RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION
2024
Scientific Publications related to SDG 12* = 66
* During the period 2020-2024
Citation impact_ SDG12**= 1.72
** Annual average during the period 2020-2024
New Research Programs related to SDG 12*** = 5
*** Launched in 2024.
R&D activities (funded projects)
- Title: Development of a waste biomass conversion system that incorporates liquefaction and pyrolysis technologies for producing biochemicals for the maritime sector
- Acronym: BIO4MAR
- Funding framework: RIF / RESTART 2021-2026
- Abstract: The BIO4MAR project focuses on developing sustainable biochemicals for the maritime sector through integrated biomass conversion technologies. The project brings together ecorbio, the Cyprus University of Technology, Frederick Research Center, CyRIC, Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research (WKI), and the Cellular Materials Laboratory of the University of Valladolid (CellMat). Leveraging expertise in liquefaction, pyrolysis, life cycle analysis, and advanced material synthesis, the consortium aims to produce biopolyols and phenolic compounds tailored for applications in the maritime sector.
- Title: Fruits thRiving in agronoMy powered by photovoltaics (PV)
- Acronym: FarmPV
- Funding framework: RIF / RESTART 2021-2026
- Abstract: FarmPV explores agro photovoltaics (agroPV) technologies towards enhanced production volumes of added value commodities such as blueberry and sweet cherry fruits (BCF) to meet the local demand for Cyprus in a sustainable, economical, and scalable way.
- Title: Development of Advanced Antimicrobial Nanofibrous Textiles through Effective Nanofinishing
- Acronym: DANTE
- Funding framework: RIF / RESTART 2021-2026
- Abstract: The recent SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has increased the demand for textiles with embedded antimicrobial and antiviral properties, with applications spanning from air filters and food packaging to sportswear and water purification. However, challenges like limited versatility and durability, environmental concerns, and high production costs hinder their widespread use. Most antimicrobial textiles/veils use synthetic chemicals, which may not be versatile, durable, or environmentally friendly. Electrospun nanofabrics are emerging as a solution, given their cost-effectiveness, adaptability, and multifunctional properties. Accordingly, DANTE aims to create innovative, bio-compatible, non-woven nanofabrics ideal for protective clothing and cosmetics, leveraging the antimicrobial potential of nanofiber networks and their ability to encompass nanoentities that offer multifunctionality and customizability. DANTE’s general objectives are: (1) Establish a long-term partnership between industrial and academic partners that goes beyond the current project. This collaboration will combine access to bespoke equipment and processes (e.g. spark and arc ablation, needless electrospinning), highly specialized personnel, academic and industrial competencies, and expertise. The goal is to accelerate the development and commercialization of technologies and products, currently in R&D stage, for the medical and cosmetics industries, (2) Leverage upon partners’ expertise on antimicrobial/viral nanoparticles and polymer nanofiber development to create hybrid nanofabrics with broad spectrum antimicrobial efficiency. Combine antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties with optimal nanofabric morphological characteristics, bio- compatibility, and biodegradability in a novel product (textile) with particle filtering and pathogen elimination capabilities, increased breathability for comfort, tailored to medical and cosmetics applications, (3) Use novel, certified methodologies (i.e. Generally Recognized as Safe – GRAS) to assess antimicrobial properties of nanoparticle-enhanced nanofabrics to accelerate screening and assessment processes for adopting the technology in medical and cosmetics industries. Investigate the methods for producing DANTE textiles at large scale and implement the necessary quality control measures and standards to reach product and processing development at TRL 7 by the end of the project.
