Working towards a sustainable academy together

Education, research and operations

By declaring the Climate and Ecological Emergency, the EUR committed to urgent and coordinated action to counter the effects of climate change and the destruction of ecosystems. This declaration therefore set clear sustainability objectives for EUR to have a net positive impact as an organization (in education, research and operations) on climate as well as ecosystems. 

At Erasmus University Rotterdam, our commitment to sustainability is enhanced by our mission to create positive societal impact 'the Erasmian way'. Recognizing the interconnected and global nature of sustainability challenges, we embrace dialogue, co-creation, and collaboration across disciplines, cultures, and societal stakeholders. Our approach values diversity of perspectives, cultural sensitivity, and critical reflection, fostering open and respectful spaces for understanding and addressing the ethical and social dimensions of sustainability. 

Climate change a negative thing? Not for Rotterdam…

Guided by a "can-do" spirit, we combine experimentation, innovation, and action-oriented knowledge transfer to tackle pressing societal challenges and create a better quality of life for present and future generations. Through conscientious efforts in research, teaching, and engagement, Erasmians work to build bridges, promote inclusion, and drive impactful solutions for a more sustainable, equitable and healthy world. 

By combining a broad range of epistemic traditions from social sciences, medicine and the humanities, our research aims to contribute to the transition towards a sustainable, just and healthy society and serves as a fundament to educate the next generation of individuals from society, industry and government. Our education will equip students with the knowledge, competences and mindset to navigate societal challenges. As these challenges are global and complex, we foster transdisciplinary collaboration across faculties and with relevant societal partners to conduct engaged research and impact-learning with an open and inclusive mindset. Moreover, EUR strives to become a nature and climate-positive organization, continuously measuring progress and openly reporting on our sustainability goals, targets, indicators and achievements. 

Climate and Ecological Emergency Declaration
Erasmus University Rotterdam declares a climate and ecological emergency. By doing so, the university acknowledges that urgent and coordinated action is needed to counter the effects of climate change and the destruction of ecosystems. 

  • Education on sustainability

    Sustainability in education at EUR is defined as the inclusion in academic programmes of theories and case studies.
    two girls talking and sitting outside
  • Research on sustainability

    At Erasmus University Rotterdam, several academics and research centers are studying sustainability issues. View some of the projects or read the latest news.
    Woudestein Campus and the pond without people.
  • Life on campus

    Read how sustainability plays a role in the administration and organisations of our university. From sustainable building to waste management to biodiversity.
    Plants in Langeveld Building.
Partners klimaatalliantie duurzame mobiliteit

Erasmus University Rotterdam signs 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).

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Ellen van Schoten met studenten na het behalen van de derde plaats bij SustainaBul.

SustainaBul

Every year, Erasmus University Rotterdam is assessed via the SustainaBul sustainability ranking by Students for Tomorrow. In 2024, our university has risen to the third place of all institutions and is number 2 among universities. More on our SustainaBul ranking

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Sustainability at Erasmus University Rotterdam 

At Erasmus University Rotterdam, sustainability is one of our strategic pillars. 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. 

Student studeert in de Langeveld Building op Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam.

Sustainability at Erasmus University Rotterdam

Our annual Sustainability Report

About our progress in achieving our objectives, implemented measures, success stories and challenges

Three students deliberate in Polak Building

Sustainability News at EUR

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