Carbon emissions
Policies for sustainable development and combating climate change
The mission of Altai State University is to provide high-quality and competitive services in the field of education and research activities.
The policy in the field of sustainable development and combating climate change (hereinafter referred to as the Policy) is the main document of Altai State University (hereinafter referred to as the University), which systematizes approaches to activities in the field of combating climate change and sustainable development.
The policy is fully consistent with the implementation of the main goal of the University's strategy until 2030 - the formation of driver conditions and giving impetus to the evolution of the unique scientific and educational ecosystem of the University, to ensure successful and balanced socio-economic progress of the Russian Federation while achieving national goals, as well as to implement the most powerful research and academic potential in the Russian Federation and at the world level.
The policy consolidates the basic principles and specifies directions and tasks in the field of combating climate change and sustainable development.
Scope of the Policy
At the University, all employees are required to adhere to the policy in their work, especially when it concerns interaction with stakeholders, the development of internal regulations and the exchange of information. The policy defines the goals, principles and directions of work to combat climate change and sustainable development.
The policy establishes uniform principles of activity in the field of combating climate change and sustainable development for all branches of the University, regardless of their location.
Branches of the University can develop their own internal documents in the field of combating climate change and sustainable development based on the uniform provisions of this Policy, taking into account the assessment of the materiality of the identified areas and tasks, applicable standards of corporate governance and legislation.
This Policy is a public document available on the information resources of the University. The data provided in the Policy is relevant at the time of its approval. The policy may be updated and revised taking into account ongoing changes, as well as when updating strategic documents, but at least once every three years.
Sustainable Development Goals
The University shares the importance and strives to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (hereinafter referred to as the SDGs), adopted at the international level and aimed at protecting and increasing the well-being of the planet's population.
In accordance with the best practices and requirements of international standards, in order to increase the effectiveness of its contribution to the achievement of the SDGs, the University conducted an analysis and identified priority goals that are most relevant to the development strategy of the University:
1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere:
• by 2030, ensure that all employees have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services;
• ensure significant mobilization of resources from a variety of sources, to provide adequate financial income for all employees;
• create sound policy frameworks at the university level, based on pro-poor and gender-sensitive development strategies, to support accelerated investment in poverty eradication actions.
2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture:
• by 2030, ensure access by all employees and students, in particular people in vulnerable situations, to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round;
• by 2030, end all forms of malnutrition, including achieving, by 2025, the internationally agreed targets on stunting and wasting in our staff and students, and address the nutritional needs of pregnant and lactating women and older persons;
• by 2030, contribute with our research to increase the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, farmers, pastoralists, and fishers;
• by 2030, gradually invest in research towards resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality;
• by 2030, contribute to the research that maintains the genetic diversity of seeds, cultivated plants, and farmed and domesticated animals and their related wild species, including through soundly managed and diversified seed and plant banks at the national, regional, and international levels;
• increase research investment in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and extension services, technology development, and plant and livestock gene banks to enhance agricultural productive capacity.
3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages:
• by 2030, initiate the relevant policy aimed at prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol;
• by 2030, ensure family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs;
• support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for the communicable and non-communicable diseases;
• strengthen the capacity for early warning, risk reduction, and management of national and global health risks.
4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all:
• by 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university;
• by 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship;
• by 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and children in vulnerable situations;
• build and upgrade education facilities that are disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, nonviolent, inclusive, and effective learning environments for all;
• by 2020, substantially expand globally the number of scholarships available to talented students for enrolment in higher education, including vocational training and information and communications technology, technical, engineering, and scientific programs.
5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls:
• do not allow any form of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere;
• do not allow any form of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation;
• ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision making in University life;
• enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women.
6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all:
• by 2030, promote equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water in the University campuses and buildings.
• by 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene in the University campuses and buildings.
• by 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency in the University campuses and buildings.
• by 2030, continue University research aimed to protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers, and lakes.
• support and strengthen the cooperation with local communities in improving water and sanitation management.