- Title: Minor ROot and Tuber crops fostering AgrobiodiversiTy and Ecosystem Services
- Acronym: ROTATES
- Funding framework: EU HORIZON EUROPE
- Abstract: ROTATES aims to sustainably enhance agrobiodiversity and ecosystem services by introducing and promoting minor starchy root and tuber crops (MRT) sweet potato, yams, cassava and taro, considered minor crops and currently underutilized in Europe, in both conventional and organic farming systems. These crops have substantial growth potential in temperate regions to meet the increasing demand in Europe, which has tripled over the last decade. The inclusion of MRT crops will complement the cohort of minor crops introduced into European agrosystems by the previously funded projects. Employing a multidisciplinary and multi-actor approach, ROTATES will (i) identify levers for MRT crop adoption along the value chain, through a comprehensive diagnosis of constraints and opportunities for MRT crop adoption, agronomic practices to inform farm typology analysis, genetic material assessment, and disease pressure evaluation, (ii) deploy MRT crops by developing agroecological management practices, including crop rotation and intercropping, to leverage the benefits on provisioning and regulating ecosystem services, establishing breeding hubs to deliver varieties adapted to the agroecological systems, and creating a clean seed system relying on a policy framework for phytosanitary certification to support sustainable production and material exchange, (iii) unlock the value of MRT crops by establishing sustainable and innovative healthy and traditional food and feed transformation processes, integrating livestock to recycle unused plant by-products and provide crop amendments – gluten-low-to-free pasta, bread, and plant-based ice cream and feed for ruminants and monogastrics- (iv) promote adoption along the value chain, targeting primarily farmers and growers, through marketing avenues and capacity-building efforts. ROTATES will contribute to improving producers’ income, enhancing product value, increasing agrobiodiversity, and reducing Europe’s import dependence.
- Title: Novel Nano-Enhanced Carbon Capture (CCS) Systems for Industrial post- Combustion Processes
- Acronym: Nano-CarbonCaps
- Funding framework: RIF / RESTART 2021-2026
- Abstract: The scope of Nano-CarbonCapS is to develop a small-scale, portable intensified membrane device that delivers more effective CO2 capture (CCS) compared to incumbent technologies, whose deployment is not confined to large-scale power plants (as incumbent systems), but also in smaller localized sites. The device to be developed in this proposal will be designed for CO2 removal but could equally be used to remove pollutants such as NOx, CO, CH4, H2S and SO2.
By the end of the project, a prototype device will have been developed and demonstrated at an industrial site, reaching a TRL between 6 and 7. The innovative nature of this work lies in the combination of a novel intensified nanofibrous membrane reactor (IMR) with different forms of ionic liquids (ILs) and/or Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs), the design of which will be fully optimized via computational modelling to achieve the highest efficiency of CO2 removal: harnessing atomistic modelling to optimize the membrane structure and material selection and computational dynamics for the design parameters and operating conditions.
- Title: Circular and Dynamic Manufacturing Supply Chain Orchestration and OptimiSation
- Acronym: CIRCULOOS
- Funding framework: EU HORIZON EUROPE
- Abstract: CIRCULOOS aims to deliver circular manufacturing tools which orchestrate and continuously optimise the supply-chain end-to-end and comprehensively integrate planning and execution. Combining these with direct calculation of the product sustainability and circularity profile, both internally and with external partners, this environment will enable them to configure and execute disruptive circular manufacturing processes for sustainable production that cover the entire life cycle of products which become waste and are recycled in the same or other life cycles.To achieve this objective the project aims at deploying: (1) Circular end-to-end supply chain orchestration of collaborative workflows and connecting planning and execution metrics with advanced and multimodal visualisation -DT of supply chains formulated, factory processes and product design- and analytics, (2) Supply Chain Optimisation that monitors the global (across the supply chain) and local (within the factory) processes and execution, (3) Dynamic Sustainability Assessment functionalities that ponder the alternative supply-chain scenarios (varying in terms of materials used, processing technologies, suppliers involved and/or activated circular economy practices), (4) Supply Chain Data Spaces for seamless, multi-level data flow across the supply chain partners, (5) Cybersecure and trustworthy data sharing across the supply chain by employing a distributed, trusted and efficient Identity and Access management system together with the associated trust framework, (6) Novel circular business processes will be demonstrated supporting reusing, reducing, and recycling material in production and consumption systems, (7) Skills upskilling and reskilling will be provided in RAMP and through online courses.
