Telegraphically
- MENDELU is once again joining the celebrations of Earth Day, which highlights the importance of environmental protection. As part of the “Earth Week”, several events will take place across the university, connecting sustainability with the everyday lives of students and staff. The programme will feature International Week with an international perspective, a community houseplant planting activity, as well as a conference focused on regional development in forestry. The programme will also include a Career Day. At the same time, the Days of Volunteering are taking place.
- MENDELU is strengthening its collaboration with public institutions in the field of nutrition and public health. A recent meeting with the Minister of Health opened discussions on healthy diets across generations, nutrition for vulnerable groups, and the transfer of scientific knowledge into practice. Emphasising evidence based solutions, public awareness, and access to reliable information contributes to the long term sustainability of the healthcare system and a healthier society.
- Researchers from the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology are developing a technology that could replace exotic timber used in urban furniture with local wood species such as beech or ash. Through chemical modification, the wood gains increased resistance to weather conditions and pests, extending its lifespan without the need for additional maintenance. This approach helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with long distance material transport while supporting the use of local resources. The project is carried out in collaboration with mmcité and is co funded by the European Union.
- MENDELU was the lead partner of the international LECA project, which provided new insights into the movement and conservation of wolves, lynx and bears in the Carpathians. The research showed that the long-term survival of these species depends on close cross-border cooperation. Scientists monitored large carnivores across an area exceeding 37,000 km² and tested measures that help reduce conflicts with humans. The project’s outcomes were presented at an international conference in Zvolen, attended by nearly 150 experts from across Europe.
- Research led by the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology at MENDELU, in collaboration with the HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, shows that controlled burning can support biodiversity in dry grasslands when applied appropriately. A combination of burned patches and scattered shrubs creates a diverse mosaic of microhabitats that benefits various species of predatory invertebrates.
- MENDELU has established a partnership with the retail chain Albert focused on improving the living conditions of farm animals on Czech farms. Experts from the Faculty of AgriSciences will monitor animal welfare over the long term and identify practical measures that can be easily implemented directly in farming practice. The collaboration connects research with real-world application and contributes to more sustainable agriculture and food production. It will also involve students through internships and practical placements.
-
Potted fir trees from the UFE Masarykův les Křtiny production, which people purchased at the end of last year through the Veronica Foundation and partner organisations, will be returned to the forest during a community planting event on 21 March. Participants will meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Křtiny Arboretum. After the planting, visitors are welcome to join a free guided tour of the arboretum, where an educational programme on frogs will also be prepared in cooperation with the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic.
- MENDELU has purchased a total of 334 new waste bins for plastics, paper, glass and mixed waste. The new bins will be available across the university campus in Černá Pole, at the Botanical Garden and Arboretum, as well as on the Faculty of Horticulture campus in Lednice. Their aim is to significantly reduce the distance people need to carry waste and thus make waste sorting easier in the everyday operation of university buildings. The bins were purchased partly thanks to funding from the National Recovery Plan (NPO) “Green Deal” project. They will gradually be fitted with graphic labels to clearly indicate the type of waste for sorting.
- On 28 February, the Řícmanice Arboretum will host its Winter Open Day. Visitors can join guided tours led by dendrologists from the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology at MENDELU, who will introduce rare conifers from North and South America as well as Asia, including a new planting of nine cypress species. A children’s programme and game specialities will also be available. The arboretum will be open from 9:30 to 16:00, with guided tours starting every hour on the hour from 10:00.
- In 2025, MENDELU collected 121 kg of waste batteries. Their recycling yielded 91 kg of secondary raw materials, which were subsequently used in the production of new products.
- Last year’s massive fish die-off on the River Dyje was the result of a combination of climate change, excessive cyanobacterial growth and an overabundance of nutrients in the water. According to Radovan Kopp from the Department of Zoology, Fisheries, Hydrobiology and Apiculture at the Faculty of AgriSciences, MENDELU, the key factors were low oxygen levels and high water temperatures. Phosphorus in particular remains a major issue, as its concentrations have not been successfully reduced in the long term.
