Science Europe have recently released a Framework for the Environmental Sustainability of Research Organisations which outlines a set of priorities and objectives to help research funding and research performing organisations make their activities environmentally sustainable and achieve systemic change.
The publication identifies eight objectives corresponding to eight thematic action areas that can inform research organisations’ work towards environmental sustainability of research and research-related activities. These include:
- Environmental footprint of research organisations;
- Environmental criteria in the evaluation and management of research;
- Sustainable travel policy;
- Promoting digital solutions for environmental sustainability;
- Addressing the environmental impacts of digitalisation;
- Science for policy activities;
- Inter- and trans-disciplinary approaches;
- Knowledge management
For each of the eight objectives, a set of actions that can be undertaken in the short and medium term are provided, underpinned by an integrated research policy.
Going forward, Science Europe will, inter alia, identify and assess existing incentives and barriers for greening research as well as methods for overcoming them, develop a set of coordinated actions to support the greening of research activities and organisations, and mobilise research organisations to tackle environmental sustainability challenges.
For questions or further information on the Framework, please contact the Science Europe Office at office@scienceeurope.org