Resource Management

As a manager of several dozen facilities and an employer of over 2,300 people, RSU makes a significant contribution to the regional economy and gives priority to responsible resource management. 

Advancing sustainable energy management

Energy management policy

RSU continuously strives to improve the energy efficiency of its buildings and operations, in line with the Energy Management Policy approved in 2017.  This policy commits RSU to setting and reviewing energy efficiency goals, complying with relevant regulations, optimising energy consumption, and engaging employees through training and awareness initiatives. 

Green energy

Since 2023, an increasing amount of RSU’s electricity consumption has been provided by solar energy. Solar panels have been installed at several campus locations, and the work continues to further expand renewable energy production. Part of the RSU vehicle fleet has also been replaced with electric vehicles. More information is available in the Energy Efficiency section of the website. 

Energy efficient buildings

All new RSU buildings are equipped with high-efficiency heating and ventilation systems that perform automated temperature control, pollution-adjusted airflow control, and heat recovery. 

Sustainable operations

Sustainable infrastructure

RSU ensures that all construction projects comply with the environmental accessibility and universal design requirements set out in the Construction Law of Latvia and takes care to preserve university-owned buildings designated as cultural monuments. The university also invests in the development of pedestrian-friendly green areas used by students, staff, and the wider local community. 

Urban beekeeping

Since 2024, the rooftop of the Pharmaceutical Education and Research Centre has welcomed over a dozen beehives. This initiative reflects the university’s commitment to sustainability and responsible urban development. 

Preservation of cultural heritage

RSU is a responsible custodian of academic and medical heritage, showcasing it through the modern RSU Anatomy Museum, RSU History Museum, and a virtual exhibition. The university also contributes to the preservation and strengthening of Latvian cultural traditions through nationally recognised performing arts groups: the mixed choir Rīga and the folk-dance ensemble Ačkups. 

Hybrid working and support for sustainable mobility

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, RSU has supported hybrid work models where job responsibilities allow. Videoconferencing remains a core element of daily communication. RSU also provides information on sustainable ways to get to the campus and actively expands its bicycle parking infrastructure. 

Green procurement

RSU procurement procedures embed sustainability as a core principle, giving priority to products, services, and contractors based on whole lifecycle costs. This approach reduces environmental impact while delivering long-term financial savings.  

Responsible waste management

RSU promotes waste sorting across the campus by providing separate bins for paper and plastic, as well as special collection procedures for hazardous and biological waste. By monitoring the volumes of sorted and recycled waste, RSU continuously develops initiatives to further reduce waste and moves towards greater digitalisation. 

Responsible wastewater management

RSU has signed contracts with professional service providers for the disposal of wastewater into the municipal sewage system. In addition, the student hostel at 5 Dārza iela is equipped with a centralised heat recovery system allowing domestic wastewater to be used for hot water preparation, while wastewater at the Taurene Sports Centre is treated using biological purification systems. 

Safe disposal of medicines

RSU research and educational activities generate significant amounts of medical and pharmaceutical waste. To prevent the release of active substances into the environment and water reservoirs, RSU follows ISO 9001-certified procedures for the disposal of medicines.  

Drinking water availability

Since 2012, RSU has installed drinking water stations in most of its buildings, providing access to safe drinking water and discouraging the use of single-use plastic bottles and cups. 

Rainwater reuse

RSU is actively installing systems for rainwater collection and storage across its territories. The collected water is reused for irrigation. 

High-quality sanitation and hygiene infrastructure

RSU continuously modernises its infrastructure by upgrading sanitary facilities, implementing universal design solutions for people with functional impairments, and providing hygiene instructions in the restrooms. 

Caring for freshwater reservoirs

RSU protects freshwater habitats on campus, specifically the pond at the Inspiration Park, through sustainable management practices, such as aeration. 

Support for students and staff

Social support mechanisms for students

RSU offers scholarships, student social support, and affordable student accommodation. These measures help remove socioeconomic barriers to higher education. 

Mental health support for staff and students

Psychological support is available free of charge to students at the RSU Career Guidance and Wellbeing Centre and to the staff at the RSU Clinic of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy. 

Support for students' career development

The RSU Career Guidance and Wellbeing Centre offers individual career consultations and organises various professional development events, including CV and cover letter workshops, as well sessions on stress and time management. The university also provides students with placement and residency opportunities through extensive collaborations with healthcare facilities, companies, and state institutions. 

The professional development of staff

RSU invests in employee development by regularly offering free classes to strengthen digital competencies, English language skills, and other professional capacities. Employees also receive tuition fee discounts for degree programmes related to their work and financial support to attend courses at the RSU Open University. 

Healthy and affordable meals on campus

Catering on campus is provided by the Daily lunch restaurant, offering healthy meals at lower prices than the neighbourhood average. 

Fair and transparent governance

Democratic decision-making

The decision-making bodies at RSU, including the Senate and the Constitutional Assembly, are composed of academic staff, general staff, and students, with all members elected to ensure fair representation of the university community. To promote transparency, senate meeting minutes and management reports are shared on the RSU website. 

Student unions

The RSU Student Union and the RSU International Student Association are independent governance units formed by and for students. These units coordinate student life at RSU and represent their interests in all decision-making structures. 

Socially sustainable governance

Good employment practices

RSU upholds and exceeds the employee rights set out in Latvian laws and regulations, ensuring fair and competitive remuneration, safe working conditions, a non-discriminatory and inclusive work environment, equal recruitment and career opportunities, as well as a wide range of employee benefits. To continue improving employment practices, the university regularly conducts a staff satisfaction and engagement survey and works in close cooperation with the RSU Trade Union. 

Measures to support gender equality

In line with the RSU Gender Equality Action Plan, the university implements a range of measures to ensure equal opportunities for all students and staff, regardless of gender. These include equitable recruitment and remuneration, a safe and supportive work environment, and free childcare facilities in the university’s main building to help combine work and studies with family life. Visit our Gender Equality website to learn more. 

Diversity, equality, and inclusion policy

RSU has developed a policy document to promote diversity, equality, and inclusion across all university departments and fields of operation. The policy aims to prevent discrimination and violence and outlines procedures for reporting and addressing such incidents. 

Cross-cultural integration

The RSU International Department organises cross-cultural networking events and a tailored mentoring programme to support integration of international students into the RSU community and Latvian society. This process is also supported by the RSU International Student Association, which actively organises events aimed at improving the university experience of international students. 

Ethics policy and training

The Code of Ethics is among the most important policy documents at RSU. Since 2024, the university implements mandatory staff training on academic ethics. All students receive ethics training at the start of their studies.