- Title: Demonstration of innovative functional food systems based on a more sustainalbe value cain for a marine and freshwater raw materials for conscientious European consumers
- Acronym: NOVAFOODIES
- Funding framework: EU HORIZON EUROPE
- Abstract: The diversity of species exploited, and products derived from aquaculture and fisheries has remained static in recent decades, driving pressures on environment, including poor feed conversion ratios and coastal eutrophication. Considering the growing population, a holistic and ecosystems-based restructuring of primary processes and value chains is a priority in order to achieve more balanced, and efficient aquatic food production systems. In this view, increasing waste recycling, balancing production to host environment carrying and regeneration capacities, and diversifying species production to better match local conditions should be considered to improve the current situation and boost innovation in this sector. One of the main sources, both directly as (ingredients for) new food products and as the basis to produce other aqua food products are algae.
Algae are proven to be food of great quality and nutritional value for humans, while its production contributes to mitigating climate change by CO2 capture. Micro and macroalgae production have commonly been focused on a narrow range of species, and existing systems are still not technologically efficient. However, algae alone cannot be the entire solution for a more sustainable seafood value chains, which need changes along the entire value chain, controlling of environmental impacts, and diversified production with levels of environmental sustainability and product traceability generating greater consumers’ trust.
Aware of these challenges but often working in isolation, there are many organizations developing solutions to improve efficiency in the aquatic food sector. NOVAFOODIES brings together some of these organizations in a unique consortium to demonstrate new approaches that ensure future seafood production is both profitable and environmentally.
«POST-DOCTORAL» Research Programme Funding Call 2023
Building on initiatives launched in 2020-21, the University continues its commitment to strengthening research through internally funded programs, including the Post-Doctoral Program. In line with its mission to advance Research, Excellence, and Innovation, the program’s primary objective is to attract and support highly talented postdoctoral researchers with the potential for impactful, independent research. The proposals submitted for postdoctoral research are aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The table below illustrates the projects aligned with Goal 12:
- Title: The “End Life” of the Commanaria Grape Pomace Becomes the New Beginning: Exploring its Potential Use as a Source of Cosmecautical Sunscreen Agent for its Antioxidant and Photoprotective Properties
- Αcronym: Grape SunPro
- Faculty: Geotechnical Sciences and Environmental Management
- Abstract: This project, grounded in the circular economy, aims to develop a new generation of sunscreens by repurposing agri-food waste from Commandaria production in Cyprus. It focuses on extracting polyphenols—a natural source of UV protection and antioxidants—using eco-friendly solvents and ultrasound-assisted techniques to maximize recovery. The polyphenol-rich extract will be integrated into sunscreen formulations to enhance UV protection and stability. This research supports sustainable practices and innovation, aligning with SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), by addressing food waste and promoting environmentally responsible product development.
Strategic Actions
Environmental Policy and Sustainable Practices
The Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) is committed to implementing its comprehensive Environmental Policy (https://green.cut.ac.cy/environmentalpolicy/), which includes the responsible management of hazardous waste (https://green.cut.ac.cy/hazardouswaste/). All hazardous waste generated by laboratories or other activities is collected and managed to prevent environmental harm and mitigate risks associated with its dangerous nature.
To ensure proper disposal, CUT collaborates with a licensed company authorized by the Department of Environment under the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environment, specializing in the collection and management of hazardous waste. These materials are categorized and handled according to strict regulations.
Reducing Plastics and Single-Use Items
As part of its commitment to sustainability (https://green.cut.ac.cy/environmentalpolicy/), CUT actively promotes recycling and reducing plastic waste. Single-use plastic cups have been replaced with biodegradable paper cups for water dispensers that provide tap water directly.
Demonstrating its dedication to environmental, societal, and health concerns, the University continues to adopt sustainable practices aligned with its strategic development plan. One significant initiative includes replacing water dispensers with plastic bottles with advanced filtration systems directly connected to the building’s tap water supply, reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly solutions.
2023
Scientific Publications related to SDG 12* = 66
New Research Programs related to SDG 12* = 4
*During the period 2019-2023
Citation impact_ SDG12*= 2.16
*Annual average during the period 2019-2023
R&D activities (funded projects)
Title: European Union’s REKonstructed content in 3D
Acronym: EUreka3D
Funding framework: DIGITAL
Abstract: This program collaborates with UNESCO and Professor Ioannides hold the UNESCO Chair on Digital Cultural Heritage at the Cyprus University of Technology. UNESCO’s mission is to contribute to the building of a culture of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information. Moreover, it takes into account and contributes to the gender equality, Climate action and life below water.
