My Green University at Bialystok University of Technology. International volunteers planted greenery on campus

The ‘My Green University’ project at Bialystok University of Technology involves 11 volunteers from across Europe. They have been joined by a group of six students from Colorado School of Mines in the USA, as well as students and secondary school students of Bialystok University of Technology.

– We want to involve young people in a variety of activities to combat climate change, which is why we came up with this project, with volunteers from all over the world – says Assoc. Prof. Dorota Anna Krawczyk, DSc, PhD, Eng, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation at Bialystok University of Technology and Ambassador of the European Climate Pact in Poland. – These issues are close to our hearts, which is why our university adopted the sustainable development strategy entitled ‘My Green University of Technology’. Thanks to the volunteering initiative, not only members of our academic community but also young people from all over the world will become ambassadors of this idea.

Since 2 June 2025, the volunteers have been attending theoretical classes. A few days later, they started planting activities in three planting beds on campus. These efforts are supported by specialists from the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences at Bialystok University of Technology, who are involved in the implementation of the ‘My Green University’ project.

– During our meetings, we introduced students to various types of Blue Green Infrastructure solutions. We discussed how they are implemented in different countries and cities – says Dorota Gawryluk, PhD, Eng. Arch. from the Department of Sustainable Construction and Building Systems at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences of Bialystok University of Technology. – Our volunteers were also involved in planting greenery on our campus. We selected plant species that will enhance biodiversity.

– Interestingly, some of our volunteers had never planted anything before. At Bialystok University of Technology, they have a great opportunity to take up this challenge. They learn which plants are suitable for specific climate zones and locations, how to combine them, which are beneficial to insects and which positively affect people. We are creating a friendly space together and engaging in community work – adds Dorota Gawryluk, PhD, Eng. Arch.

New plants were introduced into the planting beds in the Garden of Science, located behind the Centre for Modern Education at Bialystok University of Technology. The green areas near the University’s Academic Secondary School were also included in the planting efforts. A wildflower meadow will also be planted in the Sloboda Cyclarium, a biocenotic garden on Swierkowa Street.

– The beds feature a purple colour scheme. We have catnip, meadow sage, coneflower, and ornamental grasses. There are over 30 catnip plants alone, so there will be plenty to admire – says Marta Baum, PhD, Eng. Arch. from the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences of Bialystok University of Technology.

Eleven students from Germany, France, Spain, Italy and Latvia signed up for the group volunteering project ‘My Green University’ announced by Bialystok University of Technology. These young people, aged 18 to 28, want to learn more about nature-based solutions developed by the university as part of its sustainable development strategy entitled ‘My Green University of Technology’. Activities based on natural processes and ecosystems – such as creating rain gardens or planting greenery – help mitigate climate change in urban areas, delivering benefits for both people and nature.

The ‘My Green University’ project is carried out by the International Relations Offices of Bialystok University of Technology with the support of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences. In 2024, the university received the European Solidarity Corps Quality Label – a certificate awarded by the National Agency for the Erasmus+ Programme and the European Solidarity Corps, which enables the university to host volunteers from around the world.

by mr

The content of this publication represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility; it cannot be considered to reflect the views of the European Commission, the European Solidarity Corps National Agency or any other body of the European Union. The European Commission and the Agency are not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.