CY Cergy Paris University is awarded the DD&RS label for 2 years

CY Cergy Paris University is now one of eleven French universities with the Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility (DD&RS) label. Developed in 2015 by the Ministry for Higher Education, Research and Transition, the DD&RS label consists of five focuses: strategy & governance, education and training, research and innovation, environment and social policy. Through these focuses, the commitments, actions and aims of eligible higher education institutions are assessed, including graduate schools and universities. The application submitted by CY Cergy Paris Université for the 2023 year was considered in April 2024, after which a selection committee met at the start of June to return a decision. “CY Cergy Paris University has been awarded the DD&RS label for a 2-year period. This is a fantastic achievement for the whole community” announced Laurent Gatineau, President of CY Cergy Paris University. “In particular, it recognises all of the actions undertaken by the university, and highlights the environmental and societal commitment of everyone concerned, both staff and services, who are working towards the same goal. Mindful that the process of continuous improvement within our institution's programme of sustainable development and social responsibility must be a long-term project, our actions, both in terms of our work and our interactions with our partners, will be guided by transition-related issues.” 

Validation and recognition 

The institution has distinguished itself through its energy performance, as well as the nomination of a Vice-President of Transition within the governance structure and the installation of a deputy general director who will specifically address the question, in addition to its sustainable purchasing policy, the call for dedicated research projects in the context of CY Générations, and its strong social policy which translates into a gender equality plan and a disability plan. “Receiving the DD&RS label is, on the one hand, a recognition of the institution’s growing, continuous commitment over the last 15 years, to action, people, guidance and the services, demonstrating an increasing collective commitment. On the other hand, it is an encouragement to continue with our continuous improvement approach, by strengthening the areas where more progress is required,” said Ronan Hébert, Vice-President of transition at CY Cergy Paris University. As this award becomes increasingly recognised at a ministerial and institutional level, the fact that CY Cergy Paris University holds this label may help convince researchers and students to come here to study and work. It may also make the difference when it comes to funding applications. 

Commitment to this approach

Under the terms of this label, the university is required to present a blueprint for sustainable development and social and environmental responsibility before the end of 2024. Other focal areas are currently under implementation or study for future years. “Among other things, we are planning to move from an elective teaching unit to an established common foundation of transition-related knowledge and skills, which will be delivered to all undergraduate students by 2025. We also aim to create a training programme for, at the very least, all university personnel. In addition, we want to develop a specialist event to raise awareness of the circular economy and waste sorting”, explained the deputy general director for transition. Finally, the institution is considering developing a network linked with the transition, with nominated advisers in each case. As the university works towards raising awareness of their status as a winner of the Investment for the Future Programme (PIA4) through CY Générations (award of €20 million to enable implementation of actions linked to transition, with a focus on training, research and third spaces), it is also committed to THE Impact Rankings. In 2024, the university ranked in the range of 400-600th position, compared to the range of 600 to 800th position in 2023. Sustainable development and transition have become a reality at CY Cergy Paris University, translating into implementation of specific actions and programmes, which have now also received recognition. “As environmental issues become more important and visible, the university’s role is to educate today’s generations, so that they can take on tomorrow’s challenges,” concluded the deputy general director for transition.