Ecological transition
On November 20, 2023, the University of Montpellier adopted its master plan for ecological transition. This foundational document aims to strengthen the measures already implemented at UM in recent years, as well as to initiate and coordinate the implementation of an ecological transition policy that lives up to its ambitions. A brief overview of its development with Frédérique Carcaillet, Vice President for Environmental Issues.
In 2022, at the start of his new term, President Philippe Augé sought to establish a vice-presidency dedicated to environmental issues—a cross-functional role by nature, given that environmental challenges affect the university not only as an institution for education, research, and innovation, but also as a consumer of resources and a key player in the development of the region of which it is a part. An administrative and operational support office dedicated to the institution’s ecological transition was also established.
“During my first year as vice president and the first year of the office’s operations, we were able to assess the progress made on the initiatives the university had already been pursuing for several years in the area of ecological transition. We were also able to define the scope of the future master plan and establish the decision-making and operational frameworks necessary to achieve the university’s objectives.”
Two committees have been established: a steering committee tasked with making recommendations and monitoring the implementation of the institution’s ecological transition policy, and an operational committee responsible for monitoring the implementation of the action plan and reporting to the steering committee.
“After developing the broad outlines and key actions of the master plan based on the national SD&RS framework and in line with the Ministry’s climate and ecological transition plan, we launched a consultation within the institution to identify the needs and proposed actions of the various departments. This allowed us to finalize our action plan and define the indicators to monitor to ensure the master plan’s successful implementation.”
In an organization like the UM, which comprises 17 faculties, schools, and institutes, one affiliated institution, and more than 70 research laboratories, a key challenge was to enhance the institution’s ability to engage the entire community in the processes of transformation and the development of its ecological transition strategy. The network of ecological transition liaisons was created to address this need.
“This network allows us to actively involve the entire community in implementing various initiatives. It comprises more than a hundred people who help disseminate information related to the ecological transition and share best practices among the institution’s various departments.”
2025 marks the midpoint review of the UM’s master plan for ecological transition—a key milestone for assessing the progress made since 2023 and for beginning to envision the UM in 2030!
Presentation of the Master Plan for Ecological Transition (SD TE)
The University of Montpellier has anticipated the requirements of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research the ecological transition by adopting, as early as 2023, its Ecological Transition Master Plan (SDTE), structured around four key areas and 48 actions to be carried out by 2026. Actions related to social responsibility are not included in this plan: already developed and currently being implemented, they are incorporated into other multi-year documents (master plans for disability and student life, gender equality plan, etc.) that have their own distinct focus.
Priority Area 1: Education and Training, “Training students and staff in the ecological transition”
Main objectives:
- Incorporating issues related to the ecological transition and sustainable development into the curriculum
- Promote and support the development of staff skills related to the ecological transition
- Encourage student engagement in and advocacy for the ecological transition
To achieve these objectives, 11 initiatives have been planned, including the introduction of required courses on the ecological transition for undergraduate students, the provision of educational resources for students and faculty, the installation of technology demonstrations on campuses, and the development of specialized training modules for staff.
Priority Area 2: Research Innovation, “Promoting responsible research in support of the ecological transition”
Main objectives:
- Integrating the ecological transition into research and innovation at UM
- Strengthening the connection between science and society
The aim is to encourage laboratories to engage in more responsible research by promoting the sharing of best practices through seminars and a network of dedicated liaisons, establishing selection criteria for internal projects, and providing the data necessary for laboratories to conduct self-assessments of their environmental impact. Emphasis has also been placed on strengthening the relationship between science and society and on the importance of scientists’ role in public policy.
Priority Area 3: Environment, “Taking Action for the Environment and Changing Behaviors”
Main objectives:
- Reducing the University of Montreal’s carbon footprint
- Reduce and manage waste
- Protect and promote biodiversity
To achieve these goals, the action plan calls for expanding energy-efficiency retrofits of university buildings and connecting them to district heating networks, promoting the use of renewable energy, encouraging sustainable transportation, and conducting an assessment of its greenhouse gas emissions. It also involves taking action to better understand and enhance biodiversity on campuses by adopting “zero pesticide” and “zero watering” practices, delaying mowing and pruning, and raising awareness among users. Another key focus of this plan is waste management: promoting reuse and recycling—particularly for IT equipment, office furniture, and packaging—and reducing waste generation.
Priority Area 4: Strategy and Governance, “Building governance for the ecological transition and promoting responsible business practices”
Main objectives:
- Incorporate the ecological transition policy into the management of the UM
- Mobilize the necessary human, technical, and financial resources
- Commit to a responsible development approach that balances economic, social, and environmental considerations
Tools for managing and monitoring the implementation of various initiatives are necessary to ensure the optimal allocation of human, technical, and financial resources. This involves creating committees and a network of liaisons, known as “ecological transition correspondents.” These liaisons will help evaluate and analyze the initiative’s performance and serve as a valuable source of information for communicating, raising awareness, and fostering commitment and buy-in from everyone. To strengthen the implementation of the SDTE and embed the culture of ecological transition across all of the institution’s activities, the UM integrates ecological transition issues into every aspect of its responsible procurement policy.
