klima:aktiv and MU: A step forward for sustainability

Sustainability is a key focus at MODUL University Vienna, integrated in our philosophy and put into practice at all levels of the university. A forerunner in green education, MU boasts a Master of Science program in Sustainable Development, Management and Policy, an award-winning sustainability committee, and undertakes various sustainable initiatives in research and teaching.

Extending its network of affiliates in this field, MU recently became an educational partner of klima:aktiv, the Austrian governmental climate protection initiative. It is a dynamic project which is part of the Austrian climate change strategy, aiming to improve climate-consciousness through various measures of regulation, taxes, and subsidies. Klima:aktiv devises programs in the fields of building, energy efficiency, mobility, and renewable energy aiming at “supporting the market introduction of climate-friendly technologies, services and activities.’’

A mutually beneficial partnership, MU is now part of an Austrian network which facilitates access to various types of expertise in the area of climate protection. The network consists of a variety of partners – business, educational, and expertise partners, as well as provincial governments as regional partners – who exchange goods, services, advice, support and knowledge on a no-cost basis, fostering a win-win-situation. Aside from the clear network-related advantages, klima:aktiv intends to stimulate knowledge production and transfer, and actively participates in climate change governance.

For our part, MODUL University will integrate klima:aktiv ‘best practice’ activities into our study programs, allowing students to gain insight into climate protection policy. By organizing excursions to visit various klima:aktiv partners (eg. zero-energy buildings, e-mobility, energy consulting, etc.), students will combine theoretical knowledge with real-life practical experiences. On the other side, findings from our sustainability research will actively contribute to the klima:aktiv network needs, and we are planning to cooperate with network partners in the near future to bring MU-based innovation to heed.

MU attended the recent klima:aktiv partner meeting on April 1st, 2011 in Salzburg, titled “CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) of the 2nd generation.'' Sustainability Committee member, Dipl.-Ing. Stefan Gindl of the New Media and Technology Department actively participated in the in the workshops, and came back with new ideas for our own CSR strategy. He reported that ''the workshop generated practical solutions, such as introducing flexible working hours to reduce pollution by integrating public transportation schedules into working schedules. Technical solutions like using internally reflective ‘smart blinds’ to lessen the use of artificial lighting could further contribute to the reduction of energy output.’’

Find out more at www.klimaaktiv.at