CUT provides mandatory annual and recurring training on environmental aspects of sustainability through a structured, institution-wide approach that integrates induction processes, academic development, and annual compliance training systems. Environmental sustainability training is embedded across staff and student experience and is reinforced on a continuous basis. This approach is aligned with the University’s Strategic Planning 2023-2030, which includes strategic priorities related to sustainability, and is supported by dedicated structures such as the Office of Sustainable Development, the CUT SDGs Committee, the Office of Environmental Policy (Green Office), and the Learning Development Network (LDN). In addition, a significant proportion of students at different study levels are exposed to sustainability-related education through induction, curriculum-based provision, and institutional awareness-raising initiatives, further strengthening environmental and SDG literacy across the student community.
All newly recruited administrative staff are required to attend induction training, which includes a dedicated sustainability session delivered by the CUT Green Office, CUT academics and external experts. This session introduces core environmental principles, with particular emphasis on environmental sustainability, including resource efficiency, waste management, and climate-related practices, while also presenting the University’s environmental policies and practices. Incoming students are systematically introduced to sustainability through structured induction activities. Moreover, the sessions promote real-life scenarios, interdisciplinary approaches, and good practices for integrating environmental sustainability subjects across various courses. These induction activities are complemented by periodic refresher sessions, ensuring that environmental awareness is maintained and continuously updated across the University community.
A key component of this framework is the compulsory training provided to newly appointed academic staff through the Learning Development Network (LDN). Since 2024, all new academic staff are required to attend the structured session “Education to and for Sustainability”, embedded within the academic induction programme, ensuring compulsory exposure to sustainability in teaching and curriculum development (evidence: LDN academic induction programme and course materials). The training is delivered in an interactive format and focuses on:
- Integration of sustainability into teaching and assessment.
- Alignment with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the green transition.
- Use of pedagogical tools and interdisciplinary approaches for sustainability education.
In parallel, the Human Resources Services (HRS) plays a central role in ensuring that environmental aspects of sustainability are systematically addressed across the University. Through the implementation of CUT’s ISO 45001-certified Health and Safety Management System, HRS organises and delivers mandatory annual training for all relevant staff (academic, administrative, laboratory, and technical personnel), covering workplace safety, environmental risk management, and legal compliance. These training activities are delivered on an annual basis as part of institutional compliance requirements, ensuring continuous and up-to-date staff engagement with environmental sustainability practices.
Indicative training delivered in 2025 includes:
- Risk Assessment Training (January 2025), addressing physical, chemical, biological, and environmental risks.
- ISO 45001 Training- Documentation and Implementation (March 2025), focusing on structured management of health, safety, and environmental risks. This includes specialised training delivered by external experts, focusing on environmental and human health risk assessment and management.
- First Aid Training (April 2025), supporting a safe and resilient campus environment.
In addition to mandatory compliance training, HRS further strengthens sustainability awareness through annual training and engagement activities. These include thematic seminars such as the 2025 Popular Science Talk on food safety and quality, addressing environmental and public health dimensions of sustainability, as well as broader initiatives in previous years focusing on green growth and environmental responsibility in collaboration with external experts.
Further reinforcing environmental awareness and community engagement, CUT also promotes sustainability through interdisciplinary, challenge-based learning initiatives within the EUt+ alliance. An indicative example is the “Molos 360°: Look Again” project (December 2025), where students engaged with real-world environmental challenges related to waste management at the Limassol Molos Seafront Park. Through research outputs and a 360° video developed through the course “ESD445: Design for Social Impact”, the initiative fostered reflection on sustainable behaviours and strengthened links between the University and society.
Overall, CUT’s approach ensures a comprehensive and systematic provision of environmental sustainability training, combining mandatory induction, dedicated academic staff development, and annual institutional training systems. This training framework directly supports the implementation of CUT’s Environmental and Climate Policy.
In summary, the University demonstrates full alignment with QS requirements through:
- Structured sustainability training introduced to new students through induction activities.
- Dedicated compulsory sustainability training for academic staff.
- Annual and ISO-certified training addressing environmental risks and responsibilities.
This integrated model ensures continuous capacity building and demonstrates a strong institutional commitment to environmental sustainability.