CY Cergy Paris University adopts its DDRSE master plan

This strategic document sets out the university’s action plan for ecological and societal transition, to be implemented across all its activities until 2030. Explanations by Ronan Hébert, Vice President for Ecological and Social Transition.

Reducing the environmental footprint of higher education and research and achieving the university’s societal transition over the next five years is the main objective of the DDRSE master plan, which higher education institutions are required to define and implement at the request of their supervising ministry. After months of consultations and work, CY Cergy Paris University published its plan following unanimous approval by the university council in June 2025. 

Frugality at All Levels 

University governance now relies on the DDRSE approach for each of its projects and promotes frugality at every level, as well as policies of equality, inclusion, and quality of work life. The curriculum integrates transition topics to encourage student engagement, and research projects are increasingly focused on sustainable development issues. "The development of this master plan is in line with and a continuation of our policy. This cross-cutting strategic document must cover all university activities, including teaching, research, and operations, to have a global impact. It must involve all stakeholders, from faculty members to students and administrative staff," explains Ronan Hébert, Vice President for Ecological and Social Transition since 2022. "We based the plan on the themes mandated by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, including decarbonization of activities, energy efficiency aimed at reducing the university’s energy consumption, biodiversity, and provisions for the common knowledge base on ecological and social transition. We also adopted the five axes of the DDRS label obtained in 2024, which include research, teaching, environmental policy, social policy, and quality of work life." 

62 Targeted Actions 

The document lists 62 concrete actions to be gradually implemented over the next five years, with clear objectives, particularly regarding decarbonization, which aims to reduce the university’s greenhouse gas emissions by 5% per year until 2030. "This involves rethinking mobility since we know that over 40% of our greenhouse gas emissions come from staff and student commuting," explains Ronan Hébert. "We need to collectively change our habits with, for example, more public transport use, less single-occupancy car travel, and more soft mobility. CY Cergy Paris University financially supports this change by covering 75% of the Navigo pass from January 1, 2025, and the bicycle allowance." To help staff and students maintain or equip their bicycles at lower costs, the university organizes free bike repair workshops once or twice a year, such as during the CY On Board event or the Transition Week, along with discounted bike sales. A mobility study is currently underway to identify ways to decarbonize mobility at CY Cergy Paris University. "We are considering rationalizing the service vehicle fleet and establishing a bike fleet for staff. We also aim to create secure bike parking to encourage more people to adopt this mode of soft transport. A professional travel charter is also under development," says Ronan Hébert.