Infrastructure
UTB Sustainability Plan for 2026+
- Include building certification in the tender specifications for construction projects or major renovations
- Building inventory assessing the condition of buildings and the need for renovations
- Biodiversity Protection Program – identification and implementation of specific measures – planting and landscaping around TBU buildings, landscaping of the area in front of U11, indoor greenery
Sustainability at UTB in 2025
- Assessment of the U1 building construction project using the national building quality certification tool SBToolCZ for tertiary education buildings
- Analysis of biodiversity support in the vicinity of UTB buildings in collaboration with FLKŘ
- Birdweather bird monitoring equipment purchased and application development underway in collaboration with FaME
- Study of the green space beneath the U11 building
Sustainability at UTB in 2024
In 2024, UTB had approximately 84,000 m² of land at its disposal, which is either owned by UTB or leased. These lands consist primarily of the areas of the buildings themselves, surrounding green spaces and parking areas, as well as other built-up areas and miscellaneous land.
In terms of total building area, UTB utilized approximately 119,500 m² and leased 8,500 m² to external entities. This amounts to 11.26 m² per person (excluding leased space). “Persons” refers to full-time employees and students in 2024.
The university’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in the current construction of the U1 building. In terms of energy efficiency, the new building is designed to meet the “A (exceptionally energy-efficient)” category, fulfilling the requirements of the passive house standard (excluding the technical areas of the laboratories), and will utilize innovative technologies for efficient energy and water management. For example, collected rainwater will be used for flushing, while heat pumps will enable the reuse of energy from exhaust air. Last but not least, the building will be effectively connected to the adjacent U15 building through shared technologies. In addition to technological innovations, we have also emphasized user comfort—the climate control in individual rooms will adapt to current needs, and students will gain access to specially designed study rooms and leisure areas.
UTB has also purchased a 2,938 m² plot of land in the Nad Ovčírnou district of Zlín, across from the U11 building, to expand its campus with both parking facilities and, most importantly, additional green spaces.
Last but not least, plans include a multifunctional sports hall and new facilities for the UTB Job Center, Welcome Center, and Center for Students with Special Needs.
By 2024, UTB could have access to approximately 23,000 m²of green space, which includes lawns, plants, shrubs, and trees. UTB owns 43% of this area and leases 57%, primarily from the city of Zlín, and maintains these leased properties. Most of the university’s owned land is located near buildings U11, U16, and U18. On leased land, there is a relaxation zone near building U2 on Mostní louka Street in Zlín and near building UH1 in Uherské Hradiště. The outdoor spaces near U2 and U18 complement the opportunities offered by adjacent city parks.
In front of the UH1 FLKŘ building in Uherské Hradiště, students, staff, and passersby can sit in a newly created relaxation zone featuring sustainable design elements. The zone features classic landscaping, including shrubs. Emphasis is placed on regional flora, particularly the Carpathian flora typical of this area. A rainwater pond has also found its place here, along with a beetle habitat and insect houses. The environment is suitable for various species of insects and birds.
Sustainable Development Strategy 2025–2030
New Construction and Renovation
Sub-objective 2.A. Implement sustainability principles in facility management, construction, and modernization of existing facilities, including their certification
Efficient use of building space and technologies
Sub-goal 2.B. Effectively manage the use of building space and technologies
Green spaces and biodiversity
Sub-goal 2.C. Maximize green spaces to support biodiversity
Areas for rest and relaxation
Sub-objective 2.D. Establish areas for rest and relaxation
Implementation measures for the period 2025–2026
- Develop a 10-year master plan for the construction and development of individual buildings, including a budget plan
- Develop a building renovation plan aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, including a budget plan
- Achieve SBToolCZ certification for construction or renovation projects covering more than 50% of the existing building’s floor area at the “high building quality” level or higher
- Establish a methodology for evaluating the use of building space and technologies in UTB buildings
- Develop a methodology for shared workspaces
- Develop a Biodiversity Conservation Program, including a budget plan
- Develop a plan for the development of relaxation zones, including a budget plan