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https://www.instagram.com/politechnika_gdanska/Gdańsk University of Technology stands out as a leader in sustainability and environmental stewardship among higher education institutions. The university's commitment is deeply embedded in its strategic vision, exemplified by its comprehensive Climate Plan and Strategy for implementing Sustainable Development Goals and Declaration of University Social Responsibility 2024-2030. These frameworks guide ambitious actions across campus operations, research, education, and community engagement, ensuring sustainability is a core institutional value. The university has been recognized as Poland's greenest university (according to UI GreenMetric rank) and consistently ranks among top institutions globally for its contributions to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The Eco-Innovation Centre conducts innovative research on renewable energy and pioneering projects, such as CO₂-negative power plants and water purification technologies. Creativity and collaboration are hallmarks of Gdańsk Tech's sustainability journey. The university fosters bottom-up innovation, engaging students, staff, and external partners in co-creating solutions through creative workshops and interdisciplinary initiatives. Signature programs like Sustainable Development Week and "By bike to the University" campaign reduce campus carbon footprint while inspiring behavioural change within the academic community and beyond. Measurable outcomes underscore the university's tangible impact: investments in green infrastructure, resource efficiency improvements, and biodiversity projects have transformed campus into a living laboratory for sustainability. The institution's proactive approach to data-driven sustainability and dedication to sharing best practices position Gdańsk Tech as a catalyst for positive change and model for universities. By integrating sustainability into every facet of its mission, Gdańsk University of Technology exemplifies leadership in climate action and environmental responsibility, inspiring meaningful change within and beyond campus.
Finalist
Green University of the Year Award
Gdańsk University of Technology
Finalist Green University of the Year Award
Gdańsk University of Technology - Poland
"‘Technology for People and the Planet’ - Gdańsk University of Technology"
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Summary
Key People
Prof. Dariusz Mikielewicz, PhD, DSc
Vice-Rector for Research
Gdańsk University of Technology
Marta Jankowska
Head of Strategic Analysis Center
Gdańsk University of Technology
Agnieszka Cholewińska
Specialist
Strategic Analysis Center,
Gdańsk University of Technology
Tatiana Ilczyszyn
Specialist
Strategic Analysis Center,
Gdańsk University of Technology
Agnieszka Piotrowicz
Specialist
Strategic Analysis Center,
Gdańsk University of Technology
Beata Pronobis
Specialist
Strategic Analysis Center,
Gdańsk University of Technology
Anna Tomkiel
Specialist
Strategic Analysis Center,
Gdańsk University of Technology
Acknowledgements
The university would like thanks to all students, staff, and partners whose creativity and engagement drive our progress and contribute to Gdańsk Tech’s sustainability mission.
Thanks to all Polish universities with which we have established cooperation. We would also like to acknowledge our partner organisation the ENHANCE European University Alliance.
Images
Gdańsk University of Technology - Technology for People and Planet
Gdańsk Tech Main Building
SDG for University community
Eco-Innovation Center at Gdańsk Tech
'By Bike to the University' campagne
Conference during Sustainable Development Week
Eco-workshops for schoolchildren
On-Campus park
SDGs in education
Gdańsk Tech green campus
IMPACT STORY
Impacting lifes
In October 2024, Gdańsk Tech became a vibrant hub for sustainability, uniting nearly 350 participants. Students, staff, and university representatives from 19 Polish universities, came together to reflect, learn, and act for a sustainable future - demonstrating a real commitment to change.
Over five days, more than 20 events unfolded, including the “Climate for Action: Building a Brand for Sustainability” conference. Highlights ranged from branding expert lectures and best practice presentations to SDG Speed Meetings and workshops on data reporting and sustainable branding. “It was the first time that employees from different Polish universities worked together, empowering participants to strategize for international rankings and Sustainable Development Goals” recalls Marta, the conference coordinator.
The program also featured a screening of “A New Kind of Wilderness” with a discussion on our relationship with nature, a neurobiology lecture on stress, and health sessions on spine care. Ecological workshops for pre-schoolers sowed seeds of awareness, while a sign language lesson - co-hosted by a deaf teenager - opened doors to better communication and empathy. “Leading workshops for pre-schoolers and learning sign language helped me expand my knowledge and awareness. We can learn so much from each other.” – shared Agnieszka, member of the organizing team.
The event celebrated Gdańsk Tech initiatives like “By bike to the University” and a sustainability poster session - proving that together, we can build more sustainable, inclusive future. Participants left grateful, empowered, and inspired. This gathering was more than a conference - it was a catalyst for lasting change.
LEARNINGS
Lessons learned
Our journey toward becoming a green university has revealed that meaningful change requires both top-down vision and bottom-up engagement. One key learning was the power of inclusivity: by involving students, staff, and external partners in strategic planning and project implementation, we harnessed diverse perspectives and fostered a culture of shared responsibility. Unexpectedly, some of the most impactful ideas—such as the participatory budget and the “By Bike to the University” campaign—emerged from grassroots initiatives.
Another insight is the importance of transparent communication and ongoing education. Regularly sharing progress, challenges, and successes keeps the community motivated and accountable. We also discovered that celebrating small wins—like the completion of individual Climate Plan tasks—builds momentum for larger goals.
For those embarking on a similar path, our advice is to start with a clear, ambitious strategy aligned with global standards, but remain flexible and open to innovation from all levels of the organization. Invest in capacity-building, encourage creative experimentation, and measure impact rigorously. Most importantly, nurture a sense of purpose: when people see the tangible difference their actions make, sustainability becomes a shared value, not just a policy.
FUTURE PLANS
What's coming?
Building on recent achievements, Gdańsk Tech is intensifying efforts to expand its reach, foster innovation, and embed green values across the academic community and beyond.
To empower educators with the latest knowledge and practical tools for integrating sustainability into curricula, amplifying the university’s green mission across disciplines, we launching an innovative online course “Green Transformation in Teaching” for academic teachers.
Our commitment to collaboration will be demonstrated during the second Sustainable Development Week, which will feature workshops, lectures and collaborative projects designed to unite participants around the SDGs and social responsibility. This diverse program aims to foster a culture of shared environmental engagement and reach an wider audience.
A new tree path will guide visitors past the most beautiful and significant trees at Gdańsk Tech, raising awareness of biodiversity and serving as a living classroom for ecological education.
To ensure transparency, we are preparing another comprehensive Sustainable Development Report, that will document our progress and set new benchmarks for the future.
We will continue our successful campaigns, like "By Bike to the University", encouraging sustainable commuting and healthy lifestyle among the academic community.
Recognizing the need to strengthen the local community around us, in the near future we willing to work specially to intensify the activities of our Volunteer Center and finalize a new Engagement and Sustainable Development Strategy, further strengthening community involvement and student leadership in sustainability.
These plans reflect our ongoing commitment to innovation, collaboration, and measurable climate action, ensuring Gdańsk Tech remains a catalyst for positive change.
