By Maria Trabjerg Ulsøe, AAU Campus Services

Pesticide Ban and Contractor Compliance

One of the key elements of AAU’s policy is a total ban on the use of pesticides on university grounds. This ban extends to all contractors and maintenance workers, ensuring that no harmful chemicals are used in the upkeep of the university’s outdoor areas.

Strict Chemical Use Regulations

In the university’s laboratories, there are stringent regulations governing the use of chemicals. Hazardous waste must never be disposed of down sinks or drains unless there is a specific wastewater permit from the local authorities. Even with a permit, the conditions must be strictly followed. Certain substances, such as acrylamide, are entirely prohibited from being released into the water environment, even in minimal concentrations, due to their severe ecological impact.

Rainwater Management

AAU prioritizes the prevention of pollution and the discharge of chemical, organic, and nutrient pollutants into the marine environment. Rainwater that falls on roofs, roads, paths, and parking areas is generally considered only lightly or entirely unpolluted. This water is either directly infiltrated into the ground or managed through separate rainwater systems. Any unwanted substances, such as oil films, solid particles (e.g., paper and plastic waste, plant material, sand, and rubber residues), are retained in rainwater basins. These substances settle and are later collected for recycling or disposal as part of the university’s operational processes. The rainwater is then discharged in a controlled manner via streams to the sea, ensuring compliance with legislation and environmental requirements to maintain a good ecological status in wetland areas.

Wastewater Treatment

Wastewater from AAU’s numerous teaching, office, and research buildings is treated before it can re-enter the natural cycle. All wastewater is transported through closed pipeline systems to treatment plants, where it undergoes mechanical, biological, and chemical treatment. This process removes unwanted waste (e.g., hygiene products) and waterborne nutrients, heavy metals, and chemicals that could otherwise harm the aquatic environment.

Occupational Health and Safety

The university’s Occupational Health and Safety section within Campus Service plays a vital role in monitoring these conditions. They conduct regular inspections and offer courses on the safe handling of chemicals, ensuring that all staff and students are well-informed and compliant with safety regulations.

MAP’N TREAT Project

Aalborg University is also a key partner in the MAP’N TREAT project, a collaboration with Aalborg Forsyning, Hjørring Vandselskab A/S, Aalborg Kommune, and Krüger A/S. This project aims to create significant environmental improvements and position Denmark as a leader in the development and implementation of new water treatment technologies.

The project’s goal is to find new, effective methods to trace the sources of harmful substances in the overall water environment and combat them with efficient treatment. By mapping these harmful substances, identifying their sources, and providing effective solutions for water purification, the MAP’N TREAT project seeks to make a substantial impact on water quality and environmental health.

Aalborg University’s proactive measures and collaborative efforts demonstrate its dedication to protecting the marine environment and ensuring sustainable practices across its campus and beyond.

Aalborg University (AAU) takes responsibility for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, which focuses on life below water, in several ways:

• Rainwater Management: AAU has significantly upgraded its rainwater system to handle extreme weather events, such as a 100-year rain event. This helps prevent flooding and ensures that rainwater is managed sustainably, reducing the risk of water pollution and protecting aquatic ecosystems.
• Water Quality Improvement: The university’s projects aim to ensure clear water in lakes and better water quality in recipients. This involves planting wild bushes, trees, and flower meadows around water bodies, which helps filter pollutants and maintain healthy aquatic habitats.
• Biodiversity Enhancement: By creating and maintaining biodiversity areas, AAU supports a variety of plant and animal species, including those that live in and around water bodies. This contributes to healthier ecosystems and supports the overall goal of conserving marine and freshwater biodiversity.
• Educational Initiatives: AAU uses its campus as a Living Lab, where students can conduct research on biodiversity and ecosystem management. This hands-on learning approach helps raise awareness and understanding of the importance of protecting aquatic environments.
• Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: AAU collaborates with local actors, such as housing associations, to promote sustainable practices and increase biodiversity. By sharing knowledge about sustainable management of outdoor areas, AAU helps spread best practices that benefit aquatic ecosystems beyond the university.
  These efforts demonstrate AAU’s commitment to protecting and enhancing aquatic environments, aligning with the goals of SDG 14.