ANNUAL REPORT

REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF

THE SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY

OF “1 DECEMBRIE 1918” UNIVERSITY OF ALBA IULIA

 

1. Preamble

"1 Decembrie 1918" University of Alba Iulia, as a public institution of higher education and research, has the duty to contribute, through means specific to education and research, to the creation of a culture of sustainability at local, regional, national, and global levels. At the same time, "1 Decembrie 1918" University of Alba Iulia bears the responsibility to have a positive impact on society by educating students in the spirit of respecting the principles of sustainable development, thereby creating a multiplier effect within the community.

The sustainability strategy of "1 Decembrie 1918" University of Alba Iulia represents a commitment to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda, adopted by the United Nations Resolution, and to guide all its actions and activities in accordance with these sustainable development goals.

"1 Decembrie 1918" University of Alba Iulia contributes to achieving the SDGs by providing quality, inclusive, and equitable education and by promoting lifelong learning opportunities; encouraging innovation; and implementing measures aimed at combating climate change and mitigating its impacts. Furthermore, "1 Decembrie 1918" University of Alba Iulia respects and values socio-cultural diversity among its students, ensures inclusion, gender equality, maintains a healthy environment in all university spaces, and promotes the responsible use of resources.

Monitoring the implementation of the sustainability strategy involves ongoing tracking of the progress and outcomes of the university's actions.

 

II. Results of Monitoring Strategic Objectives, Key Indicators, and Proposed Measures in Sustainability Areas

 

Area 1: AIR, CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY

Strategic Objective

O1.1. Use at least 30% renewable energy by 2030 and achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Measures

• M1.1. Purchase renewable energy for university buildings.
• M1.2. Capitalize on opportunities for on-site renewable energy production to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
• M1.3. Minimize energy consumption and associated costs.
• M1.4. Install high-efficiency heating systems, insulate buildings, and implement LED lighting systems.
• M1.5. Replace the vehicle fleet with electric vehicles.
• M1.6. Evaluate low-carbon heating options if technology permits.

Key Indicators

• I1.1. Purchase or produce at least 30% renewable energy by 2030 and 100% renewable energy by 2050.

Monitoring Results

As of April 2024, "1 Decembrie 1918" University of Alba Iulia has equipped Building H with alternative energy sources (photovoltaic panels). To date, these have generated 4,240 kW, representing approximately 0.669% of the university's total energy consumption over the past 12 months.

 

I1.1. Reduction of Pollutant Emissions from University Heating Systems

Recently, "1 Decembrie 1918" University has replaced a part of its heating systems with newer, more efficient units, which have reduced greenhouse gas emissions. However, the reduction cannot yet be calculated in percentages, as no initial audit of greenhouse gas emissions was conducted. An audit will take place in the near future and it will serve as the foundation for revising the strategy and for future monitoring.

Currently, the university’s vehicle fleet includes a single electric vehicle.

In recent years, the university has been replacing traditional lighting fixtures with LED lights—a program that will continue in the coming period. LED lighting now represents 64% of all lighting fixtures across the university.

Area 2: Water

Strategic Objective

O2.1. Promote water conservation through efficient and innovative management.

Measures

• M2.1. Explore possibilities for using rainwater to irrigate green spaces or as non-potable water.
• M2.2. Use groundwater resources where feasible to reduce reliance on the centralized potable water supply.
• M2.3. Implement smart irrigation systems for green spaces.

 

Key Indicators

• I2.1. Reduce overall water consumption and leverage opportunities for rainwater use.

So far, "1 Decembrie 1918" University of Alba Iulia has not undertaken any projects to utilize rainwater.

• I2.2. Educate university employees and students on the benefits of water conservation.

To date, the university has not conducted campaigns to educate staff and students on the benefits of water conservation.

 

Area 3: BUILDINGS

Strategic Objective

O3.1. Design, construct, and renovate buildings to ensure a healthy indoor microclimate for users and to reduce the environmental impact of buildings.

 

Measures

• M3.1. Increase the energy efficiency of existing buildings.
• M3.2. Design and construct new buildings following high environmental and energy efficiency standards.

 

Key Indicators

• I3.1. Renovate and upgrade existing buildings to enhance their energy efficiency; design and construct new energy-efficient buildings.

After the sustainability strategy was approved, no new buildings have been constructed, but maintenance and repairs have been conducted on existing buildings, including:

• Repairs: We have refurbished (repaired, painted, and modernized) all buildings in the university campus (teaching and administrative buildings, cafeteria, Apor Palace, student dormitories), including walls and floors.
• Maintenance and Cleaning: Regular inspections of plumbing and electrical systems, daily cleaning of common sanitary areas, and daily cleaning of spaces to facilitate activities.
• Green Space Maintenance: Lawn upkeep and trimming of trees and shrubs.
• Equipment Maintenance: Ensuring the proper functioning of electrical installations, repair tools, lifts, and air conditioning units.

 

Area 4: WASTE MANAGEMENT

Strategic Objective

O4.1. Develop a waste management plan and partner with authorized companies to reduce landfill waste.

Measures

• M4.1. Commit to the waste hierarchy: avoidance, reduction, reuse, recycling.
• M4.2. Assess the total waste generated by the university.
• M4.3. Set targets for waste reduction.
• M4.4. Compost major organic waste streams.
• M4.5. Increase revenue from recycling by internal baling and direct sale of recyclable waste.
• M4.6. Plan for secure internal paper disposal within the university.
• M4.7. Ensure compliance with waste legislation and internal and external objectives.
• M4.8. Improve the recycling rate and reduce waste sent to landfills.
• M4.9. Develop a waste management plan and management procedures.
• M4.10. Make selective waste collection mandatory within the university and campus.
• M4.11. Raise awareness among staff, students, and visitors to reduce their environmental impact.
• M4.12. Promote the circular economy.

 

Targets

• O4.1. Implement a "zero waste" plan involving all university departments and operations.
• O4.2. Promote a "zero waste" culture.

The university has not yet developed a waste management plan.

Area 5: FOOD

Strategic Objective

O5.1. Minimize food waste in the university cafeteria and support sustainable local food production.

 

Measures

• M5.1. Source food locally and sustainably; reduce food waste.
• M5.2. Develop a free food alert app for donating leftover food.
• M5.3. Use eco-friendly containers for takeout meals.
• M5.4. Reduce single-use packaging and waste.

 

Key Indicators

• I5.1. Prevent food waste by enhancing operational efficiency and implementing smart procurement systems.
• I5.2. Minimize food waste through composting and food donation.
• I5.3. Provide more sustainable and ethical food options in the university cafeteria.

 The cafeteria uses recyclable material containers (cardboard) for food packaging, while the on-site buffet uses single-use cups (cardboard).

III. Conclusions

An analysis of the progress in implementing the proposed sustainability measures has shown that only a part of the proposed measures have been partially completed. An internal audit is necessary to provide a basis for revising the sustainability strategy. It is also necessary to review the objectives and proposed measures, as well as to establish quantifiable key indicators to assess the effectiveness of the sustainability strategy's proposed measures.

 

 

                                                                                                Developed by

                                                                               Lecturer PhD. Corcheș Mihai Teopent

 

Approved in the Meeting of the Senate of '1 December 1918' University of Alba Iulia on din 30 october 2024,

 

PRESIDENT

Asociate Profesor Phd. Attila Tamas-Szora

 

 

                                                                                    APROVED

                                                                                    Legal Office

                                                                            Legal Advisor Sanda Tomuța