VSB – Technical University of Ostrava (VSB-TUO) actively supports SDG11 Sustainable Citites and Communities by serving as an academic and cultural hub that strengthens community ties. The Poruba campus, open to the public, offers modern sports facilities, quality accommodation, and versatile conference spaces that host both academic and public events. By integrating culture, art, and the preservation of technical heritage into its environment, the University fosters regional cultural and educational development. Through its museum, galleries, libraries, and diverse programmes, VSB-TUO bridges the gap between science, art, and society, promoting an inclusive and dynamic dialogue with the community.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
SUPPORT OF ARTS AND HERITAGE
Public access to buildings, monuments, and natural landscapes
(11.2.1 Public access to buildings)
As a public institution, VSB-TUO provides access to its campus grounds for the general public. The University actively encourages citizens to visit and engage with its cultural and scientific heritage. This campus policy ensures public access to numerous buildings, monuments, and natural landscapes of profound cultural significance. Prominent public facilities include:
- Campus monuments and heritage landscapes: The open University grounds function as a welcoming public space, featuring numerous freely accessible architectural monuments, artworks, and natural landscapes that reflect the Region's rich industrial and cultural heritage.
- Professor Pošepný's Geological Pavilion: Established in 1849, this facility houses an extensive mineralogical, petrographic, and palaeontological collection featuring over 78,000 items (16,000 showcased for visitors). It is open to the public via a standard admission fee, with free entry provided for VSB-TUO students and staff.
- The Ostrava Planetarium: Open to visitors since 1980, this affiliated facility offers ticketed access to educational shows and scientific exhibitions. Furthermore, it serves as a vibrant community and cultural hub, providing public access to theatrical performances, musical programmes, and lectures. The Planetarium also features accessible public areas, including art and nature exhibitions in Galerie Mira and an outdoor children's playground.
Professor Pošepný's Geological Pavilion | EN | Ostrava Planetarium
Public access to libraries
(11.2.2 Public access to libraries)
The VSB-TUO Central Library provides members of the public with access to its facilities and library resources, subject to the Library and Circulation Rules.
- Access for registered users: Members of the public can register as external library users and access library services, including borrowing books and using other library resources, in accordance with the Library and Circulation Rules. Registration and a library card are subject to the applicable fees.
- Access for non-registered visitors: Members of the public may use the library’s study areas, browse the catalogue on designated computers, and consult books, journals, newspapers, and magazines from the library collections on-site. They may also attend public events hosted by the library. Access to certain services and electronic resources is subject to registration, access rights, and applicable licence conditions.
Public access to museums, galleries, and works of art
(11.2.3 Public access to museums)
VSB-TUO provides comprehensive public access to museums, exhibition spaces, galleries, and works of art
- VSB-TUO Gallery: Open since 1999 on the main campus, this exhibition space hosts regional artists, solo shows, and a special Gallery of Athletes.
- Galerie FEIKA: Located in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, this gallery features rotating visual arts exhibitions and provides free public access during operating hours.
- University Museum: Launched in 2020, this digital museum maps a physical collection of artworks and artifacts freely accessible across the open campus grounds and buildings.
- Galerie Mira: Situated within the Ostrava Planetarium, this gallery hosts engaging public exhibitions that connect art, nature, and scientific experiments, such as nature photography showcases.
- Public art documentation: The University's widespread physical art installations are comprehensively cataloged in the freely downloadable 2017 publication, Art on Campus: The Public Art Collection at VSB-TUO.
VSB-TUO Gallery | Galerie FEIKA | University Museum
Free public access to green spaces
(11.2.4 Public access to green spaces)
VSB – Technical University of Ostrava provides free public access to its open and green spaces. Located in the pleasant surroundings of the Ostrava-Poruba district, near a forest and recreational trails for cycling and in-line skating, the campus is one of the largest in Central Europe. It offers a welcoming environment with extensive green areas where visitors can enjoy nature and outdoor activities. In addition, the campus features a variety of indoor and outdoor sports facilities that are accessible to students, staff, and the wider community.
This commitment to providing accessible open spaces and recreational facilities highlights the University’s role in enhancing quality of life and promoting well-being among both the University community and the wider public.
Contribution to local arts and heritage
(11.2.5 Arts and heritage contribution)
The University actively contributes to local arts and cultural life through its institutional ensembles, which regularly perform for the general public locally and internationally:
- Academic Choir of VSB-TUO: This chamber mixed choir performs public concerts in Ostrava and its surroundings year-round, actively engaging the local community and representing the University at domestic and international cultural festivals.
- Orchestra of VSB-TUO: As the only large university wind orchestra in the Czech Republic, this 45-member ensemble unites students, alumni, and local amateur musicians of all ages. Its repertoire spans modern symphonic wind music, film scores, and pop, featuring annual public concerts domestically and abroad.
- Brass Beat Band VSB-TUO: Driven by young musicians, student members of the main orchestra formed this dynamic spin-off ensemble. This flexible 10-piece street music band broadens the university's cultural reach by performing a diverse range of genres in various public spaces.
