On May 2, LouRIM committed itself to adopting a more responsible and sustainable mobility by joining the UCLouvain’s “Charter for Responsible International Mobility”.
Travelling to conferences, developing an international research network, doing research abroad,... These activities are part of the essence of the researcher’s job, but they pollute. A 2018 assessment showed that 80% of the University’s ecological footprint from business trips was linked to air travel, resulting in 2,700 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) (Source).
To tackle this issue, the University created the “Charter for Responsible International Mobility”, to which each entity is free to subscribe on a voluntary basis. This Charter encourages the reflexion around the participation in an event organised abroad with a three-step process including three actions: reduce the travels, replace plane by train and contribute when using air travel.
As our institute is involved in the field of sustainability, our members found it essential to engage in this Charter. By acting more responsibly, we will reduce our carbon footprint, but also fund environmental projects through our ecological contribution. LouRIM is then committed to the transition to a more sustainable world!