Setúbal Polytechnic Institute Awarded for Major Sustainable Campus Development
The Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal (IPS) has been honored with the 'Bandeira Verde Eco-Escolas' award for the seventh year in a row, a significant recognition of its continuous efforts in sustainable development and environmental management. The announcement was made by the Associação Bandeira Azul da Europa, which also granted the institution the FEE EcoCampus award, acknowledging the superior environmental performance of its campuses located in Setúbal and Barreiro.
The distinction comes as a result of several high-impact environmental projects implemented during the past academic year. A key initiative highlighted by the awarding body was the ongoing development of a small Mediterranean grove on the Setúbal campus. This project is seen as a direct contribution to increasing local biodiversity and creating a new green lung for the academic community and the surrounding area. The grove is intended to feature native plant species, promoting ecological resilience and serving as an educational resource.
Further actions that contributed to the award include a series of organized beach clean-ups across the municipalities of Setúbal and Barreiro. These events mobilized students and staff to address the issue of coastal pollution, reinforcing the institute's connection with its local environment and its commitment to preserving the region's natural assets. The institute also successfully organized its second annual Sustainability Week, an event that included several national and international conferences dedicated to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Professor Ângela Lemos, the actual president of IPS, stated in a public communication that these initiatives are part of a long-term strategic vision for the institution. “Our commitment to sustainability is integral to our mission. We are not only educating the next generation of professionals but also actively contributing to a more sustainable and resilient community,” she noted. The institute's Eco-Schools Council is the driving force behind these programs, implementing actions across various domains including waste reduction, water conservation, energy efficiency, and sustainable mobility.
The recognition of IPS as one of the country's first “eco-polytechnics” underscores a growing trend in the Portuguese education sector towards embracing green building principles and sustainable operational practices. The consistent investment in environmental projects by a major public institution like IPS sends a strong signal about the region's priorities. This focus on sustainability is increasingly relevant for the real estate sector, as it can influence development standards and enhance the attractiveness of the area for residents and investors who prioritize environmental quality.
The projects at IPS are aligned with broader municipal and national strategies for environmental conservation and climate action. The development of green spaces and the focus on a circular economy model are expected to have a lasting positive impact on the environmental quality of both Setúbal and Barreiro. The institute's work serves as a benchmark for how large organizations can effectively integrate sustainability into their core operations and contribute to the well-being of their communities.
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