Title: Co-curating in the Phygital Museum and the creation of alternative narratives and transcultural “voices” towards developing inclusive and sustainable museums
Acronym: Erasmus+ ExhiBIT
Funding framework: ERASMUS+
Abstract: The Erasmus+ Project Co-curating in the Phygital Museum emphasizes co-curatorship through “phygital” strategies, blending physical and digital experiences to foster broader visitor engagement in multicultural, post-pandemic museum spaces. Aligning with the EU’s Digital Education Action Plan (2021–2027), the ExhiBIT project supports Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI) professionals in enhancing digital skills and pedagogical approaches to promote social inclusivity. By advancing co-curatorship practices, it facilitates dialogue with underrepresented societal groups to collaboratively shape inclusive and participatory museum environments.
Title: Circular and Dynamic Manufacturing Supply Chain Orchestration and OptimiSation
Acronym: CIRCULOOS
Funding framework: HORIZON EUROPE
Abstract: CIRCULOOS aims to provide circular manufacturing tools that optimize the supply chain while integrating planning and execution. By calculating product sustainability and circularity profiles in collaboration with internal and external partners, the project enables the development of innovative circular manufacturing processes for sustainable production throughout a product’s life cycle, including recycling. Key objectives include orchestrating collaborative workflows, enhancing supply chain metrics with advanced visualizations, and optimizing processes. It also features dynamic sustainability assessments for evaluating different scenarios and promotes secure data sharing through a robust identity management system. The initiative will demonstrate circular business processes that support material reuse, reduction, and recycling, along with upskilling programs through RAMP and online courses. Collaborations with NGOs, such as the Mobile World Capital Barcelona Foundation and Consorcio Red Alastria, align with SDGs 9, 12, and 13.
Strategic Actions
Environmental Policy and Sustainable Practices
The Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) is committed to implementing its comprehensive Environmental Policy (https://green.cut.ac.cy/environmentalpolicy/), which includes the responsible management of hazardous waste (https://green.cut.ac.cy/hazardouswaste/). All hazardous waste generated by laboratories or other activities is collected and managed to prevent environmental harm and mitigate risks associated with its dangerous nature.
To ensure proper disposal, CUT collaborates with a licensed company authorized by the Department of Environment under the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environment, specializing in the collection and management of hazardous waste. These materials are categorized and handled according to strict regulations.
Reducing Plastics and Single-Use Items
As part of its commitment to sustainability (https://green.cut.ac.cy/environmentalpolicy/), CUT actively promotes recycling and reducing plastic waste. Single-use plastic cups have been replaced with biodegradable paper cups for water dispensers that provide tap water directly.
Demonstrating its dedication to environmental, societal, and health concerns, the University continues to adopt sustainable practices aligned with its strategic development plan. One significant initiative includes replacing water dispensers with plastic bottles with advanced filtration systems directly connected to the building’s tap water supply, reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly solutions.
2020
Γενικά
Πολιτική και διαδικασία σχετικά με τη διαχείριση όλων των αποβλήτων
Στο πλαίσιο της γενικής Περιβαλλοντικής Πολιτικής, υπάρχει η δέσμευση για τη διαχείριση επικίνδυνων αποβλήτων. Η σύμβαση διαχείρισης επικίνδυνων αποβλήτων αναθεωρήθηκε το 2020 για 3 χρόνια.
