6.5.3
Off-Campus Water Conservation Support Policy
The University of Thessaly (UTh) actively supports water conservation and sustainable water management initiatives beyond its campuses, contributing to the resilience and well-being of local, regional, and national communities.
This policy establishes the framework for collaborative actions, research, education, and capacity building aimed at promoting responsible water use outside the University’s physical boundaries.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
Strengthen the University’s role as a knowledge and innovation hub for sustainable water management;
Facilitate technical, educational, and scientific collaboration with external stakeholders;
Support local governments, farmers, businesses, and NGOs in implementing efficient water use practices;
Encourage student and faculty engagement in community-based water initiatives;
Advance the University’s contribution to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
Legal and Strategic Framework
This policy is aligned with:
Law 4957/2022, Article 87 (on universities’ responsibility to promote sustainability and regional development);
Law 3199/2003 (Integrated Water Resources Management);
EU Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC;
Law 3852/2010 (Kallikratis Plan) on regional cooperation between universities and municipalities; and
Scope
This policy applies to:
All University departments, research centers, and laboratories collaborating with communities, industries, and public authorities;
Outreach and extension activities aimed at improving water conservation in agriculture, industry, and households;
Educational and awareness initiatives targeting schools and the general public.
Key Provisions
- Community Engagement and Support
The University will provide technical advice, training, and demonstration programs on sustainable irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and water reuse.
Departments of Agriculture, Civil Engineering, and Environmental Sciences will coordinate outreach activities with local authorities.
Priority shall be given to rural and water-stressed areas in the Region of Thessaly.
- Capacity Building and Training
UTh shall organize workshops, online seminars, and field demonstrations for:
Local farmers and cooperatives,
Public utilities and water boards, and
School teachers and community leaders.
Training will focus on efficient irrigation, greywater reuse, and leakage control technologies.
- Applied Research and Innovation
The University will promote applied research projects addressing local water challenges.
Faculty and students may collaborate on pilot projects testing smart water systems, precision irrigation, and reuse technologies.
Results shall be shared openly with regional and national authorities.
- Partnerships and Cooperation
The University will maintain formal agreements (MoUs) with municipalities, the Region of Thessaly, and local enterprises to jointly promote water conservation.
Cooperation shall extend to EU-funded and national programs, such as LIFE, Horizon Europe, and Interreg.
- Student and Volunteer Involvement
Students may participate in service-learning projects and volunteer actions focused on water education in schools and communities.
Such participation shall be recognized as community engagement credit under the University’s social responsibility framework.
- Monitoring and Evaluation
The Office of Environmental Sustainability shall maintain a record of outreach actions, beneficiaries, and outcomes.
Impact indicators shall include:
Number of projects and training sessions conducted,
Number of beneficiaries reached,
Estimated water savings achieved, and
Community satisfaction feedback.
Governance
Responsible Authority: Rector
Operational Oversight: Technical Services Office
Academic Leads: Departments of Agriculture, Civil Engineering, and Environmental Sciences
Partners: Municipalities, Regional Authorities, NGOs, and private-sector associations
Review
This policy shall be reviewed every three years or earlier to reflect technological progress and regional water needs.
Through this policy, the University of Thessaly extends its commitment to sustainable water use beyond its campuses, acting as a regional catalyst for knowledge, innovation, and environmental stewardship.