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Frederick University honored with the "Golden Protector of the Environment” Award 2023

Frederick University proudly announces that it has been honored with the prestigious "Golden Protector of the Environment” Award, granted by the Cyprus Center for Environmental Research and Education under the auspices of the Commissioner for the Environment.

We are proud to be acknowledged for our commitment to incorporating the environmental dimension into our policy framework, implementing practices that not only protect the environment but also contribute to sustainable resource management, sustainable development and environmental conservation.

Frederick University is a pioneer in environmental issues and has implemented a systematic, integrated and multi-level environmental policy with the aim to lead by example and have a positive impact on society. Through the entire range of its actions, the University aims to cultivate citizens who will serve as agents of change, contributing significantly to the protection of the environment and the enhancement of the quality of life.

As of 2019, the University's strategic plan includes contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals which have been integrated into all 4 main pillars of its operation: (1) research, (2) teaching and learning, (3) administration and operations, and (4) contribution to society.

Below are examples of actions covering all four pillars for which the University was evaluated:

Frederick University established the Nature Conservation Unit, which is the first structure in the Cyprus academic system to develop and promote responsible solutions to critical environmental issues, through a holistic approach. The Nature Conservation Unit specializes in biodiversity conservation, natural resources management and conservation, environmental education and public awareness.

Furthermore, the University organizes environmental awareness campaigns inside and outside the university community and participates in voluntary actions in municipalities, communities, environmental festivals with the impact of raising awareness to many thousands of citizens.

The University has included courses that pursue environmental awareness and responsibility in a wide range of its undergraduate programs of study. Additionally, it is the only University to offer -since 2010- a Master's Programs in Education for Sustainable Development and Social Change, including a Doctoral program in Environmental Education. It also offers a Postgraduate Program in Energy Engineering and operates the Sustainable Energy Research Group (SERG) which focuses on alternative energy sources and provides scientific knowledge to the public sector and other agencies.

At the same time, it conducts research related to monitoring, management and conservation of biodiversity and natural resources, the use of technology for the benefit of the environment, etc.

The University has been awarded several times for its research and actions in relation to the environment. Indicatively, in 2022, the LIFE Kedros project, in which Frederick University played a leading role, won the "Best of the Best LIFE Nature Project" Award at the LIFE Awards given by the European Union, standing out among the 116 projects in the same category that were implemented during the same period of time in Europe.

In October 2023, the D^2EPC research project, in which Frederick Research Center (FRC) is a partner, received the Research Project Award for Innovation in Standardization at the annual institution of the European Organization for Standardization (CEN CENELEC). The project sets the grounds for the next generation of dynamic Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for smart buildings and smart cities.

Frederick University extends its gratitude to the Cyprus Center for Environmental Research and Education, the Commissioner for the Environment, and all collaborating agencies for this significant honor. We look forward to celebrating this achievement and continuing our commitment to practices that protect the environment and contribute to sustainable development and a better future for new generations.

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