Introduction
This policy confirms that Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute recognizes the importance of its activities, which can have a significant impact on both the local and global environment. Through scientific research and innovative solutions, the university strives to reduce negative environmental impacts and contribute to the improvement of the environment.
The goal of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute's environmental policy is to develop and implement effective measures and tools to prevent harmful environmental impacts and improve its condition.
The objective of the environmental policy is to develop educational pathways, raise the level of environmental awareness of students and staff of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute; to develop an innovative ecosystem, implement the principles of balanced use of natural resources at the regional, national and global levels.
Key principles
1. Ensuring compliance with the requirements of state legislative, regulatory and legal acts, as well as international standards, and coordinating and supervising the implementation of the Energy Efficiency Program at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute.
2. Implementing interdisciplinary projects with the objectives of solving environmental and social problems.
3. Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute's systematic approach to the development of educational programs and courses, conducting research in the field of ecology, energy saving, environmental protection and rational use of natural resources.
4. Continuous improvement of the level of environmental safety and comfort for the university community.
5. Providing access to information on the environmental indicators and activities of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute in the area of environmental protection for all interested parties.
6. Improving the energy and environmental characteristics of the university property complex to provide comfortable conditions for studying, working and living, while also fostering environmental awareness and culture, as well as professional competencies in line with environmental safety and sustainable development strategy requirements.
Methods of implementation
1. Ensuring compliance with energy efficiency standards in all reconstructions and new buildings. Ensuring compliance with national standards in line with the principles of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute energy policy; conducting energy audits of university buildings; implementing an energy management system.
2. Enhancing the energy efficiency of existing buildings. Insulation of building envelopes, including replacement of windows, wall insulation, floor insulation, roof and basement reconstruction. Another key priority is the modernisation of individual heating stations in dormitories and other buildings. Insulation and replacement of heating network pipelines.
3. Reducing overall energy consumption. The implementation of an energy monitoring system. The lighting system in buildings, dormitories and street lighting will be modernised using LED light sources and smart lighting control systems. The provision of reactive power compensation.
4. Not to invest in carbon-intensive energy sectors, particularly coal and oil. The university is investigating the feasibility of generating a portion of its electricity needs through the installation of rooftop solar power plants.
5. The promotion of energy efficiency and clean energy to the local community. The installation of charging stations for electric vehicles on campus is currently being considered.
6. The maximum reuse of water. Establishment of a certified laboratory for the sewage water monitoring system is on schedule for completion. Utilising stormwater drainage water for irrigation purposes. The local wastewater treatment plants are to be renovated and repurposed as a source of domestic water.
7. The appropriate disposal of hazardous waste. An inventory of sources of hazardous waste generation, categorised by quality and quantity, is to be compiled.
8. Measuring the amount of waste sent to landfill and the amount of recycled waste. Implementing a waste sorting and separate collection system. The monitoring of the amount of waste sent to landfill and the amount of recycled waste is essential.
9. Plans to reduce the use of plastic materials. A refusal of plastic stationery and a transition to paper stationery. Adherence to the legislation regulating the use of plastic bags in Ukraine.
10. Minimising the use of single-use items. An inventory of disposable products. Conduct an information campaign to reduce the use of disposable items.
11. A University action plan be developed to mitigate the effects of climate change and provided to local authorities and community groups. The introduction of electric transport and the installation of electric chargers on campus will be carried out. A system for monitoring flue gas and other emissions should be implemented. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
12. Ensure the campus has access to sustainably sourced seafood. Cooperation with suppliers who are certified according to international standards of sustainable fishing to be established.
13. It is essential to implement measures to prevent and reduce marine pollution. It is recommended that modern sewage treatment facilities and household waste disposal measures be provided on the territories of recreation centres located on the Black Sea coast.
14. It is essential to guarantee the sustainable production of food on campus. The planting of trees and shrubs forms part of the agricultural culture on the territory adjacent to the academic buildings and in the university parks.
