BUT has published its first sustainability report. It reflects progress in teaching, research and university operations.

(Press release, Brno, July 28, 2025) Brno University of Technology (BUT) has published its first Annual Sustainability Report, which summarizes progress in education, research, operations, and social responsibility for 2024. The document follows on from the previously adopted Sustainability Strategy and the establishment of the Sustainability Office headed by Milan Houser, Vice-Rector for Artistic Activities and Sustainability.

Sustainability is not a one-off topic for BUT, but a long-term priority that is reflected in its development plans and strategic areas. "The report reflects our efforts to integrate sustainability principles into all levels of the university's operations, from teaching and research to operations. Our intention is to continue these efforts and thus strengthen BUT's position as a leader in technology and sustainability," says Vice-Rector Milan Houser. The individual areas of development respond not only to technological changes, but also to social challenges. "We are not only concerned with measuring impacts, but also with building a culture of change through active community involvement," adds sustainability coordinator Kateřina Myslivcová.

New study programs and social topics in teaching

BUT has launched programs focused on sustainability, such as Environmentally Advanced Buildings (FCE), Energy (FME), Architecture and Urban Planning (FA), and Automotive Electronics and Electromobility (FEEC). Topics such as social housing, circular economy and sexual violence prevention have appeared in lectures and workshops.

Research in the context of current social challenges

Research at BUT combines innovation with responsibility. Expert teams have focused on topics such as self-cleaning film made from environmentally friendly materials and the sustainable use of chips, as well as social issues – the Poverty Vector project at FA is looking for solutions for affordable and dignified housing. The topic of sustainability is also being developed at the university by individual experts, such as Karel Sedlář (bioplastics), Martin Pumera (energy concepts), and Veronika Kamenská (mental health).

International cooperation, local partnerships, and an active community

As part of its sustainability efforts, BUT is developing cooperation with local and international partners, such as the EULiST alliance and institutions in Taiwan and Korea. It has signed a memorandum of partnership on semiconductor technologies and established a research center for advanced chip design. In Brno, it co-founded the H2vBrno hydrogen cluster with Teplárny Brno, DPMB, and SAKO. It also promotes sustainability to the public through initiatives such as University of the Third Age, summer schools, and events such as Clean Up Brno and Cake for Hospice.

Responsible university operations

As part of its sustainable operations, the university has introduced a number of measures, such as renovating buildings to nZEB (Nearly Zero-Energy Building) standards, installing photovoltaic panels at some faculties and promoting eco-friendly mobility. It has also focused on responsible public procurement, supported biodiversity by planting trees and installing birdhouses and beehives, and promoted inclusion and environmental initiatives in the operation of dormitories and cafeterias.

Sustainability as a key development strategy for BUT

The report is based on the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which BUT systematically integrates into all its activities. The university has achieved the greatest impact in eight key areas, including quality education, clean energy and climate action. Thanks to improvements in the sustainability category, BUT has moved up to 575th place in the QS World University Rankings 2026. The university plans to publish the report every year.

The first annual sustainability report of BUT was created with the support of the National Recovery Plan as part of the project Acceleration of Green Skills and Sustainability at BUT – registration number: NPO_VUT_MSMT-2143/2024-5