- Chorus Ostrava: Founded in 2008 at the Faculty of Economics, this 60-member mixed choir represents the University at prestigious international competitions. Highlighting its regional cultural impact, the choir performed Gustav Mahler's 8th Symphony in Ostrava in 2026 alongside the Janáček Philharmonic and other world-renowned artists.
Academic Choir of VSB-TUO | Orchestra of VSB-TUO | Brass Beat Band VSB-TUO | Chorus Ostrava
Recording and preserving cultural heritage
(11.2.6 Record and preserve cultural heritage)
VSB - Technical University of Ostrava is committed to preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage, particularly its foundational traditions in mining and metallurgy.
Preserving historical mining knowledge: The University Library maintains a collection of historical publications documenting the development of mining and metallurgy. A notable example is Georgius Agricola's De re metallica libri XII (1556), the oldest book in the Library's collection and a landmark work on mining and metallurgy. Digitised versions of this publication, including the original Latin edition and the 1912 English translation, are freely accessible online, supporting the preservation and dissemination of historical mining knowledge.
Preserving intangible cultural heritage: The University's Faculty of Mining and Geology actively maintains and develops traditional mining customs through the Jump Over the Leather (Skok přes kůži), a traditional mining academic ceremony. The event features traditional mining uniforms, rituals, symbols, and mining songs, helping sustain the cultural practices and identity associated with the region's mining communities.
SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
Sustainable mobility goals and initiatives
(11.4.1 Sustainable practices targets & 11.4.2 Promote sustainable commuting)
VSB - Techncial University of Ostrava is committed to promoting sustainable commuting options for its students and employees. As poutlined in the University’s Strategic Plan for 2021–2027, particularly Operational Objective C 5.3: Support of the Sustainable Development of the University, VSB-TUO is committed to optimising transportation and parking as part of its sustainable campus development. Planned actions include developing university car-sharing schemes and supporting bike-sharing. The University also monitors bicycle-sharing usage and has conducted a commuting survey to inform future transport and campus planning.
Key initiatives include
- Bicycle sharing: NextBike stations are available on campus and throughout the city, offering free access for the first 15 minutes, followed by subsidized rates. University staff and students can register using their university email addresses and receive additional ride credit.
- Electric mobility: Since 2020, the Energy Research Centre has been using electric cars for its activities. Indoor and outdoor charging stations for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are also available on campus.
- Cycling facilities: To promote cycling, lockable bicycle boxes are installed across campus, and facilities such as showers for cyclists are being renovated.
- Public transportation: Students and employees can load their ODIS public transport card onto their University identification card, facilitating easier access to public transportation.
Nextbike usage statistics
According to data provided by nextbike Czech Republic, s.r.o., the nextbike system at VSB-TUO recorded 26,631 rentals and 47,688 km travelled in 2025. The number of rentals increased by approximately 50% compared with 2023, demonstrating increased use of the bicycle-sharing system.
| Nextbike usage | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total distance travelled | 46,939 km | 38,677 km | 47,688 km |
| Number of rentals | 17,731 | 19,669 | 26,631 |
| Average distance per ride | 1.4 km | 1.4 km | 1.43 km |
Commuting survey
In January 2026, VSB-TUO reported findings from a nationwide survey on commuting habits among university communities across the Czech Republic. A total of 1,952 students, doctoral candidates and employees from VSB-TUO participated, representing the highest number of respondents among the participating institutions. The findings will support cooperation with local public transport providers and inform the university’s campus development planning, including transport connections, accessibility and parking capacity.
The collected data will serve as an important basis for cooperation with Ostrava Public Transport (Dopravní podnik Ostrava) and other public transport partners, as well as for the preparation of the University’s campus master plan. Information on transport modes, commuting times and campus attendance will help assess public transport capacity, improve connections and accessibility, and plan parking facilities, pedestrian routes and movement throughout the campus.
The survey provides a data-driven foundation for the future development of the campus, supporting evidence-based decisions aimed at improving transport accessibility, campus functionality and the conditions for more sustainable mobility.
Flexible working arrangements and remote work
(11.4.3 Allow remote working)
VSB – Technical University of Ostrava (VSB-TUO) supports flexible working arrangements and remote work to promote work–life balance and accommodate employees’ individual needs. The basic framework is set out in the newly developed Work-Life Balance Policy at VSB-TUO, which covers flexible working arrangements, family policy, age management and the well-being of staff and students. The concept is intended to become an integral part of the forthcoming human resources strategy, supporting the further development of an inclusive and supportive working environment.
Available arrangements may include:
- Remote working: Employees may perform their work remotely where the nature of their duties and operational conditions allow.
- Flexible working hours: Working hours may be adjusted where permitted by the University’s rules and operational requirements.
- Part-time employment and work agreements: Alternative working arrangements may be available where appropriate.
These measures support work–life balance, equal opportunities and a more inclusive working environment.
