During the past year, Economic Faculty association Rotterdam (EFR) has reduced and offset its footprint to such an extent that the association is now fully CO2 neutral. And that is a first for Rotterdam, because never before in the Netherlands has a study association been completely CO2 neutral. "It feels a bit like a now or never situation, so we did everything we could to make this happen," says Matti Tielrooij, Sustainability, Inclusion and Diversity Officer at EFR.
In 2021 EFR organised its biggest event, the EFR Inspiration Days, completely carbon neutral. Simultaneously with the COP25 report came the realisation that carbon neutral events were not enough. "That's when we decided that the entire EFR had to become CO2 neutral, including our work in the office and our travel," Tielrooij says. "By the current state of affairs it feels a bit like a now or never situation. We knew it should be possible, so we did everything we could to make it happen."
Train pride and vegetarian events
Most of the gains are made by taking the train or bus for two of the association's trips abroad, rather than flying. In addition, all food served at events is now vegetarian by default. With each new publication, the impact on the environment is examined as standard and the most sustainable option is chosen. Attention is also paid to waste and recycling: "obsolete goodies that we would have thrown away before are now displayed next to the office and free for everyone to take.”
Compensate for emissions too that you can't bring back
What was the hardest thing to tackle? “For example, the footprint of our office in G Building, which is not the most modern or economical building. And sometimes it was difficult to determine the scope. Do you also compensate for the lunches of our board members? In the end, we do." All the emissions that EFR was ultimately unable to reduce were calculated and offset by investing in projects. Such as the preservation of forests in Brazil and the construction of small-scale wind farms in India.
Example for members
It was a tough job, but fortunately EFR received help from partner Deloitte: "Without them, it would have been a lot more difficult.” The work that has now been put in will pay off in the years to come: The next boards will have relatively little work on this. Tielrooij concludes: "Although we realise that this is not a complete solution to the climate crisis, we want to set an example to our members and above all inspire and encourage them and other associations to reduce their carbon footprint!"