Sustainability Sandbox

The EU Youth Strategy emerged from a collaborative dialogue involving young people from across Europe between 2017-2018. The strategy aims to address low civic engagement among youths and empower them to actively participate in democracy and society. The EU Youth Strategy (2019-2027) places significant focus on sustainability, engaging young people in the green transition and sustainable development. One core goal is promoting "a sustainable green Europe," encouraging young people to be environmentally active and educated, addressing climate change, environmental protection, and biodiversity.

Campuses as Sandboxes for Sustainability
In this context, higher education institutions play a crucial role in youth-driven sustainable development. They serve as ecosystems where interactions between students and staff can generate sustainability-oriented value in both physical learning environments and governance. Higher education institutions can become exploration grounds for sustainability, involving the university community in co-research and co-creation, leading to more sustainable campuses and a more sustainable world.

Green Campus Initiatives: Living Labs
Green campus initiatives are essential for fostering a culture of sustainability within higher education institutions (HEIs). These initiatives reduce the environmental impact of campus operations, enhance the sustainability literacy of students, faculty, and staff, and serve as a model for the broader community. By implementing green campus initiatives, HEIs not only reduce their environmental impact but also create an immersive learning environment where sustainability is integrated into daily life.
These efforts prepare students to be environmentally conscious citizens and leaders, equipped to tackle global sustainability challenges.

One effective method for implementing green campus initiatives is through Living Labs, commonly used in urban planning. These labs serve as collaborative environments where students, faculty, and external stakeholders join forces on sustainability projects. Living Labs offer hands-on learning experiences that connect theoretical knowledge with practical application, enriching the educational experience and fostering innovation in sustainability practices within the university.

Example: UBC Sustainability Initiative
The University of British Columbia's UBC Sustainability Initiative, centered around the Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS), exemplifies academic leadership in sustainability. CIRS, a net-positive energy building, features rainwater harvesting, natural ventilation, and eco-friendly materials. It serves as a collaborative space for students, faculty, and partners to work on innovative sustainability projects, effectively reducing UBC's carbon footprint and bridging the gap between theory and practice.

‍