planning and management of the activities of the University administration and service staff,
• Staff Remuneration Regulations,
• Description of employee leave arrangements.

KTU chooses renewable energy (# 7; # 9; # 12; # 13)

2019 a hybrid energy production system was developed in the buildings located at Studentu str. 48 and Studentų st. 48 A, which combines technical equipment producing and storing different types of energy, such as a solar power plant (380 kW), a 500 m3 heat storage, a 170 kW heat pump and a waste heat collection system. The energy production system reduces CO2 by about 318 tonnes per year. The data of the system are used in the study programs of the Faculty of Electricity and Electronics. The unique project has won worldwide recognition at the Energy Globe Awards. One and a half thousand innovative ideas from more than 180 countries around the world competed for such recognition.
The amount of investment is 1 million. euros.

2021 solar photovoltaic power plants were installed on the roofs of four buildings of KTU student town: Studentų str. 50, Studentų st. 67; Studentų st. 69, Studentų st. 71. The total solar photovoltaic power capacity of all buildings will be more than 465 kW. It is estimated that it will produce 432 thousand. kWh of electricity. the installation of solar photovoltaic power plants on the roofs of buildings will reduce CO2 emissions by 305 tonnes per year.
Investment amount: 420 thousand. euros.

2022 solar photovoltaic power plants will be installed on the roofs of four buildings of KTU student campus: Radvilėnų pl. 19 (Faculty of Chemical Technology), Studentu str. 54 (publishing house “Technologija”), Studentų str. 56 (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Design) and K. Baršausko str. 59 (KTU Santaka Valley), we will additionally purchase one solar power plant from the existing power parks in the country. The total capacity of the solar photovoltaic power plant in all buildings will reach more than 1.5 thousand kW. It is projected to produce $ 1.46 million a year. kWh of electricity. The installation of solar photovoltaic power plants on the roofs of buildings and the purchase of a solar photovoltaic power plant from solar power parks will reduce CO2 emissions by 315 tonnes per year.
Investment amount: 1.7 million euros

In 2023, the University will independently generate at least 30% of the consumed electricity;
We reduce CO2 emissions by 938 tons per year;
Investments in alternative energy sources will reach 3.12 million. euros.

Sorting waste (# 12)

2019-2020 In the territory of the university instead of the old metal 4-6 cu. m. household waste containers are equipped with 6 underground container blocks with separate tanks for glass, plastic, paper and household waste. Since 2013 sorting boxes for secondary raw materials (paper, plastic, glass, batteries) have been built inside all university buildings (faculties, dormitories, rest rooms). Contracts with waste managers are concluded or renewed annually. Worn out org. the equipment is sold to buyers in accordance with the rules provided by the University. We hand over worn-out old furniture to waste handlers, who deliver it to recycling sites.

Promoting sustainable mobility (# 9; # 11; # 12; # 13; # 3)

In the territory of KTU student campus there are 4 electric charging stations for electric cars, 2 scooter rental points, bicycle storage places are installed next to each building where lectures take place. The dormitories also have storage facilities for scooters and bicycles.