Skip to Main Content

SDSN and Erasmus+ Launch UNICO, a New Initiative Accelerating Net-Zero Actions Across University Campuses

By SDSN

Paris, France (January 5, 2026) — The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), in partnership with Erasmus+, is proud to launch the University Cooperation for Net Zero on Campus (UNICO) project. This ambitious new initiative builds on the SDSN’s expertise in campus decarbonization through the Net Zero on Campus initiative. It aims to accelerate European universities’ efforts to cut emissions, enhance collaboration with cities, and empower communities to drive climate action.

At a moment when climate ambition must shift from pledges to practice, UNICO will mobilize leading universities from the SDSN’s Networks across the European Union (EU) to lead by example.

Why Universities Matter for a Net-Zero Future

Across Europe, universities are home to cutting-edge research on climate solutions, but their potential goes far beyond the classroom. A campus is a living environment where ideas can be tested, data can be collected, and entire communities can witness what a net-zero future looks like.

UNICO will capitalize on this opportunity by helping universities strengthen their institutional capacity, learn from peers, and apply practical solutions on the ground. The project aims to turn universities into testing grounds for net-zero solutions that can be scaled across sectors and municipalities. At the same time, UNICO will help deepen collaboration between participating universities and their cities. The project presents an exciting opportunity for the SDSN and its partner institutions to bring together climate expertise, academic networks, and hands-on innovation under one shared effort.

The UNICO Partnership

UNICO will build on the SDSN’s Net Zero on Campus initiative, which has supported institutions worldwide through its guide, toolkit, and community of practice. It will continue these efforts while adding a new dimension of European cooperation and incorporating priorities set by Erasmus+, particularly around inclusion and diversity.

The project is led by the SDSN’s Networks Program and will feature four universities from the SDSN’s network, each bringing deep local knowledge and strong community ties.

Participating universities include:

Together, these universities represent four diverse national contexts, but they share one common goal: turning their campuses into drivers of climate innovation and examples for universities across Europe.

UNICO’s Focus

UNICO’s work centers on four interconnected ambitions:

  1. Build capacity for action: UNICO will organize training programs and peer-learning sessions to help universities design, govern, and implement credible net-zero pathways.
  2. Strengthen university–city partnerships: UNICO will support closer alignment between campus strategies and municipal climate plans, extending impact beyond university boundaries and into the wider community.
  3. Empower people and participation: UNICO will champion participatory governance and inclusive engagement, enabling all members of university communities to take part in decision-making and sustainability efforts.
  4. Enhance the Net Zero on Campus Guide: UNICO will develop a new chapter on inclusion and diversity, aligning directly with Erasmus+ priorities and recognizing that a just transition requires climate action that works for all members of the university community.

Looking Ahead

Updates, resources, and project outputs will be shared on the Net Zero on Campus website and through the LinkedIn Community of Practice, where practitioners across Europe can follow developments and engage with the work.

The SDSN looks forward to sharing its progress as UNICO unfolds and invites all stakeholders interested in campus decarbonization to stay tuned for further updates.

Bucharest University of Economics
Politecnico di Torino
University of the Basque Country
University College Cork