Specific programme: ERASMUS-EDU-2025-PCOOP-ENGO

Project title: University Cooperation for Net Zero on Campus

Grant Agreement:  Project 101245410 — UNICO

Acronym: UNICO

Research team:

Estibaliz Sáez da Cámara Oleaga (Principal Investigator)

Elisa Sainz de Murieta Zugadi

Nekane Castillo Eguskitza

Eduardo del Torre Pascual

Partner entities:

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT SOLUTIONS NETWORK ASSOCIATION PARIS (SDSN Europe) (Project Leader)

UNIVERSIDAD DEL PAIS VASCO/ EUSKAL HERRIKO UNIBERTSITATEA (UPV/EHU) 

POLITECNICO DI TORINO (POLITO)

ACADEMIA DE STUDII ECONOMICE DIN BUCURESTI (ASE Bucuresti)

 UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK - NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, CORK (UCC)

Total budget: 400.000 € (UPV/EHU:67.000,00 €)

Project start:  01/01/2026

Project end: 31/12/2027

Total project duration: 24  months

Project summary:

The UNICO project "University Cooperation for Net Zero on Campus" directly addresses the urgent need for decarbonisation in higher education (HE), recognising universities are uniquely positioned to lead societal change. Recognizing the ongoing challenges of effective decarbonisation, even amidst widespread commitments and available tools, UNICO aims to enhance the quality of decarbonisation initiatives at four European universities. The initiative will adopt a whole of institution approach that weaves together climate education, research, sustainable practices and collaboration with local mission cities. This will be achieved through targeted capacity building activities, strengthened university-city partnerships, transnational peer-to-peer learning and the establishment of inclusive governance structures, thanks to SDSN’s potent capacity and proven collaborative approach.

UNICO's innovation lies in its governance approach, facilitating whole-institution strategies with participatory approaches, and its focus on university-city collaboration through student-led research and campus-based living labs. In addition, UNICO will be unique in test. As climate risks escalate, universities have a pivotal role in driving the transition to net-zero emissions. UNICO will partner with European universities to accelerate their journey towards carbon neutrality. Leveraging SDSN’s Net Zero on Campus guide and toolkit, the project will equip institutions with actionable steps to decarbonize energy systems, mobility, facilities, waste, and beyond-campus activities.

UNICO goes beyond operational changes, turning campuses into living labs for innovation and community-based climate action. By tailoring decarbonization strategies to each university's unique context, the project will inspire sustainable practices, foster collaboration, and cultivate a new generation of climate leaders. Together, these universities will set the standard for sustainable, adaptable campuses in Europe and beyond.

Webpage of the project:

https://www.netzerocampus.solutions/unico

More information on the programme:

Convocatoria KA2 Asociaciones para la cooperación - Servicio Español para la Internacionalización de la Educación

Cooperation partnerships - Erasmus+

Additional information

https://www.unsdsn.org/our-work/net-zero-on-campus/