In the north of the Czech Republic, the Ústí nad Labem area is undergoing a transformative journey. The University of Jan Evangelista Purkyně (UJEP) is playing a key role in promoting sustainability through education, innovative projects, and strong community connections. What makes UJEP successful is its ability to combine academic knowledge with practical actions that positively impact both the university and the wider region. This includes training future teachers, creating new eco-focused infrastructure, and using regional funding effectively.
Harnessing Education for Sustainable Change
Leading this transformation is Roman Kroufek, Vice-Dean for Science at UJEP's Faculty of Education. With over 20 years of experience teaching environmental topics, Kroufek integrates sustainability not only into the curriculum but also into how the university operates. "We are months away from having a dedicated sustainability manager, thanks to transformation grants. This will help us embed sustainability across the university," he explains.
The Pivotal Role of Teachers
Teachers play a vital role in spreading sustainable practices. UJEP focuses on preparing future educators to bring environmental awareness into their classrooms. "Our goal is to open teachers' eyes to new methods and inspire them to pass this knowledge to their students," says Kroufek. This approach ensures that sustainability values reach children across the region, creating long-term cultural change.
Innovation through the Creation of an Eco-Center
A standout project is UJEP's planned eco-center, designed to be a hub for environmental education and hands-on learning. It will serve both university students and local schools, offering practical experiences in sustainability. "We aim to build an eco-center right in the heart of the campus, where future teachers can practice environmental education directly with local schools," Kroufek adds. The center will also showcase green technologies and sustainable practices, making sustainability a visible part of everyday university life.
From Coal to a Sustainable Future
UJEP benefits from transformation-focused grants, especially because it operates in a region undergoing economic changes and transitioning from its coal-mining past. These funds support projects like the eco-center and sustainability training programs. "We are lucky to be in a transforming region, which brings specific grants that allow us to deepen sustainability efforts within the campus," says Kroufek. Strategic use of these resources is accelerating UJEP's progress, even compared to larger universities.
UJEP's experience shows how a regional university can lead sustainable change. By focusing on education, innovative projects, and community engagement, the university is not just adapting to challenges—it is actively shaping a more sustainable future for the region where it operates.
More information about the project in Czech can be found on our webpage:
Jakub Opršal, Researcher at Centre for Environmental Education SEVER Horni Marsov