Path to a Greener Future: Discussions on Institutional Practices Supporting Sustainable Development

The visit began with a professional consultation on the institution's sustainability efforts. This was followed by an informative campus tour and concluded with a ceremonial tree planting event.

Prof. Dr. Riri Fitri Sari was welcomed by Prof. Dr. Attila Fábián, Rector of the University of Sopron, and Prof. Dr. Ferenc Lakatos, Vice-Rector. The meeting focused on institutional practices that strengthen sustainable development and environmental awareness, the university’s Green Program, and the importance of sustainability-focused innovations in both education and research.

The university leaders then invited the guest for a campus tour, showcasing developments carried out with a “green mindset.” The highlight of the program was a ceremonial tree planting, where Prof. Dr. Riri Fitri Sari planted an oak sapling in the university’s botanical garden. The tree symbolizes the offsetting of the carbon footprint of the University of Sopron’s first official Green Event, underscoring the institution’s commitment to sustainability and environmentally conscious operations.

Following the tree planting, Prof. Dr. Riri Fitri Sari expressed her delight in meeting Rector Prof. Dr. Attila Fábián and the university's senior leadership to jointly celebrate the university's achievements in sustainable development. She stated:

“Today I’ve learned a great deal about the university’s tree-planting initiatives and their carbon-neutral programs. I got to know their inspiring green programs in areas such as waste management, education and research, forest management, and university governance. During my visit, we planted an oak tree to aid in carbon offsetting, symbolizing our hope that future generations can grow up in a livable world. We also discussed internationally available certifications that could help Hungary lead the way in showing how universities can guide society toward a more sustainable, eco-friendly future.”

Prof. Dr. Attila Fábián, Rector of the University of Sopron, emphasized that the university's philosophy has increasingly been shaped by the principles of sustainable development over the past decades. In particular, over the past five years, they have worked to align all educational programs, research efforts, and initiatives with this direction.

He highlighted goals such as energy efficiency, promoting eco-friendly transportation (like cycling), and reducing the university’s carbon footprint. He added that the professor’s visit was of particular significance:

“Her presence reaffirmed our efforts so far, validated the direction of our work, and opened new horizons for us. We hope that this meeting will not only be important for the present but will also define new shared professional goals for us to pursue together in the coming years.”

In recent years, the University of Sopron has consistently strengthened its sustainability strategy. As a result, in 2024, it was recognized as Hungary's first carbon-positive university and ranked as the 110th greenest higher education institution globally in the UI GreenMetric ranking—an improvement of twenty places compared to its 2023 result.

The university's goal has been to implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals as effectively as possible, aiming for higher positions in the international rankings year by year.

The visit of Prof. Dr. Riri Fitri Sari held great significance for the University of Sopron: it served both as recognition and a motivating force to further strengthen its commitment to sustainable development.

Photos: Péter Rombai