Södertörn University will contribute to sustainability through research, education, collaboration and critical reflection on contemporary challenges. The university will actively and responsibly conduct work towards local, regional and global sustainability. The aim of this work is to contribute to guarantee environmental, social and economic sustainability for present and future generations as part of the Sustainable Development Goals in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development[1]. Work is conducted based on both the direct and indirect impact that the university’s activities have on sustainability. Sustainability work is carried out with a focus on continual improvement, based on current legislation, and in line with national and international societal commitments.

The indirect work is performed on a broad basis, through research, education and external collaboration as regards the dimensions of sustainability and the 2030 Agenda, based on the competence and interest of university staff. Direct work on the dimensions of sustainability focuses primarily on Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 16, and the goal targets that the university can affect through its activities.[2]

Work on environmental sustainability must also particularly consider the Climate Framework[3], Sweden’s generational goal and its sixteen environmental quality objectives[4]. The university must continuously reduce its carbon footprint in all its activities, with a particular focus on the life cycle perspective in procurement and purchasing, sustainable commuting and work travel, as well as sustainable newbuilds and rebuilds.

Work must be conducted through the systematic integration of sustainability and the environment in university activities, as well as by conveying knowledge and conducting critical and reflective discussions in collaboration with employees, managers, students and external stakeholders.

Responsibility

The Governing Board tasks the vice-chancellor with responsibility for establishing sustainability objectives and systematically following up that they are achieved, and for enabling staff to work towards sustainable development. All managers, employees and students are expected to participate actively in this work, individually, internally at the university, and with external stakeholders. The vice-chancellor will perform an annual evaluation of how work on promoting sustainability and the environment is progressing, using the university’s environmental management system and, where necessary, delegating tasks through the organisation. The vice-chancellor will provide information to and discuss this work regularly with the Governing Board.

Sustainability Policy for Södertörn University was decided by the Governing Board 16 December 2022 (reg. no. 2125-1.1.2-2022). This policy replaces the “Sustainable Development and Environmental Policy” for Södertörn University (reg. no. 263/1.1.1/2013).

¹ UN General Assembly (2015), Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, A/RES/70/1

² Goal descriptions: 3. Good health and well-being [3.4, 3.a], 4. Quality education [4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.7, 4.a, 4.b, 4.c], 5. Gender equality [5.1, 5.4, 5.5], 10. Reduced inequalities [10.3], 11. Sustainable cities and communities [11.2, 11.3, 11.7], 12. Responsible consumption and production [from 12.2 to 12.8, 12.a, 12.c], 13. Climate action [13.2,13.3], 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions [16.1, 16.6, 16.7, 16.b]

³ The Association of Swedish Higher Education Institutions, SUHF (2021). Klimatramverket för Sveriges universitet och högskolor (Climate Framework for Higher Education Institutions).

⁴ Ministry of the Environment (2012). Sveriges miljömålssystem – preciseringar av miljökvalitetsmålen och en första uppsättning etappmål. Government Offices of Sweden, Ds. M2012.23

Read Södertörn University's sustainability policy here. Pdf, 119.9 kB.

E-mail
miljo@sh.se

Environmental coordinator

Charlotta Warmark +46 (0)8 608 5250
University Support Services