University
Community
International Students
Studies
Research and Innovation
For Business
Faculties
Back

The finals of VILNIUS TECH Sustainability School – students’ ideas for a more sustainable future

October 6, 2023
For two weeks, the VILNIUS TECH Sustainability School brought together numerous students from universities in  Lithuania and across Europe to try and solve challenges related to ecology and sustainability. The finale of the Sustainability School showcased innovative ideas aimed at addressing pressing ecological issues affecting both businesses and society.
According to organisers of the Sustainability School, students from both host university and abroad, collaborating within mixed teams, developed unique solutions which are relevant both for prospective businesses and society.
“Sustainability is a topic that is frequently and broadly discussed, but until now, there has been a lack of broader cooperation among different institutions and societies. The VILNIUS TECH Sustainability School represents the ATHENA Alliance’s contribution to Europe’s green transformation, bringing together all stakeholders: young, energetic professionals with original ideas, as well as businesses and public organisations facing sustainability challenges on a daily basis. VILNIUS TECH serves as a catalyst, driving solutions towards those who seek them” says the head of the VILNIUS TECH Sustainability Hub, Assoc. Dr. Raimondas Grubliauskas.
The initiators of the Sustainability School, the VILNIUS TECH Sustainability Center, aim to initiate and develop a sustainability theme cluster in the ATHENA European University Alliance, of which VILNIUS TECH is a member. ATHENA alliance partners – universities in nine EU countries – aim to develop digitally transformative, technology-based, internationally competitive higher education that reflects the needs of society.

Sustainability – an integral part of higher education

VILNIUS TECH also prepared a separate challenge for the students of the Sustainability School. Following this, the students sought solutions to strengthen the university’s role in achieving positive behavioural changes in society.
“The team that worked on our challenge identified clear problems: a lack of broad and comprehensive sustainability education initiatives, a perceived gap between knowledge about sustainability and action to implement its initiatives. The influence of education on sustainability should be the main direction in achieving a more sustainable society”, says the activity coordinator of the Sustainability School Assoc. Dr. Rūta Mikučionienė.
The solution proposed by VILNIUS TECH is: to strengthen inter-institutional cooperation and create a culture of cooperation between European universities based on sustainability. It is also indicated that such alliances as ATHENA and other European University Initiatives become guides for sustainable cooperation.
Students’ ideas for Vilnius sustainability goals
Five businesses and organisations set challenges for numerous students from VILNIUS TECH and ATHENA universities representing Spain, Portugal, Germany, Slovenia, and several other European countries to delve into. Ranging from innovative concepts such as edible coffee cups to ambitious large-scale urban transformations, students from the Sustainability School showcased their innovative ideas to the panel of judges.
By using urban environmental metrics Sustainability School students evaluated the added value of electric transport. In order to fully contribute to reducing environmental pollution and improving the general condition of life, it is necessary to expand the network of charging stations and supply electricity using cleaner energy. According to the team that conducted this challenge, the development of this electric transport would be encouraged by higher subsidies for residents and changing their perception.
Another ambition of Vilnius is to become a carbon-neutral city by 2030, and the students of Sustainability School propose to achieve this goal by developing three directions: transport, education and energy.
It is proposed to initiate a transformation in the transportation sector by strengthening public transport alternatives, enhancing pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and expanding bicycle-sharing networks. Educational initiatives would touch upon topics such as increasing awareness of climate change and involving both the public and businesses in climate change-related activities. Meanwhile, for the energy sector, it is recommended to reform the energy sector by implementing energy efficiency criteria in all buildings and promoting the adoption of exclusively energy-efficient devices and technologies.
Green spaces and the infrastructure surrounding them are relevant topics for residents of both Vilnius and other big cities. The student team that solved this challenge presented a complex solution to the city representatives, which included the development of green infrastructure and wider involvement of residents in the decision-making on topics that are important to them. It was advised to pay a lot of attention to the streets as well, assessing their condition and taking certain decisions, such as reducing parking spaces or narrowing the streets.

