CUT recognizes the need for an integrated approach to advancing sustainable development as both an organisational and academic commitment informed by its core values of ubuntu, integrity, diversity, innovation and excellence. Our commitment therefore is to work towards achieving sustainability on our campuses in our day-to-day activities, teaching and learning, research, community engagement, operations and student life. We encourage you to learn more about CUT`s commitment to sustainability through the information presented on this page.

The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)  to transform our world

In 2023, we are at the midpoint of the SDGs (established in 2016), and the goals are set for achievement in 2030.

Each goal below is linked to the UN SDG to keep updated and to grow our understanding of the intent of each.

For more information visit, UN SDGs Action Campaign

Contributions and Activities at CUT

CUT aspires to have sustainable development as a central characteristic of our university.

Units and Centres

Unit for Lean Construction and Sustainability (ULCS)

Unit for Sustainable Water and Environment (USWE)

Centre for Sustainable Smart Cities 4.0

Centre for Applied Food Security and –Biotechnology (CAFSaB)

Support Services

Estates and Infrastructure

Risk Management and Strategic Projects

Sustainable Projects and Activities

• As a good citizen of Mangaung, CUT is determined to work with the metro to set an example for other citizens - Nelson Mandela Day in partnership with Mangaung Metro Municipality
  
• Contestants were awarded in five different categories- best writer in each faculty, well researched paper, innovative paper, paper that shows an understanding of SDGs and overall best writer award.
• CUT rolls out the first-of-its-kind short course in renewable energy to refine the skills of subject advisors and STEM teachers in Free State Province
• SASUF 2030, is a transformative project uniting 39 universities from across Sweden and South Africa, bringing together researchers, students, university leaders to develop solutions addressing the UN SDGs and Agenda 2030.
• Academics, farmers, and entrepreneurs unpack the challenges and importance of food safety and security on the African Continent at CUT
• CUT’s Hydrology and Water Resource Management progamme is a distinctive career option for learners
• CUT Masters student flourish as dedicated start-up entrepreneur in Hydro-IT
• CUT innovation lead the way towards a greener future - solar energy charging stations for students on campuses
• CUT Solar Project: The Sun is the Limit - solar plant
• CUT launches its 4th Industrial Revolution task force
• CUT ignites the waste management project 
• YEBO!: Developing a toolbox for managing international collaborative PhD programmes aligned to SDGs and COP21
• Research and Innovation Annual Report 2021

CUT Solar Plant

The solar panels ground-mounted on 8m high masts. The project is in partnership with Karah Assets and the research being conducted extends to temperature and irradiation monitoring. The purpose thereof is generating power but also training employees and students involved in the project.

Watch the timelapse video of the panels following the sun.

Academic Projects

• CUT Professor develops APP that may bring a solution to drought challenges in Africa - rainfall prediction and planning
• CUT academic wins excellent oral presentation at the 2nd International Conference on Power Engineering - battery sizing for solar
• Enactus CUT continues to make an impact on the lives of local communities - food security
• CUT solar car racing team
• CUT's Enactus partner with Letsemeng Municipality to ignite Local Economic Development project - medicinal plants
• CUT students collaborate with Mangaung Metro to conduct Environmental Health survey at Joe Slovo Square township - waste management

CUT e-Waste Plant

Operational e-waste plant at the Bloemfontein Campus.

How is South Africa doing?

Explore the SDG data for South Africa and learn about the policies and efforts made to reach the goals by 2030.

Uploaded: 19 July 2023