AfricaUniNet project: Focus on sustainability and energy

The Kufstein University regularly welcomes guests from all over the world. These international encounters are the result of cooperation with higher education institutions and projects on a global level. As part of the AfricaUniNet project with the long title Joint development of student projects and implementation of joint research areas in the field of sustainability and energy management in Austria and Lesotho, the Kufstein University welcomed Seroala Tsoeu-Ntokoane and Retselisitsoe Thamae from the National University of Lesotho to Kufstein.

AFRICAUNINET PROJECT - FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY

This project aims to establish a sustainable partnership for the development and implementation of sustainability projects between the project partners in Austria and Lesotho. The overall goal is to develop a high-quality research network in the field of sustainability and energy management. “The proposed project includes the joint development of supervised student projects as well as the joint development of research questions, seminars and conferences,” explains Dr. Miriam Lettner, university lecturer for sustainability management at the Kufstein University. “These activities contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by supporting knowledge exchange, promoting sustainable thinking, creating networks and bridging the gap between global problems and local solutions in the field of sustainability and energy management.”

INSIGHTS INTO EXEMPLARY SUSTAINABILITY PROJECTS

The first face-to-face meeting in Kufstein was a complete success. On the first day, a tour of the town of Kufstein and the fortress was on the agenda. Afterwards, the group had the opportunity to attend lectures on the topics of the energy transition and the economy for the common good as part of the Sustainability Week at the Kufstein University. On the second day, the group visited the Achensee region, focusing on the topics of sustainable tourism and energy production. They were given an insight into the production of wood-based materials and a biomass cogeneration plant at Binderholz. A visit to the Green Energy Center in Innsbruck followed on the last day. Here, not only were the possibilities of sustainable energy in Tyrol discussed, but the H2COVE project, in which the Kufstein University is involved and which deals with the topic of hydrogen, was also presented. A final visit to Innsbruck's city center rounded off the program.

OUTLOOK

Between all appointments, there was sufficient time for intensive project meetings in which the team was able to determine the next steps in the project. In addition to student projects, intensive training courses are also planned in order to facilitate long-term cooperation between the University of Lesotho and Kufstein University. A trip to Lesotho is also already on the agenda.

Link:

• National University of Lesotho