Survey amongst UU employees: speed up sustainability efforts

Utrecht University serves as an example when it comes to sustainability. This is the opinion of around 88% of UU employees who completed the survey on sustainability at the university. They feel that the university should speed up the further sustainability of its own operations. Practice what you teach!

The survey was completed by 349 employees and is part of the Corporate Sustainability Plan. Of the respondents, 50% work at the University Corporate Offices and 50% work at faculties, the University Library or the UMC Utrecht. The top three respondents work at the Facilities Service Center, Real Estate & Campus and the Communications Office. The intention is to conduct the survey annually among employees.

View all survey results here

Most important sustainability goals

In response to the question of what respondents thought were the most important sustainability goals for UU, the following four finished at the top:

  • making energy supplies more sustainable;
  • realizing future-proof buildings;
  • responsible and circular procurement;
  • promoting sustainable commuting.
Figure 1: 88% of respondents believe that UU should set an example in sustainability in its operations.
Figure 1: 88% of respondents believe that UU should set an example in sustainability in its operations.

UU policy

Environmental problems have serious consequences for future generations, indicates a large majority in the survey. Consequently, there is broad support for UU's sustainability policies. Respondents feel that more attention should be paid to sustainability in university policy. The results place a clear role for management boards in making operations more sustainable. A large majority indicated that their commitment to sustainability does not depend on their supervisor's commitment to it.

Figure 2: 81% think UU should speed up the process of making UU operations more sustainable.
Figure 2: 81% think UU should speed up the process of making UU operations more sustainable.

Own behavior

On a personal level, strengthening biodiversity and reducing waste are especially important values. When it comes to their own behavior, most respondents indicate that they are consciously working on sustainability. For example, many colleagues turn off the computer screens when they leave, separate waste and cycle to work (even when it rains). There is also work to be done in this area. Points for improvement include putting on an extra warm sweater more often in the winter months and choosing the vegetarian or vegan option more often.

Figure 3: 64% say they always cycle to work.
Figure 3: 64% say they always cycle to work.

Next steps

The survey offers interesting results, which can form input for the Corporate Sustainability Plan and communication around sustainability. Presentations will follow to the MT boards with concrete suggestions, such as promoting sustainable commuting. In addition, many of the respondents indicated that they would like to receive updates on sustainable developments within UU and actively contribute to them. This too will be followed up.

View all survey results here
Read the Corporate Sustainability Plan

The survey was an initiative of the Corporate Sustainability Plan working group and created in collaboration with the Communications Office.