Sustainable University

Earth Day in the sign of light. BUT shows how science helps nature

For nearly sixty years, Earth Day has highlighted the need to care for our planet and to seek pathways toward a sustainable future. Celebrated annually on April 22, its aim is to draw attention to current environmental issues, raise awareness about environmental protection, and encourage both individuals and institutions to act responsibly.

This year's Earth Day focuses on the theme of light. | Author: Josef Vyškovský

Brno University of Technology responds to these challenges by long focusing on research and innovation in sustainability and actively seeking solutions for the future of the planet. How is the university involved in this year’s Earth Day activities?

Kravi hora Park as a light laboratory

How can modern technologies contribute to environmental protection? This question was answered during Saturday’s Earth Day event, which was attended by experts from BUT alongside six thousand visitors and other institutions. The program, titled “Let’s Shed Some Light on It!”, showed that sustainability is not only a matter of individuals, but also of innovations emerging from universities.

BUT participated in the Earth Day event in Brno. | Author: Josef Vyškovský

Faculties of Brno University of Technology presented concrete solutions as well as engaging activities in Kravi hora Park, helping visitors understand how science and research respond to current environmental challenges. Visitors discovered how light pollution affects human health as well as natural ecosystems of animals and plants, and learned about the principle of so-called energy harvesting – a technology that converts light into electrical energy and can be used, for example, to power small devices.

The children got to try out the experiments for themselves. | Author: Josef Vyškovský

Visitors also explored the importance of working with light through fun activities such as solving a light-based cipher using fluorescence, building a tower model with different window arrangements, or making sundials. “That’s perfect, I’ve never had my own sundial,” said one of the young visitors while figuring out the time.

The experts presented scientific principles through fun activities. | Author: Josef Vyškovský

Experiments with UV radiation and colored filters revealed how light can create fascinating effects through different colors. “We enjoyed the light puzzles and decoding secret messages the most,” said a family of four.

Chemists demonstrated how fluorescence works. | Author: Josef Vyškovský

More details about the event can be found on the Lipka website.

Experience darkness firsthand!

This year, Earth Day at BUT is held in the spirit of light, and students and staff can take part this evening in a night excursion “Switch Off and You’ll See”, which combines science, nature, and a small experiment under the night sky.

The program begins with a visit to the lighting laboratory at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, where participants will learn the basics of photometry and modern measuring techniques. This will be followed by a discussion on the impact of artificial lighting on humans, plants, and animals and their biological processes. Finally, the group will move to the Medlánky hills, where a practical demonstration of light pollution measurement and a symbolic switching-off of part of the university campus will take place.