Ecological Transition
On November 20, 2023, the University of Montpellier approved its master plan for ecological transition. This foundational document is designed not only to strengthen the measures already implemented in recent years at theUM but also to initiate and coordinate the implementation of an ecological transition policy that lives up to the university’s ambitions. A brief overview of how it was developed, with Frédérique Carcaillet, Vice President for Environmental Issues.
In 2022, for his new term, President Philippe Augé sought to establish a vice-presidency dedicated to environmental issues—a role that is cross-functional by nature, given that environmental issues 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 the university is a part. An administrative and operational support office dedicated to the institution’s ecological transition was also established.
“The first year of my vice presidency and the office’s operations allowed us to take stock of the initiatives the university had already been pursuing for several years in the area of ecological transition. It also enabled us to define the scope of the future master plan and to structure the decision-making and operational frameworks essential for achieving the university’s objectives.”
Two committees were 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 as part of 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 track to ensure the master plan’s successful implementation.”
Within an institution such as theUM —which comprises 17 faculties, schools, and institutes, one affiliated institution, and more than 70 research laboratories—a major challenge was to improve 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 broadly involve the entire community in implementing various initiatives. It includes 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 ” master plan for ecological transition—a key milestone for taking stock of the progress made since 2023 and for beginning to plan for the “UM ” 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 the “ Research ” regarding the ecological transition by adopting, as early as 2023, its Ecological Transition Master Plan (SDTE), structured around four pillars and 48 actions to be carried out through 2026. Initiatives related to social responsibility are not included in this plan: as they have already been developed and are currently being implemented, they are incorporated into other multi-year documents (master plans for disability and student life, the gender equality plan, etc.) that have their own distinct focus.
Priority Area 1: Education and Training, “Training Students and Staff for the Ecological Transition”
Main Objectives:
- Incorporating issues related to 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 implementation of required courses on the ecological transition for undergraduate students, the provision of educational resources for students and faculty, the installation of technology demonstration units on campuses, and the development of specialized training modules for staff.
Priority Area 2: Research , and Innovation, “Promoting Responsible Research in Support of the Ecological Transition”
Main Objectives:
- Integrating the ecological transition into research and innovation at theUM
- Increasing Interaction Between Science and Society
The goal 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 was also 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 carbon footprint of theUM
- Reducing and Managing Waste
- Protect and Promote Biodiversity
To achieve these goals, the action plan calls for continuing energy-efficiency retrofits of university buildings and connecting them to district heating networks, expanding the use of renewable energy, promoting sustainable transportation, and conducting an assessment of the university’s greenhouse gas emissions. It also involves taking steps to better understand and increase biodiversity on campuses by adopting “zero pesticides” and “zero watering” policies, delaying mowing and pruning, and raising awareness among users. Another key focus of this plan is waste management: promoting reuse and recycling—particularly of computer equipment, office furniture, and packaging—and reducing waste generation.
Priority Area 4: Strategy and Governance, “Building a Governance Framework for the Ecological Transition and Promoting Responsible Business Practices”
Main Objectives:
- Incorporate the ecological transition policy into the management of theUM
- 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 establishing committees and a network of coordinators, known as “ecological transition liaisons.” These correspondents will help evaluate and analyze the initiative’s performance and serve as a valuable source of information for communicating, raising awareness, and fostering everyone’s commitment and buy-in. To strengthen the implementation of the SDTE and embed the culture of ecological transition throughout the institution’s activities, the “UM ” integrates ecological transition issues into all aspects of its responsible procurement policy.
