Leiria Polytechnic Institute hosts high level seminar and conference around higher education institutions’ commitment to health, well-being, and sustainability in academia.
On 29 November, the School of Tourism and Maritime Technology (Leiria Polytechnic Institute – IPL) in Peniche (Portugal) hosted the second Healthy Campus Seminar and the Final Conference of the ERASMUS+ Green Campus initiative. The event brought together representatives from more than a dozen higher education institutions from Portugal and Spain, highlighting the growing commitment to health, well-being, and sustainability in academia.
The opening session featured notable figures, including Pedro Dias, Secretary of State for Sport in Portugal and former International University Sports Federation (FISU) Executive Committee member (2003-2011); Carlos Rabadão, President of IPL, a Platinum-level FISU Healthy Campus institution; Fernando Parente, Deputy Secretary General of FISU; Ricardo Nora, President of the Portuguese Academic Federation of University Sports (FADU); and Rui Matos, Coordinator of IPL’s Healthy Campus Programme.
Carlos Rabadão expressed his pride in Leiria Polytechnic Institute’s efforts, emphasising the institution’s dedication to fostering healthy lifestyles and well-being. Pedro Dias praised the significant role of higher education institutions in Portugal in promoting sports and physical activity, which he deemed essential for a sustainable cultural shift in the country’s sporting practices.
Alignment with sustainable development goals
Fernando Parente highlighted IPL’s international standing as a model institution, celebrating the 34 members involved in achieving exemplary results and hosting the ERASMUS+ Green Campus Final Conference. He noted the programme’s alignment with sustainable development goals, encouraging active, environmentally conscious campus communities.
Ricardo Nora lauded the Healthy Campus Programme’s integrative approach, emphasising collaboration between management bodies and student associations. He stressed the positive impact of this FISU initiative, actively promoted in Portugal by FADU, on academic communities.
Rui Matos reflected on IPL’s operational achievements, thanking the institution’s staff and affirming that more impactful initiatives are forthcoming, further enhancing IPL’s reputation.
Engaging workshops and activities
The event featured diverse workshops and activities addressing key topics such as food waste, mental health, fibromyalgia, cybersecurity, diabetes, adapted physical activity, vegetarian cuisine, bioimpedance screenings, and virtual reality in physical education. Initiatives like the “Vibes” project and programmes for the elderly, along with art and physical activity sessions, underscored the holistic approach to health and sustainability.
Green Campus Final Conference highlights
The Final Conference began with Andrés Castagna from the European Network of Academic Sports Services (ENAS) presenting the Green Campus Programme, followed by Marcos Flores of the European Network for Innovation and Knowledge (EUNIK) introducing an Online Course. Nuno Dias (SEA) shared insights on the recently launched Green Campus Label, which has already recognised seven European institutions, five of which were present.
Two roundtables delved into critical topics:
“Healthy Campus as a Tool for Sustainability” with Susana Mendes (IPL), Africa Calvo (Pablo de Olavide University – Sevilla), and Marcos Flores (EUNIK), moderated by Ivo Carvalhosa (FISU).
“How Can University Sports Services Become More Sustainable” with panellists Bruno Almeida (University of Porto), Tiago Fernandes (ENAS), and Rui Matos (IPL), moderated by Fernando Parente.
Green Campus award ceremony
The event concluded with the inaugural Green Campus Award Ceremony, recognising the first four organisations, including the host, to receive the distinction, symbolising the commitment to sustainable practices in academia.
This event underscored the transformative potential of integrating health, well-being, and sustainability into higher education institutions, setting a benchmark for future initiatives.
How can universities get involved in the Green Campus Project?
A free course and certification are available through the Green Campus Project, offering an excellent opportunity to elevate your campus’s sustainability efforts. The application process for the Seal of Excellence is open—we strongly encourage all ENAS members to participate!
Find out more by visiting the official website at