The second edition of the Student Mobility Summit, co-organised by the European University Foundation and the University of Barcelona, successfully took place in February 2025. Under the title of “More Mobility, Less Carbon Footprint,” more than a hundred representatives from European universities, Erasmus+ National Agencies, student organisations, and policy makers gathered in Barcelona to address the challenge of embedding sustainable practices in international higher education.
Blended mobility, and in particular Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs), featured prominently in the discussion, especially during the workshops of the event. Participants reflected on “The overall environmental impact of Blended Intensive Programs (BIPs)”, delving into both their promise and their environmental implications.
A key takeaway was that BIPs are not meant to replace physical mobility, but rather to complement it. Many agreed that these formats can serve as “appetisers”, engaging shorter-term opportunities that could motivate students to pursue longer periods of physical exchange.
At the same time, several environmental challenges were identified. These included the need to rethink partnerships to prioritise institutions accessible by ground transport, the carbon intensity of different travel modes, the hidden footprint of digital tools, and gaps in pedagogical design. Participants also pointed to the lack of institutional policies and mechanisms for effectively monitoring and reporting environmental data related to BIPs.
To conclude, participants engaged in a dynamic exercise to develop strategies for reducing the environmental footprint of BIPs. Ideas ranged from mandatorily linking content with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), informing students and staff about the carbon impact of their travel choices and suggesting greener alternatives, to drafting green guides for University Alliances with tips and good practices, and monitoring travel emissions per academic year or semester.
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