Sustainability in UAB libraries
Traditionally, libraries have played a crucial role in supporting development and social integration, and are key to fostering community cohesion. The inclusion of access to information, knowledge, and information technologies in the 2030 Agenda as essential elements for sustainable development originates from the Lyon Declaration of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) in 2014.
In this context, the libraries of the CSUC member universities have published a joint manifesto highlighting the need to accelerate the digital transformation of higher education. This commitment involves collaboration on 10 strategic projects, one of which is to "align and adapt the projects, objectives, and actions of the libraries with the SDG objectives of the universities, as derived from the 2030 Agenda."
The UAB also has a longstanding commitment to sustainable development. Since 1999, the university has been implementing various sustainability plans, and the Sustainable Campus Plan for the period 2023-2027 is currently in force, guiding initiatives in this area.
In recent years, the Library Service has been involved in several initiatives to improve the environmental management of buildings and has participated in cross-functional working groups focused on sustainability, equality, and social integration.
The sustainability efforts of the UAB Libraries build upon the foundations outlined above, aligning with the six focus areas of the Strategic Plan 2019-2022, with 14 actions linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and with eight lines of action from the Healthy and Sustainable Campus Plan to which the libraries contribute.
Based on this initial framework, compliance is monitored annually, and necessary improvements are identified and implemented.