Solar-powered smart bench installed at the University of Coimbra
Using advanced technology to convert sunlight into electricity, the new bench installed at FEUC allows mobile devices to be seamlessly charged via USB or wireless connections.
On the day of the first International Day of Clean Energy (26 January), the University of Coimbra (UC) launches the third and final initiative of the 'Together We Help Protect the Future' campaign, which aims to promote community awareness of the importance of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The UC has installed its first solar-powered smart bench at the entrance to the Faculty of Economics (FEUC), aiming to raise community awareness of alternative, efficient and sustainable energy solutions, while reinforcing its commitment to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The bench is energy self-sufficient, using technology based on the photoelectric effect, which converts sunlight into electricity. This piece of "street furniture" can charge mobile phones and other electronic devices via USB or wireless connections using photovoltaic solar power: "Clean, renewable, domestic and limitless".
The addition of this smart bench is one of dozens of initiatives that have positioned the University of Coimbra as the most sustainable higher education institution in Portugal in recent years—a ranking affirmed in the latest editions of the prestigious Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024 and Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023 , with the UC securing the 29th position globally in the latter
Specifically concerning the fulfillment of SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities - the University of Coimbra (UC) secured the 37th position globally in the 2023 edition of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. The UC stood out for its response to the challenges of internationalisation and heritage, as well as its efforts to promote actions to raise awareness of the importance of reducing its environmental footprint. A key step in this initiative was the installation of photovoltaic systems on all the buildings of the Faculty of Sciences and Technology (FCTUC) on Campus II (Polo II). With over 2,100 panels currently in place, this effort is reducing tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, significantly contributing to the overall reduction of UC's carbon footprint.
In September 2023, the University of Coimbra (UC) launched the 'Together We Help Protect the Future' campaign to demonstrate, through concrete efforts, how both the university and its community are actively contributing to the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The first action, in line with SDG13 - Climate Action, involved the temporary creation of a living panel made up of around 400 plants. These plants were then replanted, contributing to the restoration of the Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra and supporting reforestation efforts in areas affected by fires or adverse weather conditions.
The second initiative focused on SDG2 - Zero Hunger. It involved the creation of a programme aimed at providing meal donations, in solidarity with students who benefit from social support. This programme is accessible through the SASUC Go! application.
For more information on each of these actions, and to discover the University of Coimbra's various sustainable development projects and initiatives, visit the campaign's website at juntospelofuturo.uc.pt.