Στο Τεχνολογικό Πανεπιστήμιο Κύπρου περισυλλέγονται και διαχειρίζονται όλα τα Επικίνδυνα Απόβλητα που παράγονται από τα εργαστήρια ή και από αλλού. Τα συγκεκριμένα απόβλητα δεν μπορούν να αφεθούν στο περιβάλλον λόγω της επικινδυνότητας τους και επίσης για την καταστροφή που μπορεί να προκαλέσουν. Για αυτό το λόγο, μέσα στα πλαίσια της Περιβαλλοντικής Πολιτικής, το Τεχνολογικό Πανεπιστήμιο Κύπρου έχει συνάψει συνεργασία με αδειοδοτημένη, από το Τμήμα Περιβάλλοντος του Υπουργείου Γεωργίας, Φυσικών Πόρων και Περιβάλλοντος, εταιρεία για περισυλλογή και διαχείρισή των συγκεκριμένων αποβλήτων. Αυτά κατατάσσονται στις πιο κάτω κατηγορίες:
Πολιτική γύρω από τη ελαχιστοποίηση της χρήσης του πλαστικού και των αντικειμένων μιας χρήσης
Στο πλαίσιο της γενικής Περιβαλλοντικής Πολιτικής, υπάρχει η δέσμευση για ανακύκλωση. Επίσης, τα πλαστικά ποτήρια μιας χρήσης έχουν αντικατασταθεί με χάρτινα βιοδιασπώμενα, για να χρησιμοποιούνται με τις συσκευές παροχής πόσιμου νερού που παρέχουν νερό κατευθείαν από τη βρύση.
Το Πανεπιστήμιο, ως ευαίσθητος οργανισμός για το περιβάλλον, τη κοινωνία και την υγεία, συνεχίζει την εφαρμογή καλών και βιώσιμων πρακτικών, σύμφωνα πάντοτε με το στρατηγικό προγραμματισμό ανάπτυξης. Ο τρόπος παροχής πόσιμου νερού στο προσωπικό του Πανεπιστημίου έχει αλλάξει. Οι συσκευές παροχής πόσιμου νερού με την πλαστική μπουκάλα αντικαταστάθηκαν με συστήματα φίλτρων που συνδέονται απευθείας με την παροχή πόσιμου νερού του κτιρίου.
Σύστημα Οικολογικής Διαχείρισης και Ελέγχου (EMAS)
Το Σύστημα Οικολογικής Διαχείρισης και Ελέγχου (EMAS) αποτελεί ένα εθελοντικό εργαλείο της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης, σχεδιασμένο για επιχειρήσεις και άλλους οργανισμούς, το οποίο τους δεσμεύει να αξιολογήσουν, να διαχειριστούν και να βελτιώσουν τις περιβαλλοντικές τους επιδόσεις. Το Σύστημα αυτό προσφέρει μια συστηματική προσέγγιση στη μείωση των περιβαλλοντικών επιπτώσεων που ενδεχομένως προκύπτουν από τις δραστηριότητες ενός οργανισμού και συμβάλει στην αντιμετώπιση των αυξανόμενων προσδοκιών των καταναλωτών για προϊόντα και υπηρεσίες με χαμηλό περιβαλλοντικό κόστος. Ουσιαστικά το EMAS σχεδιάστηκε για να βοηθήσει τους οργανισμούς και επιχειρήσεις να ενισχύσουν την ανταγωνιστικότητα τους βελτιώνοντας τις περιβαλλοντικές τους επιδόσεις
Σκοπός του EMAS είναι να προωθήσει τη συνεχή βελτίωση των περιβαλλοντικών επιδόσεων των οργανισμών/επιχειρήσεων μέσω της καθιέρωσης και εφαρμογής συστημάτων περιβαλλοντικής διαχείρισης, της συστηματικής, αντικειμενικής και περιοδικής αξιολόγησης των επιδόσεων του συστήματος και των περιβαλλοντικών επιπτώσεων του οργανισμού/επιχείρησης, της κατάλληλης ενημέρωσης ως προς τις περιβαλλοντικές επιδόσεις των οργανισμών, του ανοικτού διαλόγου με το κοινό και τους ενδιαφερομένους καθώς και την εκπαίδευση και συμμετοχή των εργαζομένων του οργανισμού/επιχείρησης.
*Οι πληροφορίες πάρθηκαν από την ιστοσελίδα του Τμήματος Περιβάλλοντος του Υπουργείου Γεωργίας, Αγροτικής Ανάπτυξης και Περιβάλλοντος.
