Higher education institutions worldwide are faced with the responsibility of preparing students and society to actively contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The School of Health of the Polytechnic Institute of Porto (ESS|P.PORTO) is one of the eight organizational units of P.PORTO, dedicated to teaching, research, and service provision in the field of Health Sciences and Technologies. It offers 14 Bachelor’s degrees, 13 Master’s programs, 3 Doctoral programs in partnership with other higher education institutions, 8 Higher Technical Professional Courses (CTeSP), and various non-degree training courses.

ESS|P.PORTO is the largest health school in Portugal’s polytechnic subsystem, with approximately 3,200 students. It also hosts three research centers—in Rehabilitation, in Health and Environment, and in Translational Health and Medical Biotechnology.

Additionally, the school operates a Pedagogical Clinic, whose primary objectives are to support the community through specialized clinical services while serving as a high-value training environment for students, prioritizing educational activities, applied research, and the production and dissemination of scientific knowledge.

Climate action

ESS|P.PORTO follows the principle of establishing itself as an institution rooted in quality, sustainability, and excellence, continuously contributing to the empowerment of citizens in exercising their rights and responsibilities.

Currently, the activities outlined in its Strategic Plan are designed to contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Regarding sustainability, at an operational level, ESS|P.PORTO has been strengthening its commitment to climate system stability through various initiatives:

• Promotion of technical-scientific events and awareness activities to reduce resource consumption
• Health promotion initiatives and encouragement of healthy lifestyles
• Development of activities within the Iberophone Network for Social Responsibility in Health (RIRSS)
• Active participation in the ECO-Schools program
• Bicycle parking facilities for students and staff
• Reduction of paper use by promoting digitalization of processes
• Clothing, footwear, and toy collection campaigns
• Individual recycling bins distributed across all school buildings
• Study visits to protected natural areas
• Organization of beach clean-up activities

As a leading higher education institution, ESS|P.PORTO feels responsible for future generations and for contributing to a sustainable society.

Pandemics, emerging new paradigms, immigration, increasing poverty, and climate change have led to unprecedented challenges that may impact public health and well-being.

Testimony

By signing the Porto Climate Pact, ESS|P.PORTO commits to actively contributing to the health of the city of Porto and the planet through its main areas of action: education, research, service provision, and community engagement. This reinforces the institution’s mission to further Social Responsibility in Health, taking a transformative and realistic approach toward a healthier planet.

Cristina Prudêncio
President of ESS|P.PORTO, 2023