The SDG-UniNet project aims to establish a sustainable development goals university network, consisting of partner universities across the globe with an emphasis on promoting sustainable practices.

The project has a triple objective:

1. Equipping partner universities with infrastructure for promoting sustainability, made of sustainable and/or recycled materials.

2. Conducting a workshop to launch the university network and develop a University Agreement that promotes a green action plan and public procurement.

3. Improving the project by promoting continuous inter-university collaboration.

Each university in the network will start with a survey of its energy usage and investment in sustainability, and will take the following steps:

A. Identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption and increase energy efficiency, such as using renewable energy sources and optimizing building design.

B. Develop a sustainability plan that aligns with the network’s goals and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

C. Implement the plan and monitor progress towards sustainability goals.

Through this initiative, partner universities will contribute to the overall sustainability of the planet. The University Agreement, to be signed by representatives of the partner universities during the planned workshop, will provide a common framework for formalizing university commitments and goals related to campus sustainability, as well as a platform for sharing achievements publicly among the working groups of the involved faculties and universities. The workshop’s outcomes for launching the university network, promoting the green action plan, and public procurement are:

1. An educational presentation for further dissemination.

2. An inter-university agreement for achieving the green action plan.

3. The creation and printing of an introductory brochure made of recycled paper to disseminate the project and inform students, employees of the partner universities, and the wider public.

Integration of the Climate Justice Call into the SDG UniNet Network

The integration of the Climate Justice in the Digital Age — Interactive Visions into the SDG UniNet Network is envisioned as a strategic and synergistic process that leverages the call as a springboard for establishing and strengthening the network. Here’s a detailed description of how this integration could work effectively:

Phase 1: Call Launch and Alignment with SDG UniNet Goals

Announcement: The Climate Justice Call is introduced as a flagship initiative under the auspices of the SHiFT network, with clear communication about its role in kickstarting the SDG UniNet.

Alignment: The call themes are carefully chosen to reflect the core objectives of the SDG UniNet, ensuring that the research and projects contributed by participants are directly relevant to the network’s goals.

Phase 2: Call Outcomes and Network Growth

Showcasing Results: The outcomes of the call, including research papers, project proposals, and multimedia presentations, are showcased on the SDG UniNet platform, highlighting the participants’ contributions to a wider audience.

Feedback Loop: Insights and feedback from the call are used to refine the SDG UniNet’s focus areas, priorities, and future activities, ensuring that the network remains dynamic and responsive to the latest research and innovation.

Phase 3: Post-Call Integration

Continued Engagement: Winners and notable participants are invited to join working groups, committees, or other collaborative efforts within the SDG UniNet, ensuring their continued involvement and the application of their ideas.

Recognition and Incentives: Achievements in the call are recognized through digital badges, certificates, and potential roles in the network, providing participants with professional development opportunities and incentives to remain active within the SDG UniNet.

Sustainability Projects: The call serves as a catalyst for launching long-term sustainability projects under the SDG UniNet umbrella, with the potential for funding, partnerships, and broader implementation.

Legacy Building: The success stories and impacts of the call are documented and celebrated as part of the SDG UniNet’s legacy, inspiring future participants and stakeholders to contribute to the network’s mission.

By integrating the Climate Justice Call into the SDG UniNet Network in this manner, the call becomes more than a standalone event; it becomes a transformative process that nurtures a community of practice, enriches the network’s knowledge base, and catalyzes action towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

Scoring System for SDG UniNet Network of Universities

To incentivize universities to take steps towards sustainability without binding agreements, a badge and points system can be effective. Here’s a proposed system:

Badges and Points System:

Green Curriculum Badge:

Universities introducing or expanding sustainability education in their curriculum earn this badge.

Points: 100 points for a new course, 50 points for revising an existing course to include sustainability.

Recycling Infrastructure Badge:

Institutions that install recycling bins and promote recycling practices receive this badge.

Points: 10 points per bin installed, 20 points for comprehensive recycling programs.

Sustainable Mobility Badge:

Awarded to universities that create bike parking lots and encourage cycling to campus.

Points: 50 points for new bike parking lots, 5 points for each bike-sharing program initiated.

Energy Efficiency Badge:

For campuses that implement energy-saving measures like LED lighting or energy-efficient appliances.

Points: 75 points for building retrofits, 25 points for installing smart meters.

Community Engagement Badge:

Earned by universities that involve students and staff in sustainability initiatives or community service.

Points: 30 points for each community project, 50 points for ongoing partnerships with local organizations.

Research for Sustainability Badge:

Granted to institutions that fund or support sustainability-focused research projects.

Points: 100 points for new research grants, 200 points for establishing a sustainability research center.

Carbon Footprint Reduction Badge:

For universities that take verifiable steps to reduce their carbon footprint.

Points: Points proportional to the percentage reduction in carbon footprint.

Badges and Points System Details:

Points Accumulation:

Points are accumulated over an academic year and reset annually to encourage continuous improvement.

Points can be redeemed for various labels, which are levels of recognition within the SDG UniNet network.

Labels and Thresholds:

Green Seedling Label:

Threshold: 100-299 points

Benefits: Certificate of Recognition, a feature in the SDG UniNet newsletter.

Sustainability Steward Label:

Threshold: 300-599 points

Benefits: All of the above plus a digital badge for the university’s website, priority access to SDG UniNet webinars.

Eco Innovator Label:

Threshold: 600-999 points

Benefits: All of the above plus a feature article on the SDG UniNet platform, an invitation to a roundtable discussion on sustainability.

Climate Leader Label:

Threshold: 1000-1499 points

Benefits: All of the above plus eligibility for a sustainability grant, a physical plaque to display on campus.

SDG Champion Label:

Threshold: 1500+ points

Benefits: All of the above plus a keynote speaking slot at the annual SDG UniNet conference, leadership role in SDG UniNet committees.

Additional Incentives:

• Annual Awards: An annual ceremony to recognize the highest-scoring universities.
• Peer Recognition: A feature on a “Sustainability Honor Roll” that lists the top-performing universities.
• Networking Opportunities: High-scoring universities get exclusive networking opportunities with potential funders and partners.

Badge-Specific Achievements:

Universities can also receive special recognition for exceptional achievements in specific areas, such as “Most Innovative Green Curriculum” or “Largest Carbon Footprint Reduction”, which come with additional points and publicity.