The Environmental, Energy and Climate Change Policy sets out the Cyprus University of Technology’s (CUT) principles and commitments for environment, sustainability, responsible resource use, energy management and climate action. It provides a framework for integrating these priorities into the University’s governance, operations, teaching, research and engagement with society. The commitments established through this Policy are implemented through CUT’s Environmental, Energy and Climate Change Action Plan, which sets out the corresponding priority actions, indicative timeframes, indicators and monitoring arrangements.

With its orientation to applied research, the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) aspires to become a key contributor to the state and our society in addressing problems that concern it in all the fields of science, technology and knowledge that serve it.

An integral part of the above mission is the Sustainable Development of CUT, integrating Sustainable Development processes into each of its activities. CUT will endeavour to improve continuously, considering legal requirements, available resources, technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness and the operational needs of the University. The emphasis is on progress, transparent monitoring and gradual strengthening of action over time.

The aim is to apply the principles of Sustainability in all University activities and integrate them into its general culture.

CUT commits to the following practical principles:

1. Compliance and good governance in accordance with relevant climate, energy and environmental legislation and, where possible, active contribution to the revision/improvement and/or development of new related legislation.
2. Implementation of Sustainable Development practices and climate-conscious practices across all its activities where appropriate and feasible.
3. Continuous monitoring, evaluation and improvement of sustainability and climate performance, supported by periodic and transparent reporting of key indicators and progress, where applicable and possible. Integration of sustainability indicators into the University’s processes and strategic development goals to monitor performance and progress, where applicable and possible.
4. Development or renovation of buildings aimed at optimal energy and water efficiency, improved climate resilience and efficient use of natural resources, where technically and economically feasible. For new buildings and major refurbishments, appropriate water-saving measures and opportunities for water reuse shall be considered as part of the design process, taking into account technical, operational and economic feasibility.
5. Consideration of climate-related risks including extreme heat, water scarcity, intense rainfall and other relevant climate hazards in the planning and management of the University’s facilities and activities.
6. Ongoing education and awareness-raising within the University Community on Sustainable Development, climate change, responsible energy and environmental practice.
7. Energy and water conservation and efficient resource use in University buildings and facilities, including appropriate wastewater management, if possible, measures to prevent water pollution, and the promotion of water reuse and recycling where technically, legally and operationally feasible.
8. Use and progressive expansion of Renewable Energy Sources in its facilities.
9. CUT will seek to increase feasible water-reuse and recycling opportunities, with particular consideration given to new developments and major refurbishments, where technically, legally, hygienically, operationally and economically appropriate.
10. Commitment to Green Public Procurement and responsible and ethical sourcing, incorporating Circular Economy principles and, where appropriate, environmental, social and life-cycle considerations in relevant purchases, tenders, outsourced services and supplier arrangements. Promotion of reuse, repair, redeployment and appropriate recycling of electrical and electronic equipment and other durable assets where feasible.
11. Promotion of e-governance and digital practices that contribute to reduced resource consumption.
12. Reduction in material consumption, including the progressive minimisation of unnecessary plastics and single-use/ disposable items, and promotion of reuse, recycling and upcycling wherever feasible.
13. Reduction of daily paper consumption, promotion of digital processes and procurement of paper products made from recycled paper.
14. Collection, tracking, transportation and appropriate management of hazardous and special waste in accordance with applicable Cyprus and European Union legislation and recognised environmental-management requirements.
15. Progressive monitoring and reduction of waste sent to landfill, in accordance with the waste hierarchy, with the aim of increasing landfill diversion and moving towards zero waste to landfill where technically, environmentally and economically feasible. The University will progressively monitor the quantities of waste generated, recycled/recovered and sent to final disposal where reliable quantitative data is available.
16. Progressive minimisation of unnecessary plastic products, particularly single-use plastics, and promotion of reusable and lower-impact alternatives where appropriate and feasible.
17. Progressive minimisation of unnecessary single-use and disposable items and promotion of reusable alternatives where technically, hygienically and operationally appropriate.
18. Relevant waste-minimisation, resource-efficiency, plastic and disposable-item reduction and sustainability requirements shall, where technically, hygienically and operationally appropriate, be extended to outsourced services operating on University premises and, where relevant, to suppliers and the wider supply chain.
19. Promotion of appropriate and feasible measures for climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience where technically, hygienically and operationally appropriate.
20. Continuous monitoring, evaluation and improvement of the University’s climate performance and implementation of relevant climate actions where technically and operationally appropriate.
21. Measurement and annual reporting of greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 and Scope 2, and progressively Scope 3 where feasible).
22. Establishment of measurable targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions taking into account the University’s emission baseline, operational context and available resources, and aligned with international and European climate goals where technically and operationally appropriate.
23. Education, research and engagement. Support climate and sustainability awareness, teaching, research, innovation and collaboration with the University community and external partners.
24. Promotion of research for the development of innovative technologies/practices related to environmental protection, climate change mitigation and adaptation and Sustainable Development, including through multi-stakeholder and Quintuple Helix approaches.
25. Networking with other organizations and universities and relevant stakeholders following a Quintuple Helix approach that also recognizes the environment as an integral dimension of sustainability and climate action for the advancement of all the above.

The Policy was originally approved by the University’s Governing Committee at its 73^rd meeting on 2 December 2011. A revised version was approved by the Senate at its 226^th meeting on 2 April 2024, followed by an updated version at its 275^th meeting on 7 April 2026. The latest revision was approved by the Senate at its 289^th meeting on 6 October 2026.