Integrating Sustainability Across UM

To achieve our shared sustainability ambitions, sustainability must be embedded throughout all levels of the university. It cannot be the sole responsibility of the Sustainability Office. That’s why we are working to integrate sustainability into the daily operations of all faculties, departments, and service centres at UM.

Two key initiatives are currently underway:

1.Embedding Sustainability in Decision-Making

Many important decisions at UM are made based on memos submitted to governing bodies such as the Sustainability Supervisory Board, the Management Team, and the Executive Board. To ensure sustainability is considered in these decisions, UM has updated its official memo template.

As of 2025, the template includes a sustainability paragraph, prompting the author to reflect on the potential sustainability impact of the proposed project or action. This is a crucial first step in embedding sustainability into UM’s decision-making processes. We will regularly evaluate how this section is being used and explore ways to improve its effectiveness.

2.Defining Sustainability KPIs:

 We are also working on defining Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for various departments and operational areas that significantly influence UM’s sustainability performance, and carbon and/or material footprint. These include: Procurement, green labs, ICT and digitalisation, water, waste management, catering, and events.

In collaboration with the departments responsible for these areas, we aim to establish meaningful KPIs that will help track progress and drive continuous improvement.