O the June 27, the VILNIUS TECH Sustainability HUB has officially opened its doors, marking the first university-established HUB in Lithuania dedicated to integrating education, science, and business. Situated within the premises of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH), this HUB features laboratories for scientific research and craftsmanship, lecture halls for teaching, and community spaces for collaboration.
The Sustainability HUB aims to create a focused environment where representatives from various fields can gather to work towards a more sustainable future. The HUB is equipped with three distinct laboratories: a data modelling space, an eco-design lab, and an experimental demonstration area for sustainable consumption. These facilities will enable university researchers to conduct various studies while students participate in lectures and hands-on experiments. The experimental demonstration area focusses on the implementation of circular economy principles in the food chain, showing how to reduce the environmental footprint and impact on the climate of the food system. Food cultures are grown, used in food production, and the resulting waste is processed into biogas and compost, which is then used to grow more food.
The eco-design space promotes the reuse and recycling of materials for new product prototypes, encouraging sustainable environmental solutions and products made from recycled plastics and textiles using 3D printing technologies. Collaboration among specialists from different fields will foster interdisciplinary competence in engineering, technology, and design.
Alongside the opening of the HUB, VILNIUS TECH introduced new academic programmes. Starting this fall, the university will offer the country’s first bachelor’s degree in Sustainability Technology and a master’s degree in Sustainability Management, along with various professional development courses. These programmes aim to address the growing need for sustainability experts in businesses and other sectors. Future students will address and analyse the real-world sustainability challenges presented by companies, conduct experiments, and participate in demonstrations in three state-of-the-art laboratories.
The Sustainability HUB plans to organise training, professional development courses, and practical workshops for companies. Courses on sustainable supply chain management, life cycle thinking, green energy and environmental assessment, and sustainable building construction will be available to all interested parties. Future plans include seminars and conferences to strengthen the culture of sustainability.
The event featured a virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony and concluded with the unveiling of a special artwork by renowned artist, created specifically for the Sustainability HUB. The piece was partially produced using a 3D printer and incorporated elements made from recycled materials.
The VILNIUS TECH Sustainability HUB will add significant value to the TransLearnN project (Transformational Learning Network for Resilience) by leveraging its state-of-the-art facilities and expertise in sustainability.
Photos by Simas Bernotas ir Aleksas Jaunius.