Sustainable Development Policies

6.5.7

Promoting Conscious Water Usage in the Wider Community

The University of Thessaly (UTh) is committed to promoting a culture of conscious and responsible water use not only within its campuses but also throughout the wider community.

Recognizing its educational, social, and environmental role, the University aims to influence behavior, raise awareness, and build capacity for sustainable water management in society through outreach, partnerships, and open educational initiatives.

Purpose

This policy aims to:

Promote responsible water consumption practices among local residents, schools, businesses, and municipalities;

Provide education, research, and training to support community-level water conservation;

Foster a regional culture of sustainability and resilience through collaboration;

Encourage student and faculty participation in water-awareness and engagement projects;

Contribute to the national and international goals of SDG 6, SDG 11, and SDG 17.

Legal and Strategic Framework

This policy is consistent with:

Law 4957/2022, Articles 87 and 88 (University contribution to social and sustainable development);

Law 3199/2003 (Integrated Water Resources Management);

EU Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC;

Regional Water Management Plans of Thessaly; and

the University of Thessaly Environmental Sustainability and Outreach Strategy.

Scope

This policy applies to:

All outreach, education, and communication programs organized by the University;

All departments and research centers involved in water, environment, and sustainability-related activities;

Partnerships with local schools, municipalities, NGOs, and community organizations.

Key Provisions

1. Community Education and Awareness

The University will organize workshops, seminars, and community talks to educate citizens on water conservation.

Educational materials (leaflets, digital media, open courses) will be developed and distributed freely.

Campaigns will emphasize everyday behavioral changes such as reducing water waste, preventing leaks, and sustainable gardening.

Schools and youth organizations will be priority partners in outreach activities.

2. Partnerships and Collaboration

UTh will cooperate with municipalities, water authorities, and regional governments to develop joint awareness programs.

Collaborative projects will focus on water saving, pollution prevention, and reuse technologies.

The University will serve as a knowledge hub connecting scientific expertise with community needs.

3. Student and Staff Engagement

Student associations and volunteer groups will be encouraged to design and deliver local awareness campaigns.

Faculty and researchers will contribute through public lectures, demonstrations, and mentoring of community projects.

UTh will recognize and promote exemplary contributions through the “Sustainability Ambassadors” initiative.

4. Educational Resources and Access

The University will offer open-access courses and training programs through learning.uth.gr and its Lifelong Learning Center.

Water-related educational content will be available to schools and the public in both Greek and English.

Media partnerships will be developed to disseminate knowledge widely across Thessaly.

5. Research and Impact Assessment

UTh will support research projects evaluating the social and environmental impact of water-awareness campaigns.

The Academics Office will collect data on participation rates, knowledge improvement, and behavioral outcomes.

Findings will be used to refine outreach methods and shared with regional partners.

Governance

Responsible Authority: Rector

Implementation Partners: Departments of Agriculture, Civil Engineering, and Environmental Sciences; Lifelong Learning Center; Student Associations

External Stakeholders: Local municipalities, NGOs, regional authorities, and schools

Monitoring and Reporting

The University will publish an annual report summarizing community outreach activities, engagement numbers, and outcomes.

Metrics will include number of events, participants, collaborations, and measurable impact on local water awareness.

Results will be included in the Annual Sustainability Report and submitted to regional and national education authorities.

Review

This policy will be reviewed every three years or earlier if new community needs, legislation, or research findings arise.

Through this framework, the University of Thessaly reaffirms its role as a regional catalyst for sustainable water use, empowering citizens, students, and institutions to act responsibly toward water conservation.