Making the promotion of sustainability a strategic goal, Széchenyi István University demonstrated its activities in the field of education, research and development and innovation at its own booth and delivering presentations at Planet Budapest, a unique sustainability event in Central Europe. Several projects of international importance at the University aim at the concept of a liveable future.

The Széchenyi István University presented its efforts and achievements in this field at the Planet Budapest conference.

A Planet Budapest highlighted the importance of the current trend of switching into sustainability and the impacts of climate change. The event, which presented the latest solutions in an easily comprehensible way, not only served as a professional forum, but also offered practical, tangible solutions to those interested.

At the Planet Budapest conference, the Széchenyi István University demonstrated the efforts and achievements they have achieved and plan to achieve in the field.

The University’s booth gained huge popularity among the visitors at the Planet Budapest (Photo: József Bankó/ Paradignow Photography)

“Sustainability plays a central role in our university’s strategy, which aims – at local, regional, national or international level - to contribute to the reduction of the environmental load and making sustainable solutions more widely available, thus improving people’s well-being,”said Dr András Torma, Head of the Department of Applied Sustainability. He added that, along with the department, the Sustainability Competence Centre is a key player of the field, and the ambition to reach sustainability features each part of the University.

“At the university, we work in close cooperation with several units to ensure that this approach prevails in the fields of education, research, research and development and innovation,” he emphasised.

At the sustainability expo, the innovations demonstrated by the Széchenyi István University attracted great interest. (Photo: József Bankó /Paradignow Photography)

The head of the department explained that with regard to this topic, Széchenyi University is carrying out significant projects such as the Insula Magna – Complex Water Management and Sustainable Development Programme for the development of the Szigetköz-Csallóköz region, or the programme aiming at raising awareness in the field of waste management and circular economy. Further outstanding projects are H2 and EFuels, the latter of which targets participating in the development of renewable synthetic fuels and the testing of their application in engines.

“Besides these projects, a number of sustainability-themed research are running at the university, for instance, precision agriculture, water management and international capacity building. Our institution also plays an important role in preparing sustainability strategies for municipalities and governmental institutions,” he detailed.

Dr Adrienn Buruzs, Associate Professor at Széchenyi István University, gave her presentation on the relationship between circular economy and industries. (Photo: József  Bankó/Paradignow Photography)

In addition to the general training courses offered by our institution, visitors were able to learn about our specialised training courses with a particular focus on sustainability, such as the ESG - Environmental, Social and Governance Expert Master's programme, the Precision Agricultural Engineer specialisation or the Energy Loss Detection Auditor specialisation. Visitors were also given an insight into sustainability-related research at Széchenyi University. Our presentation can also contribute to the development of new national and international partnerships."
- said Dr. Judit Pécsinger, adjunct professor at the institution and organiser of the university's presence at the exhibition.

At the conference accompanying Planet Budapest, Dr Adrienn Buruzs, Associate Professor of Széchenyi István University, gave a presentation on the relationship between circular economy and industries, while Dr Renátó Kalocsai, Associate Professor of Széchenyi István University, unveiled the interconnections between food supply and sustainability in the event of a round-table discussion. Apart from the presentations, our institute had its own booth at the expo.

“Our environmental engineering and PhD students helped our teachers and colleagues providing occupational guidance to demonstrate the involvement of the university. In addition to the general courses offered by our institution, visitors were able to learn about our specialised training course with a particular focus on sustainability, such as the ESG – Environmental, Social and Governance Expert MSc programme, the Precision Agricultural Engineer postgraduate specialist training course or the Auditor for Exploring Energy Loss postgraduate specialist training course. The visitors also got an insight into a number of research related to sustainability at the university. Our introduction may help establish new national and international partnerships,” said dr Judit Pécsinger, Senior Lecturer of the University, the organiser of the university’s participation at the exhibition.

Sustainability is also in the focus of Széchenyi István University and Budapest Planet. (Fotó: Bankó József/Paradignow Photography)

Finally, she stressed that finding the right sustainability solutions is a key issue for an increasing number of disciplines, therefore Széchenyi University's courses offer valuable, marketable knowledge for future professionals, while the institution's research contributes to the global knowledge on sustainability.