News

Citation

(2012), "News", International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol. 13 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijshe.2012.24913daa.002

News

Article Type: News From: International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Volume 13, Issue 4

Global Universities Partnership on Environment and Sustainability

A new Global Universities Partnership on Environment and Sustainability (GUPES) was officially launched by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and participating universities in June 2012, in advance of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development – Rio+20. The launch of GUPES at China’s Tongji University in Shanghai from 5 to 6 June 2012 was part of a joint UN Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) involving other UN bodies including UNESCO and the UN Academic Impact. GUPES will provide universities with a platform to interact with policy-makers and others within the UNEP and other international organisations as well as with one another specifically on sustainability issues.

Launch of third “Happy Planet Index”

The “Happy Planet Index” is designed to measure the extent to which countries deliver long, happy, lives for the people that live in them, within environmental limits. The 2012 HPI report ranks 151 countries of which Costa Rica comes first and the UK 41st. The results indicate that progress is not simply defined by wealth, and that it is possible to live both happily and sustainably. The “Happy Planet Index” intends to illustrate that while the challenges faced by nations are very different, the end goal is the same: to produce happy, healthy lives now and in the future.

Study on energy efficiency in buildings in the contracting parties of the energy community

The final report “Study on energy efficiency in buildings in the contracting parties of the energy community” is available on-line. Its overall objective is to support governments in their efforts to meet their commitments under the Energy Community Treaty (Energy Community, 7 March 2012) – details can be seen at web site: www.energy-community.org/portal/page/portal/ENC_HOME/NEWS/News_Details?p_new_id=5581

EuroCharity Yearbook 2011/2012 – Leadership for Sustainability

Now in its fifth successful year, EuroCharity Yearbooks aim at highlighting critical issues and helping galvanise public opinion into positive action. EuroCharity chose this year’s theme of the EuroCharity Yearbook, Leadership for Sustainability, because leadership, more than ever, is needed to create more just, sustainable socio-economic systems, and a viable and thriving world. Details can be seen at web site: www.eurocharity.eu/en/story/8564

Sustainable energy for all

Sustainable energy – energy that is accessible, cleaner and more efficient – powers opportunity. It grows economies. It lights up homes, schools and hospitals. It empowers women and local communities. And it paves a path out of poverty to greater prosperity for all. But nearly one in five people around the world do not have access to modern energy services. Twice that number, three billion people, rely on wood, coal, charcoal or animal waste for cooking and heating. In today’s economy, this is inequitable – a major barrier to eradicating poverty. The energy future we need is one in which everyone has access to modern energy services, where energy resources are used more efficiently, and where countries increasingly invest in renewable sources.

“Sustainable energy for all” is an initiative launched by the United Nations Secretary-General and guided by his High Level Group that brings all key actors to the table to make sustainable energy for all a reality by 2030. A number of actions will be taken around the world to fulfill the Secretary-General’s objectives. This is much in line with the goals set by the UN General Assembly, which encourages Member States and other actors to increase the awareness of the importance of addressing energy issues and to promote action at the local, national, regional and international levels. Further details can be seen at web site: www.sustainableenergyforall.org/