The University’s commitment to sustainable development has featured in its strategic documents for many years. Sustainability is one of the institution’s top priorities in the 2023-2026 plan. The objectives in this area regard not only the University’s core missions of teaching and research, but also its operations, its role as an employer, and its relations with society.

As an academic institution, the University of Neuchâtel is directly confronted with the various challenges of sustainable development. It seeks to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined by the United Nations by generating new knowledge, skills and innovative measures. The University aims to provide a studying and working space that fosters solidarity and respects the environment.

Climate et environment

In June 2021, the University of Neuchâtel joined the UN Race to Zero and pledged to achieve climate neutrality by 2045. To turn this commitment into a reality, the University has developed a Climate Plan, which outlines the strategy and measures adopted to reach this goal.

The strategy focuses primarily on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the University’s activities. The plan covers key areas where concrete measures need be adopted to meet the climate challenges. Transport and energy are the primary areas of focus, as they are the University’s main sources of emissions. Thus, dedicated action plans have been adopted for these two areas. Beyond climate mitigation, these action plans include measures to reduce the University’s overall environmental impact, notably in regard to biodiversity and pollution.