Sustainable ideas for the coffee cup and the cups themselves

The manager of one of the largest takeaway coffee chains in Lithuania presented the participants of the Sustainability School with the challenge of creating a sustainable packaging use system that would meet the needs of modern customers and the latest sustainability requirements.
The international team of students who studied the challenge proposed three possible solutions – each of them was evaluated taking into account hygiene and environmental requirements and the goals of sustainable development.
First, it is proposed to create an edible coffee cup. It would be made from just seven products, the main ones being oat bran and wheat flour. In addition, the cups are suitable for a vegan diet, and this solution is already used by world-famous coffee brands such as Lavazza and others. The second alternative is a foldable coffee cup, whose impact on the environment during the entire period of use is much lower than that of a regular disposable one.

Finally, a deposit-based system is proposed for disposable coffee cups, as is done with beverage containers. A customer who purchased takeaway coffee would pay a certain deposit fee, which they would get back by bringing an empty coffee cup to the cafe.

The proposition is for the coffee grounds to be used in the creation of beauty products – the oils contained in the grounds would be used to make them. It would also be possible to create coffee grounds candles or cups for drinking coffee. Fats can also be used in the food industry, in the production of natural fertilisers or cooking oil.

The establishment of the Integrated Sustainability Technologies Laboratory at VILNIUS TECH is funded by the Economic Revival and Resilience Plan “New Generation Lithuania” and the state budget of the Republic of Lithuania.

