Sustainable Development Policies

Supporting the Coordination of Commissioners’ previous results in achieving the global sustainable development goals, following the University of Rijeka’s Strategy 2021-2025, the Senate of the University of Rijeka, at its 60th session held on December 21, 2021, adopts the following

Statement on adjustments and development of university policies and practices in accordance with SDGs and climate neutrality

1) Within the University of Rijeka’s Strategy 2021-2025, the University of Rijeka has highlighted the need to raise awareness and ensure more effective action under the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), and the principles of the European Green Deal. Policies and practices related to sustainable development goals and climate neutrality should be developed in all University missions – educational, research and public missions.

2) Following the identified sustainable development global goals which represent institutional priorities of the University of Rijeka, there is a particular emphasis on the need to address the following goals: A) health and welfare (SGD 3); B) quality education (SGD 4); C) green and blue policies aimed at preventing the consequences of climate change; D) responses to climate change (SGD 13); E) clean and drinkable water and hygienic conditions (SGD 6); F) affordable and clean energy (SGD 7); G) responsible consumption and production (SDG 12).

3) Following the European climate plan aimed at making the European Union climate neutral by 2050, the University of Rijeka highlights the importance of prioritizing the following policies and practices: A) circular economy, usage of more durable products that can be reused, recycling; B) renovated and energy-efficient buildings, clean energy, and excellent technological innovations, C) clean air, clean water, healthy soil, biodiversity; D) change of transport habits towards the use of public transport and reducing carbon footprint; E) Skill development for the transition.

4) This statement by the Senate of the University of Rijeka aims at highlighting the significance of the university’s and its components’ previous individual and institutional research, teaching, and organizational policies and actions, while also pointing out areas and topics of sustainable development and climate change where further improvements can be made.

5) Consequently, the Senate of the University of Rijeka ensures the basis for action, namely:

1. The establishment of an interdisciplinary working group for developing an action plan and/or measures for sustainable development and climate neutrality of the University of Rijeka.
2. Conducting a situational analysis that includes identifying best practices and needs within the University.
3. Mapping the current capacities in knowledge, resources, and collaborations that can contribute to and/or which need to be established in these fields.
4. Identifying the corresponding local, national, European, and global strategies and policies, as well as relevant stakeholders, including the local and regional self-government, representatives of the business sector, and civil society, to ensure coordinated action and successful knowledge transfer.
5. Development of an action plan to contribute to the achievement of the stated goals, including a proposal for a body responsible for implementing and monitoring the proposed measures.

PRIORITIES OF THE STRATEGIC PROJECT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF RIJEKA

At its 67th session held on April 26, 2022, the Senate of the University of Rijeka adopted the Decision on the approval of the Conceptual Project and Financial Plan for the Strategic Development of the Campus 2022–2025, outlining the priorities of the University’s strategic project:

I. Infrastructure development for health and well-being

• EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CLINIC: Expansion of preventive healthcare services for students and staff through a new unit of the Teaching Institute of Public Health on campus.
• CHILDCARE CENTER: Adaptation of existing student centre facilities to establish a childcare centre primarily for students and employees of the University of Rijeka.
• SPORTS AND RECREATION: Adoption of the Sports Development Guidelines for the University of Rijeka 2022–2025 and the construction of sports facilities on Campus.
• REMOVAL OF ARCHITECTURAL BARRIERS FOR STUDENTS WITH MOBILITY IMPAIRMENTS: Development of funding calls and co-financing for infrastructure adaptations to support students with mobility impairments.

II. Infrastructure development for energy efficiency through renewable energy sources (ESCO model)

• INTRODUCTION OF CLEANER AND MORE COST-EFFECTIVE ENERGY SOURCES: Installation of more efficient and environmentally friendly systems (natural gas, photovoltaic power plants on campus buildings).
• RESOURCE EFFICIENCY: Implementation of water, energy, and resource-saving measures.

III. Green Campus

• GREEN AREAS / DECARBONIZATION: Landscaping of green areas on campus in line with Sustainable Development Goals.
• STUDENT FACILITIES: Construction of facilities to improve student living standards, including spaces for studying, socializing, and leisure
• WASTE MANAGEMENT: Installation of sustainable vending machines and food and beverage services; development of skills, competencies, and institutional procedures related to sustainability (reducing plastic packaging, recycling, etc.)
• URBAN STUDIES: Strategic planning and programming projects for campus development; implementation of advanced sustainable construction and renovation standards (TRANSMEDRI, INOVA, RITA)

IV. Green mobility – digital transition in service of sustainable development

• DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE: Expansion of network infrastructure and installation of equipment to enable hybrid learning, virtual mobility, and the implementation of low-carbon policies and practices.
• GREEN MOBILITY: Encouraging the use of public transportation, electric vehicles, scooters, and bicycles.

The Senate of the University of Rijeka, at its 17th session held on July 17, 2018, adopted the University of Rijeka Code of Ethics.

The University of Rijeka Code of Ethics outlines the following principles regarding the implementation of anticorruption policies at the University of Rijeka:

Article 2, paragraph 2.5. Compliance with Laws and Legal Procedures

All members of the university community are expected to comply with legal regulations and legal procedures regarding their obligations as members of the university community. The University is obliged to ensure the necessary conditions for acquainting members of the university community with all the relevant rules regarding their responsibilities.

Article 4, paragraph 4.6 Accepting Gifts and Other Goods

Members of the university community are not to ask for or receive gifts, nor encourage gifting, whether for themselves or another person, if there is a reasonable assumption that it may indirectly or directly affect their objectivity, professional obligations, and duties.

Members of the university community are obliged o prevent any instances of corruption.

Article 4, paragraph 4.7 Conflict of Interest

All members of the university community should avoid conflicts of interest (conflicts of interest can be caused by, for example, familial relationships, close friendships, antagonisms, etc.). If a potential conflict of interest arises, member of the university community should report it to their superior or the relevant body. It is the responsibility of the competent authority to organize work processes and relationships in such a way as to prevent conflicts of interest.

Efforts should be made to ensure the independence of all external activities (including financial or other interests) so that they do not conflict with professional obligations at the University or compromise the integrity and objectivity of members of the university community.

All forms of nepotism are considered unacceptable.

To uphold social standards, the University of Rijeka ensures that employee salaries exceed both the national minimum wage and the poverty risk threshold defined for Croatia. According to the Croatian Bureau of Statistics, the poverty risk threshold for 2023 stands at 5,924 EUR per year for a single-person household and 12,440 EUR for a household with two adults and two children under the age of 14. Salaries at the University surpass these thresholds, ensuring financial stability for employees and their families while contributing to the reduction of poverty risk and social exclusion in line with national standards. The salary base, as defined in Annex III of the Basic Collective Agreement for Civil Servants and Public Service Employees, amounts to 947.18 EUR.

The University of Rijeka calculates salaries in accordance with the Regulation on Job Titles and Job Complexity Coefficients in Public Services. This regulation ensures that salaries are determined based on the employee’s level of education, the prescribed job complexity coefficient, and work experience. The salary base for monthly calculations, as per Annex III of the Basic Collective Agreement, is 947.18 EUR, while the lowest job complexity coefficient is 1.06. Based on these figures, the minimum annual salary for an employee at the University amounts to 12,048.13 EUR.

This salary calculation system guarantees equal pay for the same positions and educational levels, regardless of gender, actively promoting wage equality between men and women. Through this approach, the University ensures transparency and fairness in the salary determination process, fostering equal opportunities for all employees.