Environment

The University of Montpellier is actively committed to the ecological transition by implementing ambitious policies to reduce its environmental impact. Led by the vice-presidents responsible for Real Estate and Environmental Issues, this initiative aims to decarbonize operations, reduce energy consumption, and minimize impacts on biodiversity in accordance with the recommendations of the Climate-Biodiversity and Ecological Transition Plan.

For several years, the University has been committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and, in 2024, began compiling its first Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report. It promotes sustainable transportation and is gradually replacing its vehicles with electric or hybrid models. In terms of building management, the focus has been on energy efficiency and the transition to sustainable systems for several years. The University is also committed to responsible waste management and promotes biodiversity by reorienting its green space management practices.

Sustainable transportation 

Building on the sustainable mobility package already in place at the institution, the University has committed, as part of the Master Plan for Ecological Transition, to promoting and encouraging sustainable transportation among its staff and students. Several types of initiatives have been launched:

• Large-scale campus improvement projects: Based on a comprehensive assessment of all its sites both in and outside Montpellier, the institution has planned the installation of bicycle parking facilities to meet the needs of the university community.
• The gradual replacement of internal-combustion-engine service vehicles with electric vehicles or other modes of transportation, such as cargo bikes. This long-term initiative demonstrates a genuine commitment to contributing to changes in mobility and moving toward lower-carbon transportation.
• Awareness-raising initiatives promoting the use of sustainable transportation, such as the school’s participation in the national “May by Bike” challenge.

Biodiversity on Campus and Green Space Management

Internationally recognized for its excellence in ecological research, the University of Montpellier is committed to the ecological management of its green spaces. This is in line with the recommendations of the relevant government ministries and the Climate and Biodiversity Plan, which call on institutions to encourage the greening of campuses, limit land sealing, and protect and promote biodiversity on campuses.

For several years now, the University of Montpellier has been taking steps to promote biodiversity. With this in mind, it has banned the use of pesticides, favoring Mediterranean species that require little or no watering, and implementing differentiated management of its green spaces through delayed mowing and pruning to allow plants and the insects that depend on them to complete their full reproductive cycles, while taking into account the working conditions of gardeners and safety requirements.

Waste management

The institution’s policy in this area aims to reduce its environmental footprint and promote sustainable practices among students and staff. This policy seeks to ensure that recycling guidelines align with local government collection procedures and are implemented across all campuses by raising awareness throughout the university community.

Based on an assessment of waste sorting and the management of used office furniture conducted across all UM sites, the institution has implemented several key initiatives: the creation of an internal platform for redistributing office furniture, the gradual rollout of dedicated recycling bins for all recyclable waste, and a revision of the purchasing policy to streamline packaging delivered by suppliers. Furthermore, to reduce plastic use associated with the purchase of bottled water, the UM has planned to install water fountains for refilling water bottles across its various campuses.

Reduction in carbon-based energy consumption

The energy transition is a priority for the University of Montpellier, not only to reduce its carbon footprint but also to address economic constraints. Switching to renewable energy and reducing the institution’s energy consumption is therefore one of the University’s key objectives.

1. Photovoltaic panel installations:

In this context, the installation of solar panels has emerged as a key initiative to reduce the institution’s carbon footprint. Through new construction and renovation projects, the institution has already installed photovoltaic panels over the past several years, notably at the IUT in Béziers. Additional self-consumption installation projects were launched in 2025 at the Richter site, the IUT in Nîmes, and the Saint Priest campus.

2. Energy consumption management:

For several years now, the University of Montpellier has been implementing a strategy focused on energy efficiency and building renovations, aimed at optimizing its resources while ensuring the quality of teaching and research. With the Energy Efficiency Plan, developed in 2022 at the request of the government, several concrete actions have been undertaken: raising awareness and fostering a sense of responsibility among staff and students for better energy management, building renovations, and the installation of electricity meters for improved monitoring and controlled consumption.