Galerija

Studentas gamina šviestuvą

Related news

From biological bridges to living facades: how civil engineers are reshaping cities
From biological bridges to living facades: how civil engineers are reshaping cities
Modern buildings are no longer made of concrete and steel alone. Biology, artificial intelligence, and sustainable technologies are becoming an integral part of construction, transforming the way cities are designed and built. As technology advances and environmental awareness grows, civil engineers are developing innovative materials and construction methods that are more sustainable, durable, and environmentally responsible. One of these innovators is Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ronaldas Jakubovskis, a researcher at the Faculty of Civil Engineering at VILNIUS TECH, whose work is helping shape the future of urban environments. Turning Research into Real-World Structures Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ronaldas Jakubovskis serves as a Senior Researcher at the Laboratory of Innovative Building Structures, where his work focuses on developing advanced structural solutions through experimental testing, laboratory research, and numerical modelling. However, innovation rarely begins with a completely new idea. According to Dr. Jakubovskis, much of the research process is dedicated to analysing existing materials and construction technologies to understand how they can be improved. [caption id="attachment_88679" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Ronaldas Jakubovskis[/caption] „The most rewarding moment is when years of laboratory research become a real structure that can be built and experienced in a natural environment,“ he says. Although he works in academia, Dr. Jakubovskis sees himself primarily as a civil engineer supporting other civil engineers. While structural designers and project managers oversee the overall design of buildings and infrastructure – determining layouts, dimensions, and cost-effective construction solutions – researchers provide the specialised expertise needed to develop new materials and solve complex engineering challenges. „Practising engineers often don't have enough time to investigate highly specialised solutions or explore entirely new materials – that's where we come in. Sometimes we analyse complex structural behaviour through numerical modelling, and sometimes we investigate how emerging materials can be applied in construction. In my opinion, research engineers don't quite fit the traditional stereotype of scientists wearing white lab coats or solving abstract equations all day. Our work is highly practical—we often design, manufacture, and physically test new structural systems ourselves.“ Engineering That Leaves a Visible Legacy Among the projects he is most proud of is the Biological Bridge installed at the Kairėnai Botanical Garden, as well as the Living Concrete wall currently being developed for the rooftop of the Lithuanian National Drama Theatre. Both projects demonstrate how engineering can merge sustainability, science, and architectural design. „These projects represent the culmination of years of laboratory work and numerical modelling. They are demonstration structures that show what is possible when innovative materials meet advanced engineering. I also value their aesthetic qualities. Designing complex organic forms allows you to feel a little like a sculptor creating a work of art.“ Looking ahead, Dr. Jakubovskis believes his greatest achievements are still to come. His long-term vision is to create buildings with façades intentionally designed to be colonised by living organisms, allowing them to interact naturally with their environment while providing ecological and functional benefits. [caption id="attachment_88005" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Ronaldas Jakubovskis[/caption] „We are currently developing larger demonstration projects, seeking research funding, and expanding international collaborations. I believe that within the next five years, we'll be able to stand in front of one of these buildings and say: this is a significant achievement.“ A Profession That Will Still Matter in 100 Years For Dr. Jakubovskis, choosing civil engineering was an easy decision. Since childhood, he enjoyed watching buildings rise from the ground and observing construction sites and heavy machinery. „You don't need extraordinary dreams to become a civil engineer. If you want to build, you become an engineer. It's not like travelling to space or conducting research in Antarctica.“ What motivates him most is the opportunity to create structures that remain valuable for decades – or even centuries. „Every civil engineer feels proud when driving past a bridge or building they helped design, and they will always point it out to everyone in the car,“ he says with a smile. His own career began in structural design after completing his third year of university. He later pursued doctoral studies focusing on the cracking behaviour and deformation of reinforced concrete structures before returning to industry. Eventually, an invitation to rejoin VILNIUS TECH brought him back to academia. „I came back, and today I'm doing exactly what I truly enjoy.“ Advice for Future Engineers As both a researcher and lecturer at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Dr. Jakubovskis emphasises that a university education is essential for anyone pursuing a career in civil engineering. „It would be extremely difficult to master this profession through self-study alone. Should you begin with theoretical mechanics, mechanics of materials, or structural mechanics? University programmes are carefully designed so that knowledge develops step by step, preparing graduates to become highly qualified professionals.“ He also offers practical advice to prospective students: „Don't be afraid of mechanics, physics, or mathematics. Every semester, identify a few key subjects, understand them thoroughly, and make sure you truly master them. Once those foundations are in place, everything else builds naturally.“ Industry Investing in Future Engineers Preparing the next generation of civil engineers is a shared responsibility between universities and industry. As digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies continue to reshape construction, employers increasingly recognise the importance of investing in future talent. The Faculty of Civil Engineering at VILNIUS TECH enjoys long-standing partnerships with the Lithuanian Builders Association (LSA) and the Lithuanian Association of Civil Engineers (LSIS), both of which actively support education and professional development. The Faculty's industry partners – including Hanner, Gilesta, and Alvora – offer scholarships to first-year Civil Engineering students, helping talented young people begin their studies. Other partners, such as Naresta, PST Group, HSC Baltic, and numerous construction companies, contribute by delivering guest lectures, presenting real-life projects, and inviting students to construction sites, where they gain first-hand experience of modern engineering practice. These close collaborations ensure that VILNIUS TECH programmes remain aligned with industry needs while providing students with practical knowledge, professional skills, and valuable connections long before graduation. Learn more about Civil Engineering studies at VILNIUS TECH and discover how you can help shape the cities of tomorrow.
More
Discover JSTOR: Explore Scholarly Journals and Primary Sources
Discover JSTOR: Explore Scholarly Journals and Primary Sources
With exams behind you and more time available for independent exploration, we invite you to take advantage of VILNIUS TECH’s subscribed database, the JSTOR Archival Journals and Primary Sources Collection. This collection offers not only scholarly articles but also original historical documents, images, primary sources, manuscripts, plant specimens, cultural heritage objects, and other unique materials. JSTOR also provides access to more than 4,000 academic journals covering a wide range of subjects, including literature, history, politics, psychology, economics, business, life sciences, natural sciences, the arts, and more. By combining scholarly articles and primary sources on a single platform, JSTOR makes it easier to discover new research perspectives, uncover unexpected connections across disciplines, and enrich both study and research activities. What can you discover in JSTOR? Nineteenth-century pamphlets on technological innovations and social change. Historical letters, speeches, and documents. Millions of plant specimens from around the world. Photographs, maps, and 3D models of cultural heritage objects. Works of art, posters, and historical photographs. More than 4,000 academic journals across a wide range of disciplines. Access is available from VILNIUS TECH computer network or via VPN. As a security measure, two-factor authentication is additionally required (i.e. verification from mobile device app or by call).
More