Debrecen4U November 10, 2026

UD Student Environmental Committee Receives Sustainable Debrecen Award

The Environmental Committee of the University of Debrecen Student Union has received the Sustainable Debrecen Award, presented to representatives of the committee on 9 November 2026 by Ákos Balázs, Deputy Mayor for environmental affairs.

Since 2019, the Sustainable Debrecen Award has recognised businesses, institutions and working communities whose activities set an example on the path towards creating a sustainable city. Working to raise environmental awareness within the university community since 2009, the Environmental Committee of the University of Debrecen Student Union was the second of this year’s nine award recipients to receive the distinction.

Through its programmes and practical initiatives, the committee promotes nature conservation, sustainability, sustainable lifestyles, waste reduction, environmentally friendly transport and the protection of biodiversity. Its activities engage university students, lecturers, staff and residents of Debrecen alike, encouraging them to take collective action and responsibility for a greener future.

One of the defining elements of the committee’s work is raising environmental awareness and sharing knowledge through regular lectures, workshops, training sessions and practical activities on nature and environmental protection for the University of Debrecen community.

Since its establishment, the committee has paid particular attention to promoting cycling and improving the practical conditions for cycling among members of the university community, aiming to make cycling an easily accessible alternative to motorised transport on the university campuses. In 2015, the committee established the University of Debrecen Community Garden on the Böszörményi Road Campus. Covering almost 1,000 square metres, the garden gives members of the university community the opportunity to grow their own fresh, seasonal vegetables, as well as medicinal and culinary herbs. As part of its sustainable gardening approach, the garden also provides facilities for composting.

Over the years, the committee has initiated and implemented several projects to create and enhance green spaces on the University of Debrecen campuses, enrich them with vegetation and make them more nature-friendly. It has organised tree and shrub planting on the university’s campuses in Debrecen on several occasions, with particular emphasis on using native species. The protection of bats and the preservation of their habitats on university campuses have also been part of its nature conservation work from the outset, with bat boxes installed as part of these efforts. Bird protection equipment has also been put in place, and a model bird-friendly garden has been created in the botanical garden on the Böszörményi Road Campus.

From the beginning, the committee has considered reducing the amount of waste, promoting selective waste collection and establishing appropriate waste management practices on the university campuses to be important priorities. In this regard, it also makes a conscious effort to minimise paper-based administration and communication in its day-to-day operations. On several occasions, the committee has initiated measures and awareness-raising programmes aimed at reducing energy consumption, preventing energy waste and encouraging more responsible energy use within the University of Debrecen community.

Members continue to work to promote environmentally conscious lifestyles, nature conservation and sustainability.

Source: dehir.hu