RTU RECEIVES AWARD FOR LEADERSHIP IN INNOVATION AND RETAINS ITS PLACE IN THE PLATINUM CATEGORY OF THE SUSTAINABILITY INDEX ASSESSMENT
Riga Technical University (RTU) has been given the award for «Leadership in Innovation» for its contribution to promoting innovation, and has been placed in the Platinum Category of the Sustainability Index assessment for the second year in a row. The high evaluations were achieved through purposeful efforts in the development of innovation, as well as efforts to bring to life the green lifestyle and provide scientific contribution to the development of environmentally friendly technologies.
The Sustainability Index methodology explains that companies that have received the platinum category have fully integrated corporate responsibility into their activities, and they have appointed responsible persons on both the board and executive level. These companies systematically collect data and assess impact, as well as report on their activities with a high level of transparency and by involving stakeholders, and an external auditor confirms their published data.
RTU was included in the Platinum Category of the Sustainability Index in 2018. However, it is the first time that RTU has received the award for «Leadership in Innovation». This year nineteen companies were included in the Platinum Category. The solemn award ceremony of the Sustainability Index took place on 13 June.
In order to reduce the consumption of plastic bottles and the total amount of waste, there are drinking water fountains located at RTU faculties and waste is sorted. The green principles are considered when building, reconstructing and equipping facilities. An important role is played by innovations of RTU scientists, which are approbated in Ķīpsala. For example, energy-efficient outdoor LED lighting is installed in the student campus, while in students’ hostels and RTU Ķīpsala Swimming Pool, heat energy obtained from warm wastewater is used to heat water.
RTU implements digitization by gradually giving up the circulation of printed documents and switching to electronic services. RTU also cares about employee loyalty and organizes events for their families. These efforts have also been appreciated for the fourth consecutive year by awarding the status of a Family-Friendly Enterprise to RTU.
Sustainability Index is a strategic management tool that helps Latvian enterprises establish the level of sustainability and corporate responsibility, while providing the public, state and non-governmental organizations with objective criteria to praise and support the most forward-looking and responsible companies in Latvia.
