We are committing to sustainable VŠE
Rector's introductory
Dear colleagues, students and partners, I am pleased to welcome you to the website dedicated to the Sustainability Strategy of the Prague University of Economics and Business. This strategy responds to current environmental, social and economic challenges and is closely linked to our involvement in the Sustainable Education and Environmental Development project, which aims to promote sustainable development and the transition of the Czech Republic to a responsible economy.
Our university has a key role in this process and is actively involved in creating change with a long-term impact. The strategy responds to global challenges such as climate change and the protection of natural resources, and reflects our responsibility as an educational institution.
Sustainability, however, is a collaborative effort. Implementing the goals requires the involvement of the entire academic community – faculty, students, researchers and administrators. Your active participation, ideas and initiatives are essential so that together we can create a more sustainable, responsible and cost-effective university.
doc. Ing. Petr Dvořák, Ph.D.
Rector of the Prague University of Economics and Business
The Sustainability Strategy of the Prague University of Economics and Business (VŠE) for 2025-2030 results from the cooperation of many actors aware of the crucial importance of sustainable development and its systematic integration into all aspects of the University’s operations. The approach of VŠE is based on the conviction that sustainability should not be perceived as a merely associated activity but as a fundamental element that will become the long-term core of all activities of our university, regardless of specific projects. Sustainable development presents a slew of challenges, but it also opens many opportunities.
Sustainability has become a megatrend, particularly in the last decade, significantly impacting the global economy. The European Union is a world leader in environmental policies and is actively shaping the economic and regulatory environment through instruments such as the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS), the Green Deal for Europe initiative or the “Fit for 55” package.
Knowledge and understanding of sustainability principles are key competencies in preparing future economists, managers, and entrepreneurs for their careers. VŠE graduates who can integrate these principles into the decision-making processes of organisations will be better prepared for the demands of the changing labour market and will gain a significant competitive advantage.
The Sustainability Strategy emphasises the University’s active involvement in addressing environmental and social challenges. This approach will improve the overall impact of VŠE in these areas and enhance its prestige nationally and internationally. Last but not least, an active approach to sustainability will help to meet the standards of prestigious international accreditations and improve the position of VŠE in global university rankings where it is already listed.
Based on dialogue with relevant stakeholders, VŠE is aware of its potential to contribute to sustainability in many areas and through various mechanisms.
Key pillars of the Strategy include operations, education, research and the broader university community. Embedding sustainable development principles permanently in all these areas is impossible without their full adoption into the ethos of the University. This process will be supported by an adequate organisational structure, as well as amping up its capacity in line with this Strategy.
The Prague University of Economics and Business can contribute to sustainability through direct and indirect influences. Direct influence consists of applying sustainable principles in the operation and implementation of all activities of the University, for example, by increasing energy efficiency, responsible management of resources and waste, and further minimising the ecological (carbon) footprint. Indirect influence stems from guiding academic community members through education, focusing research on sustainability issues, creating an inspiring environment and leading by example. This approach has been confirmed through dialogue with stakeholders, which revealed that they consider it essential that VŠE acts according to its stated values.
The Strategy is based on the widely accepted UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which represent a globally recognised framework for developing a more sustainable society, therefore reference to the SDGs is an integral part of the Strategy.
Sustainability goals and indicators
Implemented changes in operation
Research and projects
Analysis of the surroundings of Vltava
Exploring the importance of the Vltava River for people living and working in Prague in relation to its environmental, urban and cultural significance.
Circular solutions for keeping food waste out of Central Europe's schools (CIRCUS)
Procedures and recommendations for reducing food waste in school canteens.
Utilization of gas networks for hydrogen
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Adopted at the UN Summit in September 2015, the goals are a common development agenda for all countries of the world. They include a commitment to eradicate extreme poverty, ensure shared prosperity and peace, build partnerships, but also protect the environment. They were not only drafted by states, but also by many representatives of the civil, business and academic sectors.