7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all:
• by 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services in the University campuses and buildings;
• by 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the University campuses and buildings;
• by 2030, expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in the University campuses and buildings.
8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all:
• achieve higher levels of R&D productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation, including through a focus on high-value-added and labor-intensive sectors;
• promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services;
• by 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value;
• by 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training;
• protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular, women migrants, and those in precarious employment;
• support the policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation:
• develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient University infrastructure to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for employees;
• increase the participation of University students and staff in small-scale industrial and other enterprises, to continue University start-up activity, including consulting, financial support, and promotion of their integration into value chains and markets;
• enhance scientific research, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers in University and public and private research and development spending;
• support domestic technology development, research, and innovation in University.
10. Reduce inequality within and among countries:
• ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard;
• ensure enhanced representation and voice for all employees in decision-making in University to deliver more effective, credible, accountable, and legitimate organization.
11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe. Resilient and sustainable:
• by 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable training, office, and housing facilities in University campuses and dormitories;
• by 2030, start to implement the management plan aimed at safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems, invading bikes and electricity devices, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities, and older persons;
• by 2030, actively participate in reducing the environmental impact of cities with special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management;
• by 2030, organize and provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces in University campuses and dormitories, in particular for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities;
• support research in economic, social, and environmental links between urban, peri-urban, and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning.
12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns:
• implement the 10-year framework of the program on sustainable consumption;
• by 2030, initiate training modules towards sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources;
• by 2030, implement the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle in University campuses and dormitories and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment;
• by 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse;
• participate in developing and implementing the tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable regional tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts:
• integrate climate change measures into University policy and planning;
• improve the training modules that enhance awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning;
• develop and implement a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development:
• increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer riverine technology, to improve river and lake health.
15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss:
• by 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, research, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements;
• by 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of relict and taiga forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation regionally;
• by 2030, participate in the research of desertification, restoration of degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought, and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world;
• by 2030, participate in conservation and research of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity, to enhance their capacity to provide benefits that are essential for sustainable development;
• continue monitoring and inventory of rare, extinct, and threatened species;
• promote fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and promote appropriate access to such resources, as internationally agreed;
• participate in activity against the poaching and trafficking of protected species of flora and fauna and address both demand and supply of illegal wildlife products;
• by 2030, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems and control or eradicate the priority species.
16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels:
• constantly trace the abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children;
• promote the rule of law at the national and University levels and ensure equal access to justice for all;
• substantially reduce and eliminate corruption and bribery in all their forms.
• develop the University as an effective, accountable, and transparent institution at all levels;
• ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making in University.
17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development:
• mobilize additional financial resources from multiple sources;
• enhance regional, national, and international cooperation on and access to science, technology, and innovation and enhance knowledge sharing with Universities and the R&D sector;
• promote the development, transfer, dissemination, and diffusion of environmentally sound technologies.
• enhance the partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources, to support the achievement of the sustainable development goals;
• encourage and promote effective scientific cooperation, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
The role of the University as an educational institution is to educate the next generation and chart a path for personal and professional development that will equip them with the knowledge, skills and values they need to advance this global agenda for the future of sustainable and prosperous human development.
Principles of activity in the field of sustainable development
The University is guided by ten principles in its activities in the field of combating climate change and sustainable development:
1. Engagement. The University maintains the principle of open partnerships with customers, suppliers and contractors based on mutual respect and understanding of the challenges faced with.
2. Compliance with ethical standards. The University is committed to the highest standards in everything it does, follows ethical business practices and implements best corporate governance practices.
3. Compliance with legal requirements and other obligations assumed by the University. The University operates in strict accordance with Russian and applicable international laws, while actively participating in the formation of rules for efficient financing and sustainable development.
4. Social responsibility. The University treats all partners and stakeholders responsibly, promptly responding to changes in their needs and interests.
5. Transparency and information openness. The University improves information openness and transparency in order to disseminate information and share knowledge on sustainable development issues to encourage best practices and raise awareness at the University.
