Food waste is a considerable sustainability challenge, and many universities around the world are engaged in food waste prevention. University canteens offer opportunities for prevention of food waste by steering the amounts of food served in meals at central locations. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of international studies which look into this matter at a greater depth. This paper discusses matters related to university policies and strategies, best practices as well as deficiencies that are seen in preventing food waste. An international study was conducted, including a sample of 52 higher education institutions, in order to provide pieces of evidence of current trends. The study reveals that even though food waste is as an essential issue in many Higher Education Institutions, prevention efforts are not so widely spread as they should be. The majority of universities represented in the sample implemented particular initiatives for food waste reduction, focusing on collection for disposal and composting as well as for external donation. Other examples for implemented efforts include training staff to serve adequate portions, use of trayless dining, and provision of regular information for staff and students. However, 60% of the sample does not have to follow a particular strategy or measure the amount of food waste produced. About 15% of the universities in the sample reported no engagement.
Buildings have a huge role in the increase of energy consumption and in the energy-related CO2 emissions. Buildings are also important to the society transition to a low-carbon economy, with increased energy efficiency and lower environmental impacts. This research aimed to identify through a systematic review of the literature relevant existing studies on the theme of energy efficiency in commercial buildings and analyze their connection with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Climate Mitigation. The databases Web of Science and Scopus were used with specific search criteria and resulted in 227 articles published in the last decade. This research illustrates a comprehensive approach related to the panorama of the relation between articles and SDGs and climate mitigation. In addition, the discussion of the literature review highlights examples with benefits and barriers for the implementation of energy efficiency in commercial buildings, showing its relevant features.