The mission according to Erasmus University's Strategy 2024 is to create positive social impact, guided by the SDGs. Therefore, sustainability must become an integral part of our teaching, research and operations. EUR endorses the climate and ecological emergency we are in, and is therefore working to accelerate the implementation of an ambitious sustainability programme, actively involving the Erasmus community. Students actively contribute in the Erasmus Sustainability Hub, the Eureka week, faculty councils and the U Council.
Sustainability at Erasmus University Rotterdam
At Erasmus University Rotterdam, sustainability is one of our strategic goals. We must search for solutions even if we don’t have all the answers yet. In this video we’ll explain how we integrate sustainability in our research and education.
Education for sustainability
The strengthened ambition 'sustainability education for all students' will ensure that all students are exposed to sustainability education, including climate and ecological emergencies, during their study career at Erasmus University Rotterdam. This will be done in three ways: an introduction for bachelors, electives and targeted study paths for specialisation.
Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals
EUR contributes to researching and solving the great challenges of our time, with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as our guiding principles. As a university, we deploy our investments and innovations to achieve the SDGs.
Participation in Rotterdam Climate Agreement
For the municipality of Rotterdam, dealing with climate change is a top priority. Erasmus University Rotterdam is committed to create a positive societal impact and has therefore joined the Rotterdam Climate Agreement (Rotterdams Klimaatakkoord). We aim to be a CO₂ neutral university in 2024. To achieve this goal, we are making our education, research and campus more sustainable. Every year, we are mapping our ecological footprint. Also, we are developing a roadmap for a sustainable campus and have formed a Sustainability Committee. Students are also actively participating: they led a Climate Table ('klimaattafel') in which Rotterdam citizens studied the options to consume in a more sustainable manner.
Erasmus University Rotterdam and SustainaBul
Every year, Erasmus University Rotterdam is assessed via the SustainaBul sustainability ranking by Students for Tomorrow. To promote sustainability in higher education, SustainaBul ranks Dutch higher education institutions on their implementation and integrality of sustainability in education, research and organisation. In 2024, our university has risen to the third place of all institutions and is number 2 among universities. We are proud of the improvement compared to 2023, when Erasmus University achieved 14th place. Our university has made particular strides in terms of sustainability in research and operations. We continue to strive to make continuous progress and stand for sustainability at our university.
Unique Value Proposition of the ESH
The Erasmus Sustainability Hub is led by a dedicated board of students who work tirelessly to create impactful events, promote sustainability on campus, and collaborate with the university administration. Their passion and dedication drive the association's mission to raise awareness and promote sustainable practices among students and staff.
Join the Hub and become a Changemaker by attending exclusive events, being the first to know about sustainable happenings on campus and being part of activism!
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