Work-Life Balance Policy at VSB-TUO | Employment Rules of VSB-TUO | Promoting Equal Opportunities
Affordable housing for employees and students
(11.4.4 Affordable housing for employees & 11.4.5 Affordable housing for students)
VSB – Technical University of Ostrava (VSB-TUO) supports access to affordable accommodation for its students and staff through its University dormitories and Garni Hotel.
Affordable accommodation for employees: University employees can benefit from discounted accommodation in the University dormitories upon presentation of a valid employment contract. Members of the University's Alumni Network are also eligible for preferential accommodation rates at the Garni Hotel.
Affordable accommodation for students: Students can apply for accommodation in the University dormitories and the Garni Hotel. In addition, eligible students may receive an accommodation scholarship provided by VSB-TUO in accordance with the Article 15 of the Scholarship Rules of VSB – Technical University of Ostrava. Eligibility is subject to the applicable conditions and the source of funding for the student's studies.
The University dormitories regularly monitor and compare accommodation offers and prices provided by other accommodation operators. This comparison helps them maintain competitive prices and offer students accommodation at more affordable rates or with additional benefits compared with other providers.
ALUMNI Network | Garni Hotel | Scholarship Rules of VSB - Technical University of Ostrava | Accommodation Services for Students | Accommodation Services for Employees
Campus accessibility and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure
(11.4.6 Pedestrian priority on campus)
VSB – Technical University of Ostrava (VSB-TUO) provides pedestrian access within the central campus. Parking areas are located outside building areas, while pedestrian walkways connect university buildings, including covered paths that provide protection from adverse weather. Accessibility features, such as ramps and designated entrances, further support safe and convenient movement around campus, helping create an inclusive environment for students, employees and visitors.
Collaboration with local authorities on sustainable development
(11.4.7 Local authority collaboration regarding planning and development)
VSB – Technical University of Ostrava (VSB-TUO) collaborates with municipal and regional authorities and other stakeholders to support sustainable development in Ostrava and the wider Moravian-Silesian Region. This cooperation contributes to regional development, innovation and the application of scientific knowledge to local challenges.
Through its Faculty of Civil Engineering, the University develops expertise in urban engineering, spatial planning, public infrastructure and urban regeneration. These areas of expertise can contribute to planning and development initiatives that benefit local communities.
The University also participates in the SMARAGD initiative, which aims to support the transformation of the Moravian-Silesian Region into a smart, green and economically sustainable region through cooperation between academia, businesses and public-sector stakeholders.
These activities demonstrate VSB-TUO’s contribution to regional planning and sustainable development.
Energy-efficient and sustainable campus buildings
(11.4.8 Planning development - new build standards)
VSB – Technical University of Ostrava (VSB-TUO) integrates energy efficiency and sustainable construction principles into the development and modernisation of its campus infrastructure, in line with its Sustainable Development Strategy 2024+. All new buildings and renovations at VSB-TUO are subject to applicable Czech energy performance requirements, which are regularly reviewed and amended to reflect evolving energy efficiency standards. The relevant legislation includes:
- Act No. 406/2000 Coll., on Energy Management, establishing requirements for energy efficiency and the energy performance of buildings.
- Decree No. 264/2020 Coll., on the Energy Performance of Buildings, as amended by Decree No. 222/2024 Coll.: Establishes technical requirements for assessing building energy performance, including energy performance calculations and Energy Performance Certificates (PENB). The amendment took effect on 1 September 2024.
Energy-efficiency and sustainability features incorporated into the University's buildings and infrastructure include:
- Renewable energy generation: Photovoltaic panels installed on rooftops and building façades.
- Energy-efficient heating and cooling: Heat pumps used for heating and cooling buildings.
- Waste heat recovery: Systems that recover and reuse heat to reduce energy consumption.
- Intelligent building management: Digital control systems that help manage building operations and energy use.
- Energy-efficient building design: Insulation and other design measures intended to reduce energy demand.
- Rainwater management: Collection and reuse of rainwater, together with systems that allow water to infiltrate into the ground.
- Innovative energy technologies: Research infrastructure supporting the development and testing of advanced energy and environmental solutions.
Building on brownfield sites and redeveloping existing buildings
(11.4.9 Building on brownfield sites)
VSB – Technical University of Ostrava (VSB-TUO) supports the efficient use of existing infrastructure through the renovation and adaptation of previously developed sites and buildings. This approach helps reduce the need for additional land development and supports more sustainable campus planning.
Examples include:
- Faculty of Safety Engineering: The Faculty is housed in a repurposed building that previously served as a kindergarten, demonstrating how existing premises can be adapted for new educational purposes.
- CEETe II – Building N renovation: An ongoing modernisation project designed to improve energy performance from class C (108 kWh/m²/year) to class A (−18 kWh/m²/year) through a new insulated building envelope, LED lighting, energy-efficient HVAC systems and 489 façade-mounted photovoltaic panels (130 kWp). Surplus electricity will be supplied to other campus buildings.
These projects reflect VSB-TUO's approach to modernising its campus and making efficient use of existing infrastructure. The University's wider campus development plans also include the renovation of existing facilities alongside new construction.
Faculty of Safety Engineering: Before
Faculty of Safety Engineering: Now