**Diving into the heart of the green transition at Stellenbosch University**
Since adopting its Environmental Sustainability Plan (ESP) in 2022, Stellenbosch University (SU) has committed to achieving carbon neutrality on its campuses by 2030 and a net zero carbon footprint by 2050. An ambition that requires the mobilization of more than 36,000 students and thousands of staff members spread across 10 faculties and five campuses.
A major challenge is to inspire each member of the university community to become a “green champion”, able to act as an agent of change. According to Corina du Toit, SU’s Programme Manager for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Future17 programme, sustainability is not just a goal, but a responsibility that calls for action and collaboration at all levels of the university.
To achieve its ambitions to contribute to the United Nations and African Union Sustainable Development Agendas, SU developed its own Environmental Sustainability Plan (ESP) in 2022. The plan aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and a net zero carbon footprint by 2050.
ESP themes such as energy and emissions, water, waste, biodiversity and land use, travel and mobility, sustainable buildings, sustainable goods and services, and engagement are at the heart of this commitment to a transition to a more sustainable university.
Concretely, SU actively promotes sustainability awareness among staff and students by inspiring them to become agents of change. Initiatives such as the distribution of reusable water bottles to new students, tree planting events, a photography competition, e-waste recycling campaigns and tours of materials recycling facilities raise awareness of sustainability issues within the university community.
To recognise behaviours that help reduce energy consumption on campus, the SU presents an annual Green Living Award to private student residences or organisations that encourage students to make environmentally friendly lifestyle changes.
Alongside these initiatives, the SU is also involved in projects with a strong social impact, such as the recent planting of over 2,000 plants at a district hospital in Somerset West. The university is also actively involved in sustainability research and was recently present at COP29, bringing together world leaders to discuss ways to mitigate the growing impact of climate change..
Finally, SU also works to promote awareness of sustainability through educational programmes, including an online course on sustainability literacy, as well as the Future17 SDGs Challenge. This challenge, launched for the sixth time this year, aims to raise awareness among students about global sustainability issues.
At Stellenbosch University, the transition to a more sustainable future is happening every day, thanks to the commitment of an entire university community determined to work towards a better world.