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 in charge of 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 development 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 Campuses 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 approach 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. To this end, it has banned the use of pesticides, prioritizes Mediterranean plant species that require little or no watering, and implements a differentiated management approach for its green spaces—including 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 among the entire university community.
Based on an assessment of waste sorting and the management of used office furniture conducted across allUM 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 the packaging used by suppliers. Furthermore, to reduce plastic use associated with the purchase of bottled water,UM planned to install water fountains for refilling water bottles on 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 university’s energy consumption are therefore among its major objectives.
1. Photovoltaic panel installations:
In this context, the installation of solar panels is emerging as a key initiative to reduce the institution’s carbon footprint. As part of new construction and renovation projects, the institution has already been installing solar panels for several years, notably at the Béziers University Institute of Technology (IUT). Other self-consumption projects were launched in 2025 at the Richter site, the Nîmes University Institute of Technology (IUT), 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 to improve energy management; renovating buildings; and installing electricity meters to enable better monitoring and controlled consumption.
