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Sustainability

The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.
Robert Swan

In the 21st century world, SUSTAINABILITY is the only right direction. It is an integral part of our institution and the essence of our values. We believe that we can set an example and encourage other organisations to pursue sustainable development goals.

A sustainable college:

WE SUPPOPRT

Since 2011, Panevėžys College has been a member of the United Nations (UN) Global Compact, thus contributing to the implementation of sustainable development goals. The College aims to make the ten principles of the Compact and the 17 Global Sustainable Development Goals part of the organisation’s culture and daily work.

WE IMPLEMENT

17 sustainable development goals

Quality and environmental management system

10 principles of the Compact

ACHIEVING THE 10 GLOBAL COMPACT PRINCIPLES

By implementing these principles, we contribute to the international community’s efforts to ensure global justice and sustainability. The College chooses the international agreements and principles it can implement, taking into account the specificities of its activities and resources, to contribute to the promotion of international sustainability goals and values and to encourage students and staff to become members of the international community.


1 PRINCIPLE:
Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights; and
2 PRINCIPLE: make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.

3 PRINCIPLE: Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining;
4 PRINCIPLE: the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour;
5 PRINCIPLE: the effective abolition of child labour; and
6 PRINCIPLE: the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

7 PRINCIPLE: Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges;
8 PRINCIPLE: undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and
9 PRINCIPLE: encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.


10 PRINCIPLE:
Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.

The College’s implementation of these principles is reflected in the Global Compact reports submitted to the United Nations:

COMMUNICATIONS ON ENGAGEMENT

Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals 2030:


1. No poverty;
2. Zero hunger;
3. Good health and well-being;
4. Quality education;
5. Gender equality;
6. Clean water and sanitation;
7. Affordable and clean energy;
8. Decent work and economic growth;
9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure;
10. Reduced inequalities;
11. Sustainable cities and communities;
12. Responsible consumption and production;
13. Climate action;
14. Life below water;
15. Life on land;
16. Peace, justice and strong institutions;
17. Partnerships.

HOW WE ACHIEVE SDGs

GOAL 1. NO POVERTY

1.1. High-quality education is the way to avoid poverty.
1.2. Integrating social issues into research.

GOAL 2. ZERO HUNGER

2.1. Developing and promoting healthy eating habits and competences.
2.2. Promoting sustainable food consumption in the College and the urban community.

GOAL 3. GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

3.1. The College trains healthcare professionals in five fields of study in the health sciences and provides professional development services.
3.2. Health prevention and promotion of healthy lifestyles and habits in the College and the city community
3.3. Cooperation with health care institutions in the training of health care professionals.
3.4. Creating and maintaining favourable working conditions.
3.5. Providing equal opportunities for people with disabilities to study and work at the College.
3.6. Providing a safe, non-violent working and learning environment. These issues are integrated into the College’s regulations.

GOAL 4. QUALITY EDUCATION

4.1. College mission – carry out higher education studies based on scientific knowledge and practical skills, providing students with modern competencies that have added value in the smart society. We focus the region’s potential on the implementation of the lifelong learning principles and the development of scientific applied activities.
4.2. The College trains specialists in twenty-three scientific study programmes, provides lifelong learning opportunities, and carries out scientific research activities.

GOAL 5. GENDER EQUALITY

5.1. The College promotes gender equality and combats gender inequality by ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to learn and develop their careers.
5.2. Full participation of women at all levels of decision-making.
5.3. Gender equality issues are integrated into the College’s regulatory framework.

GOAL 9. INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

9.1. Collaborating with industry and other social partners to implement innovative, technologically advanced and sustainable solutions, and carrying out applied research.