15. It is our responsibility to ensure the preservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems associated with the University. The development and implementation of conservation plans for the campus' natural areas will be undertaken. It is essential to conduct regular monitoring of the state of ecosystems and implement measures for their restoration. The implementation of green building and landscape design practices will help to reduce the impact of urban development on the campus ecosystem.
16. The identification, monitoring and protection of endangered species affected by the University's activities to be carried out. Conducting research to identify species that are threatened by the University's activities in order to develop an appropriate conservation strategy. The development and implementation of protection programmes for such species, including the creation of special protected areas, will be undertaken. We will work with environmental organisations and experts to improve biodiversity protection measures.
17. Mitigate the impact of non-native species (plants, animals, or other organisms) on the campus. Monitor and control the emergence of non-native species (plants, animals or other organisms) on the campus. Implement measures to prevent the spread of invasive species, including mechanical removal and biological control. Develop educational campaigns for the University community to raise awareness of the problems associated with invasive species.
Commitment of the University
The University is dedicated to promoting joint efforts among all members of the University community to meet environmental standards and ensure compliance with current ecological legislation.
1. Commitments in the field of management
Use digitalization tools to optimize administrative processes and reduce unnecessary emissions and environmental pollution, in particular through the introduction of electronic document management.
Monitoring the environmental safety of the University and making appropriate decisions to identify potential environmental hazards.
Organizing and conducting events on the University campus with the objective of implementing and supporting environmentally friendly practices.
Supporting the sustainable travel policy.
Ensuring participation in international educational rankings of sustainable development of universities (in particular, THE University Impact Rankings and QS Sustainability) for a qualitative evaluation of the University's achievements in the field of sustainable development, including climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Ensure that all relevant parties have unimpeded access to information on the University's environmentally oriented policy.
2. Commitment to educational activities
Providing educational activities that facilitate the implementation and development of educational, professional and scientific components in the field of ecology and sustainable development..
Ensuring that higher education students have the option of pursuing disciplines devoted to environmental safety and sustainable development in general.
The promotion of environmental awareness and sustainable lifestyles among the university community is a key objective.
The organisation will conduct open lectures and scientific and practical events dedicated to the problems of environmental safety and environmental awareness.
3. Commitment to research
The University is committed to research in the field of environmental sustainability and provides support and development opportunities for researchers in this area.
The implementation of findings from scientific research into environmental issues.
The University provides support for interdisciplinary projects in the fields of ecology, water management and environmental protection.
The University will facilitate the participation of its scientists in international and national conferences on ecology and sustainable peace.
The establishment of international scientific and technical collaboration on sustainable development and environmental protection
4. Commitment in the social sphere
The organisation and delivery of educational activities on campus to promote environmental awareness among students, staff and the local community (in particular, training on the environmental and social aspects of sustainable development).
The establishment of a University community dedicated to the development of socially significant environmentally oriented projects.
The development and implementation of the University's green policy plan.
The promotion and popularisation of the University's environmental policy principles.
5. Commitment in the field of economic activity and material and technical support
Enhancing the campus ecosystem by expanding the area of green spaces.
The preservation and restoration of the campus landscaping.
Reducing the carbon footprint by developing bicycle infrastructure on campus and promoting the use of public transport.
The implementation of a waste sorting and recycling policy.
The implementation of energy efficiency and resource saving principles.
A reduction in the use of paper through a full transition to an electronic document management system and the use of web services.
The use of materials that meet the adopted environmental standards for renovation and reconstruction of buildings.
The implementation of a green procurement system, i.e. purchasing goods that are safe for the environment and human life.
The organization of safe and healthy nutrition on the territory of the University.
Final provisions
The success of the environmental policy of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute hinges on the active involvement of all stakeholders, regular monitoring of the situation and a swift response to emerging environmental issues.
The policy's implementation hinges on the University's reporting and evaluation of its effectiveness based on feedback from students and staff, statistical data, and other relevant indicators.
The management, relevant departments and structural units of the University are responsible for implementing this policy.
To ensure continuous improvement and optimisation, the policy is subject to regular review and update in line with changes in the socio-economic environment and emerging environmental impact.