6. Innovative development and continuous improvement of process efficiency. The University is working to improve the management system for all types of activities, introducing digital and automated systems to improve labor efficiency. Effective control over financial and economic activities is carried out.
7. Risk management. The University regularly analyzes and evaluates new risks, including external and internal factors, to ensure their effective management. The risk management system is improved by including representatives of the structural divisions of the University in the process of identifying risks, providing timely and complete information to the governing bodies of the University for making decisions to reduce risks, as well as updating work plans and goals.
8. Energy efficiency, energy saving and environmental responsibility. The university strives to reduce the amount of energy consumed and introduce energy efficient technologies. The university invests in environmental projects and technologies in order to minimize energy consumption and reduce the carbon footprint.
9. Labor safety, industrial, fire and environmental safety. Occupational safety and health of employees is an integral part of taking care of the employees of the University. A procedure for a special assessment of working conditions is carried out on a regular basis. All employees of the University undergo training in labor protection according to the schedule and testing of knowledge on labor protection requirements and briefings in accordance with approved documents.
10. Equity, diversity and inclusion. The University recognizes that the sustainable development of society is achieved only when every person has an equal opportunity to develop their abilities. The main goal of the University is to create such opportunities to promote equality both inside and outside the campus. The university supports and promotes inclusiveness, striving to create an environment without barriers. The University provides equal opportunities and creates conditions for the development of the potential of all staff and students, based on common values, cultural diversity and the principles of gender, racial equality and equality in other areas.
Stakeholder Engagement
Stakeholder engagement is an integral part of the implementation of this Policy. The University strives to take into account the interests of all stakeholders and create long-term value in its activities for sustainable development. To achieve this goal, the University conducts an open dialogue with representatives of stakeholders, determines the most convenient ways for them to interact and communicate.
Based on current approaches and practices, the University identifies six groups of stakeholders that are significant:
1. Public authorities. The University interacts with the legislative and executive authorities of the Russian Federation at all levels. University staff actively participate in the discussion of legislative initiatives, government regulation tools, as well as government programs and development strategies in various industries.
2. Workers and trade union organization. Our employees play a key role in the social policy of the university. The university actively cooperates with the trade union committee on issues of social support and protection of workers' rights.
3. Partners and customers. The University interacts with international and Russian organizations of various industries, the academic and scientific community on the implementation of R&D, research services, development of infrastructure and research base, as well as joint events and the implementation of the educational process.
4. Suppliers and contractors. The University cooperates with organizations of various legal forms and scales of activity (including large companies, SMEs, individual entrepreneurs and NGOs) in the course of its procurement activities. The university is open for cooperation and provides all organizations with equal competitive conditions. The selection of suppliers and contractors is carried out in an impartial manner through tender procedures.
5. Society and the media. University employees participate in the work of public and professional organizations and associations, take part as experts, actively cooperate and respond to media inquiries. The University is the organizer and partner of a large number of events where interaction with society takes place.
6. Applicants, teachers and other interested persons. The University actively interacts with applicants, students and other stakeholders. Our attention to future students is manifested at all levels. We hold practical classes, lectures, sports tournaments, conferences, open days and other events for students of secondary educational institutions. The management of our university regularly meets with applicants and students.
Managing sustainable development and combating climate change
A significant role in the integration of the SDGs into the activities of the University is played by the Rector's office and the Academic Council of the University, while the Academic Council acts as a governing body that coordinates initiatives and results achieved in the field of sustainable development and combating climate change, submitted by the Rector for consideration by the Academic Council.
Monitoring and reporting
In order to ensure openness, information transparency and taking into account the interests of stakeholders, the University recognizes the importance of monitoring and reporting, which reflects various aspects and results of activities in the field of sustainable development and combating climate change. Information on the implementation of the Policy is regularly updated on the official website asu.ru.
The external environment, regulatory requirements, and stakeholder requests may change over time. Therefore, the University will monitor and, if necessary, make adjustments to certain aspects and tasks in the field of sustainable development and combating climate change, adapting the Policy to the current situation and taking into account ongoing changes. This will also be done when updating strategic documents.