UM’s sustainability champions

Academic year 2025-26

Prof. Patricia Vella de Fremeaux
I am Professor and Head of the Department of International Law within the Faculty of Laws at the University of Malta. My academic background is in public international law, with a focus on the law of the sea, maritime security, maritime migration and the human dimension of international law. My teaching and research roles engage with issues of governance, responsibility and sustainability in international contexts.

Brief statement about sustainability beliefs: I view sustainability as a practical responsibility that should be integrated into everyday academic practice and institutional decision-making. Within the university context, this includes the responsible use of space, awareness of how decisions taken affect the campus environment and the promotion of calm, inclusive and human-centred spaces that support well-being alongside environmental awareness. I believe sustainability measures are most effective when they are realistic, visible and embedded in the campus environment.

Specific project working on: I am involved in the Greening on Campus initiative at the University of Malta. My interest lies in improving the use of campus spaces to increase greenery, provide shade and create calmer environments for staff and students. This reflects a practical approach to sustainability that links environmental awareness with well-being and everyday use of the campus.

Dr Lorraine Portelli
I am a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Consumer Studies within the Faculty of Education. My areas of expertise include fashion, textiles, and interiors.

Brief statement about sustainability beliefs: I am a strong advocate of sustainability, particularly in the fashion sector. My guiding principle is to advocate for responsible consumption practices, encouraging individuals to reduce unnecessary purchasing and prioritise durable, high-quality garments. I encourage mindful shopping practices, including checking care labels carefully, paying particular attention to fibre composition and washing instructions. I encourage the development of capsule wardrobes as a strategy to support sustainable consumption patterns. This approach also emphasises the importance of ensuring that each purchase is genuinely needed.

Specific project working on: Over the past six years, I have led an annual ethical fashion campaign in collaboration with my students. The initiative seeks to promote sustainable consumption by encouraging students, staff, and members of the wider community to extend the lifespan of their clothing rather than contribute to textile waste. Through this campaign, students provide accessible repair and upcycling services, offering practical and sustainable alternatives to textile disposal and fast-fashion consumption. The initiative simultaneously cultivates students’ creative design capabilities and problem-solving skills while reinforcing sustainability principles. Activities organised within this campaign have included repair and mending workshops, clothing exchange initiatives, and the establishment of thrift shop events. The campaign has also been promoted through participation in the European Week for Waste Reduction on two occasions.

Academic year 2024-25