2019
Γενικά
Πράσινες Δημόσιες Συμβάσεις
Κάθε χρόνο οι ευρωπαϊκές δημόσιες υπηρεσίες δαπανούν ποσό που αντιστοιχεί στο 16% του ακαθάριστου εγχώριου προϊόντος της ΕΕ για την αγορά αγαθών, για υπηρεσίες, καθώς και για διάφορα έργα. Οι δημόσιες συμβάσεις μπορούν να επηρεάσουν τη διαμόρφωση των τάσεων στην παραγωγή και την κατανάλωση, ενώ μια σημαντική ζήτηση εκ μέρους των δημοσίων υπηρεσιών για πιο οικολογικά (πράσινα) αγαθά, δύναται να δημιουργήσει και να διευρύνει τις αγορές για φιλικά προς το περιβάλλον προϊόντα και υπηρεσίες. Το ΤΕΠΑΚ έχει δεσμευτεί για την υλοποίηση αυτού του σχεδίου δράσης από το 2011 και οι πράσινες δημόσιες συμβάσεις υπόκεινται κάτω από τη Περιβαλλοντική Πολιτική του Πανεπιστημίου και συντονίζονται επίσης από το αντίστοιχο γραφείο.
Επικίνδυνα Απόβλητα
Στο Τεχνολογικό Πανεπιστήμιο Κύπρου περισυλλέγονται και διαχειρίζονται όλα τα επικίνδυνα απόβλητα που παράγονται από τα εργαστήρια και από οποιοδήποτε άλλο σημείο του Πανεπιστημίου σύμφωνα με την Περιβαλλοντική Πολιτική. Τα συγκεκριμένα απόβλητα δεν μπορούν να αφεθούν στο περιβάλλον λόγω της επικινδυνότητας τους καθώς και για την καταστροφή που μπορούν να προκαλέσουν. Για αυτό το λόγο, μέσα στα πλαίσια της περιβαλλοντικής πολιτικής το ΤΕΠΑΚ έχει συνάψει συνεργασία με αδειοδοτημένη από το τμήμα περιβάλλοντος από το Υπουργείο Γεωργίας, Φυσικών Πόρων και Περιβάλλοντος, εταιρεία περισυλλογής και διαχείρισης των αποβλήτων αυτών.
Περιβαλλοντική Πολιτική και EMAS
Από το 2011 δημιουργήθηκε στο ΤΕΠΑΚ η Περιβαλλοντική Πολιτική με την οποία το Πανεπιστήμιο δεσμεύεται στην εξοικονόμηση ενέργειας, στην χρήση ανανεώσιμων πηγών ενέργειας και στην προστασία του Φυσικού Περιβάλλοντος και την Αειφόρο Ανάπτυξη.
Η Περιβαλλοντική Δήλωση (EMAS) αποσκοπεί στην παροχή περιβαλλοντικών πληροφοριών στο κοινό σχετικά με τις περιβαλλοντικές επιπτώσεις και επιδόσεις, καθώς και τη συνεχή βελτίωση των περιβαλλοντικών επιδόσεων του Πανεπιστημίου.
Πράσινες Δημόσιες Συμβάσεις
Το Πανεπιστήμιο έχει Πολιτική για την ηθική προμήθεια τροφίμων και προμηθειών μέσα στα πλαίσια της γενικής Περιβαλλοντικής Πολιτική για τις Πράσινες Δημόσιες Συμβάσεις. Η ΠΔΣ αναθεωρήθηκε το 2019.
Πράσινες Δημόσιες Συμβάσεις (ΠΔΣ)», σημαίνει τη συμπερίληψη περιβαλλοντικών παραμέτρων κατά τη σύναψη δημόσιων συμβάσεων προμηθειών, υπηρεσιών και έργων, από τις Αναθέτουσες Αρχές που εμπίπτουν στο πεδίο εφαρμογής των Νόμων περί του Συντονισμού των Διαδικασιών Σύναψης Δημοσίων Συμβάσεων (Ν. 11(I)/2006 και Ν. 12(I)/2006) με στόχο τη μείωση των περιβαλλοντικών επιπτώσεων και τη διατήρηση της οικονομικής βιωσιμότητας.
Λαμβάνοντας υπόψη το κόστος του κύκλου ζωής του προϊόντος, οι ΠΔΣ επηρεάζουν το σύνολο της αλυσίδας εφοδιασμού και προωθούν την εφαρμογή πράσινων προτύπων στις ιδιωτικές συμβάσεις.