Environmental initiatives

Environmental initiativesUBS is committed to many environmental preservation initiatives through its research efforts, through its teaching, as well as every day on campus.

In terms of Research

UBS works on a wide number of high-level collaborative and participative research programs with industry and local communities. UBS also partakes in many international research programs.

This includes preservation of the seas through the development of biomaterials to replace plastics or chemicals, participatory science for the conservation of coastal systems, biodiversity studies, work on the replacement of residual herbicides, the development of local food consumption programs, and work on the development of alternative energies or urban mobility schemes to name a few.

In terms of its Teachings

UBS teachers constantly update and develop new course content in environmental risk management, food, energy and waste management, urban and coastal planning, ecology and environmental sciences.

On Campus, UBS has put in place a number of practical initiatives 

Recycling: of paper, cardboard cups, plastic, used texture pens and biros, used batteries, bottle tops, organic food scraps and light bulbs. University catering services offer reusable washable plates and cutlery. You can also access organic food baskets delivered onsite Tuesdays on the Vannes campus for 5 euros and 4,50 euros in Lorient.

 

Lower environmental footprint initiatives

With the reimbursement of 50 % of staff annual and monthly public transport subscriptions and installations of water, energy and heating saving devices in all facilities.

There is also a student vegetable garden and local organic fresh food basket supply for all interested.

In terms of new initiatives

In 2020, UBS students decided to embark on four brand-new projects:

  • The first one is to have hot-drink vending machines retrofitted to one size fit all student personal mugs. This will considerably reduce hot drink cardboard cup consumption.
  • The second campus wide effort is, since February 1st 2020, a campus wide butt-free campaign to collect all cigarette butts into special communal ashtrays to minimize pollution of local waterways. True to circular economy principles, these butts are recycled by a local company call MEGO and transformed into urban furniture and other products.
  • UBS has also funded the free distribution of menstrual cups for all female students. This will help them financially, but also improve toilet hygiene, and minimise rubbish removal.
  • Last but not least, two UBS students are developing a practical guide for students and staff on eco-responsible consumption for every-day living.

  

UBS is very proud of these tremendous high-impact initiatives and looks forward to supporting future environmental efforts put forward and selected by students!