University of Ljubljana adopts its first comprehensive sustainability strategy for 2025–2030, with a vision up to 2040

The adoption of the UL Sustainability Strategy is a significant milestone – but only the first step on the path toward a more sustainable university, and one that also brings a range of new challenges. To effectively address them, the UL must build networks and engage in social dialogue with other stakeholders at the local, national and international levels, and actively contribute to policy development in this field, says Prof. Dr Maja Klun, Vice-Rector for Knowledge Transfer, Digitalisation and Sustainable Development at the UL. “Even during the adoption of the overarching UL Strategy 2022–2027, we made a commitment that the UL would strive to act sustainably – internally, externally, and by transferring knowledge in this area to students and the wider public. I’m pleased that we’ve recognised the need for a stronger, more committed approach to promoting and monitoring the UL’s sustainability performance. We’ve taken the first step with this new strategy. What matters most now is following through on our commitments. At the same time, we must also remain open to feedback from various stakeholders, allowing them to hold up a mirror when needed. Above all, we want them to join us and actively participate in our joint efforts to advance the sustainability transition wherever possible.”

In preparing the Sustainability Strategy, the UL has embraced the principle of integrating sustainability into all areas of its activities, a commitment reflected in the strategic objectives and sustainability focus areas developed. This represents the UL's first comprehensive sustainability strategy and supports the objectives of the overarching UL Strategy 2022–2027. These key areas and corresponding actions address the structures and processes for achieving the UL’s sustainability objectives, sustainability-oriented education, research, development and artistic creation, sustainable spatial development, working and living environments, and cooperation with external partners and knowledge transfer in line with sustainability principles.

In the initial implementation phase of the UL Sustainability Strategy, the focus will be on analysing the current state and managing sustainability risks, taking into account existing strategies already adopted at the UL. In the later phase, emphasis will shift towards developing regenerative solutions and alternative development concepts that respect planetary boundaries.