A collective trajectory
For UNIL, respecting the planetary boundaries means setting aims and a path to follow in order to achieve them. This makes it possible to question the present, guide certain future decisions and build the University of the future.
This is a long-term project that requires the involvement of all parts of the institution in order to draw on the collective intelligence and socio-ecological innovation of the UNIL community.
Key steps
1
Implementation of the Doughnut conceptual framework at UNIL
![](https://wp.unil.ch/cap2037/files/2024/06/Donut_EN.png)
Representation of the ecological impacts of UNIL and its area of responsibility.
2
Creation of the Transition Assembly
During the 2022-2023 academic year, the Transition Assembly brought together 60 people drawn at random from the university community to reflect its diversity as closely as possible.
After familiarizing themselves with the major challenges of the ecological and social transition, the members of the Assembly examined the diagnosis of UNIL’s environmental impact. Using this preliminary work as a basis, they were able to work together to identify possible courses of action to bring UNIL’s impact within planetary boundaries.
3
Final report of the Transition Assembly
In September 2023, the Assembly submitted its final report to the UNIL’s Direction, consisting of 28 strategic objectives and 146 courses of action.
The Assembly was dissolved in November 2023, at the end of its mandate, but its report was central to establishing the CAP2037 transition strategy, and the proposed actions remain a rich source of inspiration for the years to come.
![](https://wp.unil.ch/cap2037/files/2024/05/Rapport_Assemblee_Transition-728x1024.jpg)
4
Drawing up UNIL’s transition targets
Based on the proposals put forward by the Assembly and preliminary feedback from central services and faculties, UNIL’s Competence Centre for Sustainability formulated an initial series of transition targets.
Particular attention was given to:
- Quantifying the expected impact reductions.
- The coherence of the targets with each other.
- Alignment with higher-level policies.
- Scientific foundation.
These aims were validated by the Rectorate in January 2024 to serve as a basis for a broad consultation of the various components of the community.
5
Consultation on UNIL’s transition targets
During February and March 2024, all UNIL’s central services took part in workshops on the aims proposed par the Rectorate The Vice-Rector for Ecological transition & Campus and his team also individually met with the seven deaneries. Finally, several specific consultations were organized with the Staff Committee, the Association of Intermediate Staff and Doctoral Students, the Federation of Student Associations, as well as two consultations open to all.
![](https://wp.unil.ch/cap2037/files/2024/05/Moutons-724x1024.jpg)
6
CAP2037
The feedback obtained during the consultations made it possible to consolidate the aims to arrive at the 20 CAP2037 transition targets covering all the University’s activities.
The co-benefits, points of vigilance and opportunities associated with each aim are derived from the consultations carried out.
This roadmap will be used to guide the entire community in the development of measures contributing to the institution’s transition.
7
UNIL Doughnut: 2023 edition
The UNIL Doughnut will be periodically updated to assess how far we still must go, as well as the progress we have made. A version based on 2023 data will be available very soon.
8
Measures and implementation
A wide-ranging system will be put in place from autumn 2024 to support UNIL entities so that they can devise and implement measures at their own level to achieve the CAP2037 transition targets.
These measures will aim to modify current operations to make them more sustainable and avoid adding to existing ones as much as possible.
9
Next steps
As transition is a dynamic process by its very definition, CAP2037 will need to evolve.
Depending on the evolution of scientific knowledge and available data, certain targets may be adjusted. Once the social part of the UNIL Doughnut has been completed, aims to ensure a social floor for the entire university community will be added.