GOAL 10. REDUCED INEQUALITIES

10.1. The College contributes to the reduction of inequalities in a number of ways, in particular through the provision of higher education and other opportunities for students from different socio-economic groups:
10.1.1 Accessibility and financial support: the College provides financial support to students from less affluent backgrounds or offers scholarships to those in socially disadvantaged groups.
10.1.2. Accessibility of Training and Information: The College invests in instructional materials and technology to ensure that students have easy access to quality educational resources. This is particularly important for those who live at a distance.
10.1.3. The College has promoted diversity and inclusion, recognising the individual needs of different students by providing individual learning plans as required. Staff and students with disabilities are provided with study and working conditions.
10.1.4. The College provides career counselling and support services to better prepare students for employment after graduation. This helps to reduce unemployment and economic inequality.

GOAL 11. SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

11.1. The College contributes to a sustainable city and community through a range of activities and initiatives that promote economic, social and environmental sustainability:
11.1.1. The College undertakes research aimed at finding innovative and sustainable solutions to urban and community problems. This includes research on energy conservation, environmental projects, social inclusion issues, etc.
11.1.2. The College implements sustainable infrastructure projects, which include energy efficiency improvements, environmental improvements, creation of public spaces, etc.
11.1.3. The College encourages students and local businesses to use sustainable technologies and practices through research, training and guidance on renewable energy, environmental protection, etc.
11.1.4. The College encourages students and staff to participate in social projects and charitable activities for the benefit of the city and community.

GOAL 12. SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION

12.1. The College pursues responsible consumption in a variety of ways:
12.1.1. The College has introduced and is introducing energy efficiency measures in its premises, facilities and infrastructure.
12.1.2. The College invests in renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, in order to reduce negative environmental impacts and contribute to a sustainable energy supply.
12.1.3. The College is committed to environmental protection and sustainability in its operations and has an ISO 14001 certified Environmental Management System in place.
12.1.4. Sustainable facilities and purchasing decisions: the College carries out green purchasing, selects sustainable and environmentally friendly material and product options and encourages students and staff to do the same.

GOAL 13. CLIMATE ACTION

The implementation of the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System is one of the ways to contribute to the concept of sustainable development and to systematically manage the College’s environmental impact.
The models in ISO 14000 specify the elements of the management system to be implemented by the College in order to achieve its environmental objectives.
ISO 14001 aims to reduce the consumption of raw materials and energy, to improve the image and management efficiency of the company, and to raise awareness among employees.

GOAL 16. PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS

Legal and justice education is an important tool for making progress in these important areas. The College can contribute to peace and justice in a variety of ways by promoting education, intercultural dialogue, justice, and social responsibility:
16.1. Legal Studies Programmes: The College runs a legal studies programme that prepares students to understand legal principles and human rights. This helps to create legal awareness and uphold justice in society.
16.2. The College promote international cooperation and intercultural dialogue through exchange programmes, joint projects with other countries and partnerships with foreign universities.

GOAL 17. PARTNERSHIPS

The College’s partnerships with other organisations are key to achieving a wide range of objectives, which include study, research, social responsibility, and other areas:
17.1 The College has established partnerships with other higher education institutions, allowing students and staff to participate in academic exchanges (ERSAMUS+ programme). This gives students the opportunity to study in other countries and gain international experience and staff the opportunity to develop international co-operation and understanding and acquire new competences.
17.2. In cooperation with local companies and business organisations, the College provides opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships and projects. This also helps the College to develop relevant programmes that meet the needs of business.
17.3. The College cooperates with academic and business institutions to conduct relevant research.
17.4. Partnerships with social organisations or non-governmental organisations help the College to contribute to social responsibility projects, which may be related to community improvement, environmental protection or other social issues.
17.5. Partnerships with other organisations can help the College to identify and implement its strategic goals and vision.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY


The College is guided by the requirements of the international standard ISO 14001 Environmental Management System. The College’s management and the community as a whole, in the implementation of its long-term strategy, focuses on the development of innovative solutions and sustainable development, in accordance with the principles of environmental protection, social responsibility and good corporate governance, and commits itself to comply with the requirements of the environmental legislation and the provisions of the Environmental Policy in all its activities.

The provisions are implemented in accordance with the following guidelines:

Potential employers: