MedUni Vienna sustainability project wins Sustainability Award

Since 2008, the Sustainability Award for Austria’s universities and higher education institutions has been presented every two years to recognise projects and initiatives that drive the transition to a sustainable society in line with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

greenCCR aims to systematically and permanently embed sustainability at the Center for Cancer Research. Its guiding principle is the recognition that change can only be achieved through coordinated, interest-based action by all stakeholders. greenCCR combines structural measures with awareness-raising and the active participation of staff. A step-by-step, inclusive approach ensures that everyone is met at their current level; critical voices are deliberately included. Research groups and service units are involved in the implementation of sustainability strategies through voluntary delegates. The focus is on raising awareness, the sustainable use of resources, and internal and external networking. Successful measures are continuously developed further, translated into standardised processes and institutionalised. In this way, sustainability is not treated as a project-based initiative, but is integrated as a permanent feature of everyday research life.

Creativity, innovation and setting an example
greenCCR has chosen a particularly effective and creative approach to embedding sustainability permanently in everyday research. At the heart of this are the voluntary “greenCCR New Year’s Resolutions”:

Working groups champion established measures, trial pilot projects or contribute their own ideas. This phased approach combines stability and continuity with innovation. Creative upcycling art projects with the KVH Vienna, public engagement at the Long Night of Research, and specialist lectures further expand the approach.

Results are presented university-wide at the annual CCR Green Day, and successful measures are integrated into the core infrastructure. This blend of creativity, structure, recognition and institutional embedding makes greenCCR an outstanding role model.

Results and transformative impact
In 2.5 years, greenCCR has laid important foundations for greater sustainability at the CCR. Initial measures relating to the 3R strategy for consumables and energy efficiency have been implemented, whilst others are being tested and evaluated. Sustainability is increasingly seen as a shared responsibility and is openly discussed. Early-career researchers acquire practical sustainability skills at an early stage. Concepts and results are shared transparently, reflected upon and further developed. Growing participation, institutional integration and preparations for the transfer to the new university campus from 2027 demonstrate the potential for long-term embedding. Networking with stakeholders, public relations work and visible practical examples serve as a model and promote sustainable transformation in the life sciences sector.
 

Further information on greenCCR:
Contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Target groups:
All institute staff – academic (undergraduates, PhD students, postdocs, staff scientists, group leaders, management) and non-academic (assistants, maintenance and administrative staff); decision-makers from university facility management; biotech companies; recycling experts

Start and duration:
Start: July 2023; End: 2040

Budget and funding:
approx. €1,000 per year, provided by exhibiting biotech companies at CCR Green Day; ‘in-kind’ personnel support from the institute

Sustainable transformation
Awareness-raising, changing behavioural patterns, transforming systemic structures, changing mental concepts and values