VSB-TUO has been very active in the field of sustainable development and social responsibility for a long time. The university has prepared lectures focused on key topics of the present, which will be accessible not only to elementary and secondary school pupils, its students and employees, but also to the general public. “We invite you to lectures on innovative approaches in sustainable industry, new methods to promote biodiversity and measures to prevent food waste,” says Marcel Šihor, sustainability manager at VSB-TUO.
The university also prepares a bazaar for its students and employees, where they can bring women's, men's or children's clothing, accessories, shoes, toys or books. “It is up to them whether they want to sell, exchange or donate things. We consider this to be the most economical and effective way of acquiring or disposing of things environmentally,” explains Šihor.
One of the novelties of the European Sustainable Development Week is the installation of seven new vending machines at VSB-TUO. "The vending machines will be powered by energy from our solar panels and will offer students and employees cooled fine sparkling and clean water. It is not only a great way to protect the environment, we also want to offer a healthier alternative to bottled drinks," says Tomáš Otipka, director of colleges and cafeterias at VSB-TUO. The main goal of this initiative, he says, is to reduce the amount of plastic waste. The university has prepared recycled bottles with its logo, which people will buy in cafeterias. "This step is part of our joint effort for a more sustainable and responsible approach to our environment," concludes Marcel Šihor.
Educational institutions across the country will be involved in the European Sustainable Development Week. The main message is to show that sustainability is not a theoretical concept for universities, but that they also work with it in practice.