About the project
University Cooperation for Net Zero on Campus (UNICO) is a collaborative initiative led by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ programme. UNICO supports European universities in accelerating their transition to net-zero emissions while strengthening their role as living laboratories for climate action.
Building on SDSN's Net Zero on Campus initiative, UNICO helps universities develop the knowledge, tools, and partnerships needed to advance campus decarbonization. The project fosters peer learning and exchange among higher education institutions, strengthens collaboration with municipalities and local stakeholders, and promotes inclusive, whole-institution approaches that engage leadership, staff, and students in climate action.
Through cross-sector cooperation and practical implementation, UNICO aims to position universities as key drivers of local and regional sustainability transitions.
1. Build institutional capacity for campus decarbonization
Equip universities with the knowledge, tools and networks needed to develop and implement effective climate action strategies.
Our project objectives
2. Strengthen university–city partnerships
Collaborate with municipalities to align campus and local climate action and develop joint sustainability initiatives.
3. Foster peer learning and knowledge exchange
Facilitate transnational collaboration among universities and share lessons learned across the wider SDSN network.
4. Advance inclusive net-zero transitions on campus
Promote whole-institution approaches that engage leadership, staff, and students in shaping and implementing decarbonization plans..
Introducing UNICO
María Cortes-Puch on How UNICO is Helping Universities Reach
Net Zero
To introduce UNICO, María Cortes-Puch, Vice President of Europe and Networks at the SDSN, explains what makes it unique — from the
co-development of the Net Zero on Campus Guide and practical toolkit to its potential to scale solutions across the SDSN’s global network of universities.
John Barimo on Why Inclusion is Essential for Climate Action
University College Cork's John Barimo, Manager of SDSN Ireland, explains how inclusive communication, education, and addressing energy poverty are essential to ensuring that everyone can be part of the transition to net zero.
Patrizia Lombardi on How Universities Can Lead Decarbonization By Example
Patrizia Lombardi, Vice Rector for Sustainable Campus and Living Lab at Politecnico di Torino, highlights how universities have a responsibility to lead decarbonization efforts and how engaging local communities is key to achieving net-zero goals.
News and events
Participating organizations
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.