RTU RECEIVES PLATINUM IN «SUSTAINABILITY INDEX 2018»
This year for the first time, Riga Technical University (RTU) is included in the platinum category of «Sustainability Index», a competition programme for Latvian enterprises. RTU has achieved such a high level, because it has set the sustainability as a priority in its development strategy and is purposefully implementing it on a daily basis, encouraging green lifestyle and providing 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. Companies undergo systematic data collection and impact assessment, they report on their activities with high level of transparency and by involving the target audience, and an external auditor confirms their published data.
«RTU has been included in the platinum category, as one of the University’s priorities is sustainability and green lifestyle. We are introducing the concept of Green Kipsala, by ensuring the sustainable management of resources at RTU students’ campus, promoting RTU staff and student awareness of environmental issues and promoting the development and use of environmentally friendly technologies» said Juris Iljins, Director of the Quality Management and Document Processing Department of RTU.
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 Kipsala. For example, energy-efficient outdoor LED lighting is installed in the student campus, while in students’ hostels and RTU 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. It also contributes to educating the public, for example by organizing educational events, introducing school children to engineering sciences and informing teachers about the latest scientific advances that could help them in their work.
RTU also cares about employee loyalty and organizes events for their families. These efforts have also been appreciated for the third consecutive year by awarding the status of a Family-Friendly Merchant to RTU.
Sustainability Index is a strategic management tool that helps Latvian enterprises to 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.