- Future waste sorting and the new challenges facing municipalities were the main focus of the roundtable discussion Ecology and its future, held on 21 January in Brno. The Faculty of Business and Economics at MENDELU was represented by Ing. Lucie Veselá, Ph.D., from the Department of Marketing and Trade. In her presentation, she addressed reuse centres, upcycling, and how people actually behave within the context of the circular economy. The research shows that the willingness to live sustainably is there. But the system needs to be simple, clear and practically designed to make responsible choices easier.
- Research at the Faculty of Horticulture at MENDELU focuses on the use of antioxidants from plant-based waste materials such as vine prunings and woody biomass. These substances can be applied in food production and plant protection as more environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical treatments. The research supports the principles of the circular economy and the efficient use of natural resources. A concrete outcome is a patented antifungal spray based on extracts from vine waste. These activities link sustainability, innovation and practical application in agriculture.
- MENDELU has established a partnership with Teplárny Brno to develop energy-efficient and sustainable solutions for university buildings. The collaboration focuses on a modern approach to energy management and the responsible use of different energy sources. An important part of the partnership is the involvement of MENDELU students through professional placements, internships and trainee programmes. The cooperation connects education, research and responsible energy use in practice.
"I believe that studying and researching at Mendel University inspire a shift in mindset, which we urgently need for a sustainable life on our planet."
Jan Mareš, rector
Five Pillars of Sustainability at Mendel University in Brno
Management strategy
Mendel University is committed to transparent and sustainable governance, aligning with the European Green Deal, the UN Agenda 2030, and the strategic goals of the Czech Republic. Efficient resource management, digitalization, and reducing the carbon footprint are key to our long-term development. The MENDELU Strategic Plan 2025–2030 integrates sustainability across all aspects of university operations – from campus management to education and innovation. We are a modern university that not only responds to climate challenges but actively contributes to their solutions.
Educational activities
Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important topic, and education should play a key role in promoting a sustainable future. Today, all sectors of society face significant pressure to adopt responsible practices and contribute to reducing their environmental impact. MENDELU is no exception and strives to be a pioneer in the field of sustainability.
Research Development and Innovations (RDI)
Mendel University supports innovative research and creative activities that contribute to sustainable development and responsible management of natural resources. Our scientific efforts focus on environmentally friendly technologies, sustainable agriculture, and the circular economy. Knowledge transfer also plays a key role – we bridge academic insights with real-world applications, helping to implement sustainable innovations in businesses and the public sector. Through collaboration with partners at both local and international levels, we contribute to addressing global challenges.
University operations and administration
As part of our sustainability strategy, we emphasize responsible campus operations and management. We invest in photovoltaic systems to reduce our reliance on non-renewable energy sources and optimize water management to prevent unnecessary waste. We carefully sort waste and explore ways to repurpose it. At the same time, we focus on developing green spaces on campus, which contribute to a better microclimate and overall environmental quality. For us, sustainability is not just a word – it is an integral part of our daily operations.
Social responsibility and third role of the university
Shaping public opinion, responding to societal challenges, fostering partnerships and collaboration, and adopting a responsible approach. In the face of an escalating climate crisis and growing social inequality, sustainability and social responsibility have become critical issues. At the heart of these concepts lies the understanding that we must act now to ensure the well-being of both present and future generations.
Priority goals of MENDELU (in relation to the UN SDGs)
The inspiration for the formal definition of sustainability at MENDELU is based on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which outline a development agenda through 2030. The broad focus of MENDELU in education, science, and research provides a strong foundation for integrating the principles of individual UN goals into the university’s internal environment. Participation in selected international university rankings and support for an additional SDG-related ranking are among the proposed measures in the implementation plan of the Strategic Plan. Mendel University in Brno prioritizes the following six Sustainable Development Goals, while its activities also contribute to other SDGs.
We commit to the UN goals