About UNICO
University Cooperation for Net Zero on Campus (UNICO) is a collaborative initiative led by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) in partnership with Erasmus+. 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 extensive experience through the Net Zero on Campus initiative, UNICO brings universities together to share practical solutions, deepen collaboration with cities and local stakeholders, and translate research and innovation into real-world impact. By empowering campus communities and fostering cross-sector cooperation, UNICO aims to position universities at the forefront of Europe’s climate transition.
2-Year Duration (Jan 2026 – Dec 2027)
Coordinated by Sustainable Development Solutions Network
5 partner organizations
Project number 101245410OUR FOCUS
Project Objectives
Turning university campuses into engines of climate innovation and community transformation
News and Events
SDSN Launches UNICO, a New Erasmus+ Initiative Accelerating Net-Zero Actions Across University Campuses
Paris, France (January 5, 2026) — The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) is proud to launch the University Cooperation for Net Zero on Campus (UNICO) project, funded by Erasmus+. This ambitious new initiative builds on the SDSN’s expertise in campus decarbonization through the Net Zero on Campus initiative. It aims to accelerate European universities’ efforts to cut emissions, enhance collaboration with cities, and empower communities to drive climate action.
SDSN Secretariat Showcases the UNICO Project at Global Network Managers Workshop
At the 2025 SDSN Global Network Managers Workshop in Sunway City, Malaysia, the SDSN Secretariat introduced the UNICO project to representatives from 23 national and regional networks. The presentation highlighted UNICO’s mission to advance campus decarbonization across universities, its upcoming launch under the EU Erasmus+ programme, and the collaborative work that will unite four SDSN networks starting in 2026.
UNICO Project Set to Boost Decarbonisation Efforts in European Universities - SDSN Ireland
The University Cooperation for Net Zero on Campus (UNICO) project was funded by the ERASMUS+ programme to support the urgent need for decarbonisation in higher education. Spearheaded by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Europe, this ambitious initiative will work with four European universities including University College Cork. Each of the 4 universities, including University College Cork, will work across their respective SDSNs to advance Net Zero ambitions for all respective network members.
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.