The University of Latvia enters Gold Category of the Sustainability Index

The Sustainability Index is a strategic management tool based on an internationally recognized methodology, assisting Latvian companies in diagnosing the sustainability of their operations and the level of their corporate responsibility. At the same time, it provides the public, state and non-governmental organizations with objective criteria to praise and support companies that contribute to strengthening the Latvian economy in the long term perspective. 

“At the end of the year, we have received two acknowledgments marking our particular achievements in the field of sustainability – both the Gold Category of the Sustainability Index and a high assessment in the QS World University Sustainability Rankings, where we have been recognized as the most sustainable university in Latvia,” says Enno Ence, Vice-Rector for Development of the University of Latvia. “This recognition confirms that we are on a right track and our achievements have been noticed, since the assessment was provided by external, international partners. Sustainability is not just a “green course”, it is also an inclusive environment, well-organized infrastructure, and a prerequisite for successful competitiveness on a global scale.” 

“The University of Latvia participates in evaluation programmes in order to consider its activities from the external perspective of industry experts – to understand, in which areas we already have achieved high performance, and to define those, which still need to be purposefully improved. This year, participating in the Sustainability Index for the second time, we have moved up one level, entering the Gold Category. Our continued efforts will ensure that the coming years bring even higher results according to the indicators, constantly monitoring and improving various areas of development,” emphasizes Renārs Kairis, UL Sustainable Development Manager. 

The University’s participation in the sustainable development of the country is one of the main values comprised by the UL Strategy 2021–2027. The UL Strategy stipulates that the University integrates sustainable development into all areas of the university's activities, and participation in the Sustainability Index is one of the steps to achieve the set goals. Last year, participating in the Sustainability Index assessment for the first time, the UL received expert recognition, entering the Silver Category. 

This year, 21 organizations qualified for the Gold Category of the Sustainability Index, which is organised by the Institute for Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility (InCSR). The Institute was established in 2011 with the aim of promoting the sustainable development of the country. Its members and experts are leading consulting companies representing various aspects of sustainability, including Cobalt, Estonian, Latvian & Lithuanian Environment, Latvijas Zaļais punkts, Golin Riga, Spring Valley and Kantar. 

More information about the Sustainability Index: https://www.incsr.eu/.