Since the declaration of the Climate and Ecological Emergency in February 2023, solid steps have been taken at Erasmus University Rotterdam towards achieving its commitments set out in the declaration. Ellen van Schoten, vice-president of the Executive Board, explains what our university has been working on over the past year.
Ellen van Schoten, who is responsible for Sustainability as vice-president of the Executive Board: "We have more than 100 courses and programmes in Rotterdam where sustainability is the focus. More than five hundred staff and students made valuable contributions to the future sustainability strategy 2025-2030 in the 12 dialogue sessions. And we organized several eco-positive events. We still have a long way to go, but with these and many more steps, we are doing our bit to make the world just that little bit more sustainable for future generations."
Education
One of Erasmus University's objectives is to provide the more than 30,000 students with the knowledge and skills to make a valuable contribution to sustainability issues in their future careers. In addition to the more than 100 courses and programmes that focus on sustainability, students and staff can also participate in a wide range of workshops and activities such as the Climate & Ecological Literacy to Action workshop, the summer school of DIT (Design Impact Transition) and the Transition Academy of DRIFT, Erasmus' research institute for sustainability transitions.
Research
Research into sustainability is a joint responsibility of all disciplines of all faculties. The studies and projects carried out by these academics cover a wide variety of subjects relating to sustainability, ranging from more sustainable food systems and an equitable energy transition to environmental justice and the sustainability of various sectors. Some of our research is linked to initiatives on campus that serve as a living lab. Furthermore, since 2023, the work has been mapped even better by the Data Competence Hub with the Sustainability Monitor, which maps the extent to which the efforts meet the SDG ambitions.
In day-to-day practice
The university is powered entirely by renewable energy: our electricity is supplied by a combination of wind energy generated in the Netherlands and solar energy produced by photovoltaic systems mounted on nine rooftops across the campus. In 2023, the solar panels generated 358,613 kWh of electricity. This was 2.5 per cent of our overall energy consumption in 2023. The Langeveld buildings so called BREEAM-NL score is outstanding and is source for a significantly reduced energy consumption.
More measures have been taken in everyday life on campus too to reduce the burden on the environment. For example, all catering on campus has been vegetarian since July 2023, disposable cups have been banned and a permanent discount of 25% on all vegan meals has been introduced. The scheme for commuting by bicycle and public transport has also been improved and parking costs have been increased.
Carbon footprint
Since 2011, the carbon footprint of EUR has been mapped every year. EUR calculates its carbon footprint using methods and standards developed by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG). On 3 scopes it measures the carbon footprint of all of our activities. In 2023, the largest contributor to EUR’s climate impact was ‘Purchased Goods and Services’, together with ‘Business Travel’ this makes for around 75% of the total impact, where this added up to 85% in 2022. Also in 2023, various new measures have been taken to compensate for the emissions from activities and events and to map them even better.
For a deep dive in these and the many more sustainable achievements and new policies and measures coming up please see the full Sustainability Report 2023 here.
Looking ahead
The renovation of Tinbergen Building is an important part of improving the sustainability of campus Woudestein. The renovation ensures more efficient energy use through double glazing, solar panels, energy-efficient installations, natural ventilation and sustainable materials.
With the 2019-2024 Strategy period approaching its end, the 2025-2030 Strategy development process is currently underway. Sustainability is going to be one of the three key themes of the new strategy. We will build on the successes and lessons of Strategy 2024 and add new elements that respond to current issues. We work from an integrated approach to ensure that our strategy is widely supported by employees, students, faculties and services.
If you want to be involved as employee, keep an eye on MyEUR.
- More information
See all sustainable achievements, new policies and measures coming up in the full Sustainability Report 2023.
Visit this page to find out what our university is doing about sustainability.
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