And what does the Faculty’s sustainability commission actually do? One of its first major tasks was to study a comprehensive energy audit of our faculty. Furthermore, its members are looking at, for example, the analysis of the use of means of transport when traveling abroad, the faculty's potential for smart building management, the optimization of water, electricity, and paper consumption, and, of course, waste management. In the social arena, the commission discussed, for example, options for non-academic staff to work from home. The management of FSS has already accepted the commission’s proposal to modify the 6B scholarship so that FSS students can apply for possible co-funding to implement their own socially or environmentally responsible projects. "Did it ever occur to you that the faculty building managers dismantle fluorescent lamps and other equipment and keep various parts "in stock" so that they can potentially use them for repairs later on? We on the committee found this to be an interesting fact that saves both the environment and the faculty treasury," said FSS sustainability commission member Jiří Němec.
Although the Faculty cannot act as an independent institution and many aspects related to its sustainable development are influenced by current legislation or university rules, we are glad that it is the Faculty of Social Studies that is a pioneer in this respect. From time to time, we will bring you news from the Faculty’s advisory commission on sustainability.
The last Friday in September was quite different from the usual routine. Ten non-academic women from various faculty offices had the opportunity to slow down, take a deep breath, and recharge for the new academic year.
Read the next installment of our series introducing colleagues from different departments, institutes, and offices of the Faculty. Each episode features the same seven questions for one person. This time, we interviewed Vojtěch Pelikán, Head of Department of the Environmental Studies at the Faculty of Social Studies.
