Environmental work at Nord University
Nord University wishes to be a leading institution and a strong contributor to the green transition. We aim to make the green transition a priority in all our efforts.
Our vision
At Nord University, continuous efforts are made to reduce the university's impact on the environment. The university aims to be a pioneering institution and a significant contributor to a green transition and blue growth. Therefore, it is also the objective that the green transition and blue momentum should be prioritised in all aspects of the university's activities.
Environmental consultant
Mathilde Moe Strand
Department of Infrastructure and Digital Transformation
Email: mathilde.m.strand@nord.no
Prerequisites and framework for environmental work at Nord University
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the shared blueprint for global action to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and halt climate change by 2030.
The Sustainable Development Goals consist of 17 goals with 169 underlying targets.
The Paris Agreement is an international agreement aimed at ensuring that countries around the world manage to limit climate change.
The Act regulates the operations of state-owned and private universities and colleges in Norway.
The Act states that universities and colleges in Norway aim to contribute to environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable development.
See the Act relating to universities and university colleges
The allocation letter from the Ministry of Education and Research outlines several prerequisites and requirements that is expected to be fulfilled by the university in the areas of environment and climate. Section 4.1.1. is particularly relevant:
4.1.1 Systematic and comprehensive efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, ecological footprint, and energy consumption
A goal is to conduct systematic and comprehensive efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, ecological footprint, and energy consumption. Nord University is expected to follow up on this goal. In this work, the university should take into consideration the core activities of the organisation as well as cost-effectiveness.
Nord University should assess how climate change will affect its operations. Nord University should conduct systematic assessments of its own energy consumption and adopt profitable energy-efficient solutions, as well as increase energy flexibility where relevant.
Allocation letter 2024 to Nord University (in Norwegian)
The climate crisis is a fact. As an educational institution, Nord University's greatest contribution to the fight against climate change will be to generate new knowledge, educate individuals to meet the challenges of their time, and be a driving force for innovation and demographic development. This is achieved through a focus on four thematic areas:
- Blue and green growth
- Sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship
- Health, welfare and education
- Public security
It is also important that the university strives to be a leading institution in its internal operations.In recent years, Nord University has had an increased focus on environmentally friendly operations. In the autumn of 2021, the university hired its first environmental advisor.
How we work towards a more environmentally friendly university
Eco-Lighthouse is a certification tool and environmental management system. Its purpose is to assist businesses and organisations in reducing their environmental impact and promoting green transition.
Nord University's campus in Bodø has been an Eco-Lighthouse since 2008. The goal for the coming years is to extend the certification to all of our campuses.
Eco-Lighthouse offers the following:
- Certification criteria
- Digital tools and guidance
- Management tools for continuous and targeted efforts towards higher environmental performance and lower carbon footprint
- Certification criteria
Klimapartnere is a partnership that works for green business development and transition across all sectors and areas of society.
The partnership has over 400 partner companies in Norway. The purpose of the partnership is to create regional and effective meeting places for increasing knowledge and sharing experiences.
Nord University is a climate partner both in Nordland and Trøndelag.
Read more about Klimapartnere (in Norwegian)
Through its partnership with Klimapartnere, Nord University has committed to delivering an annual climate account for the university.
A climate account provides information about the university's total carbon footprint and identifies major sources of emissions.
Nord University has been a driving force for its own network forum for environmental consultants in the higher education sector.
Today, the forum has around 50 members from 16 different universities and colleges, including employees from property management, procurement, business management, etc.
The forum holds regular digital morning coffee meetings where various issues related to environmental work are discussed.
Topics include climate accounts, eco-certification, energy efficiency, waste management, etc.
If you wish to contact the forum, please send an email to mathilde.m.strand@nord.no.
- SEA-EU Alliance
- Well drilling project in Bodø (in Norwegian)
- Container-deposit collaboration with the Church City Mission (in Norwegian)
How can YOU contribute to a more environmentally friendly university?
- Use our designated recycling stations and guidelines for proper waste sorting.
- Turn off lights and close doors and windows where possible.
- Walk, cycle, or use public transportation to and from the university. We are actively working to facilitate better bicycle parking, locker rooms and shower facilities at all our campuses.
- Do not let water run longer than necessary.
- Turn off all electronic equipment before leaving the office/study area for the day.
Waste sorting
Waste sorting degree
2023: 55,33 %
2022: 56,88 %
2021: 61,15 %
2020: 58,43 %
*The numbers apply for study locations Bodø, Nesna, Levanger, Steinkjer and Namsos
What is the waste sorting degree?
The waste sorting degree indicates an organisation's ability to recycle its waste. The higher waste sorting degree, the better the organisation is at recycling its waste.
