Climate mitigation
Imagine a Utrecht University which no longer emits any carbon emissions. We generate our own energy, our logistics are fully electric and we travel in a conscious way. In our restaurants, you choose from a selection of fair, sustainable food provided by farmers who improve the biodiversity and the soil. We prefer to buy things which last long or can be reused.
At Utrecht University, we work towards that vision every day. Climate mitigation means that we reduce the emission of greenhouse gases (such as carbon emissions) in order to limit global warming. In order to really reduce our impact as a university, we critically look at everything we do: the gas consumption of our buildings, the emissions from our vehicles, the energy we generate or purchase and the emissions generated in the production chains. By becoming more sustainable in all these fields, we will make UU future proof and show that academic ambitions and sustainable operations go hand in hand.
Our ambition: no later than 2030, our own organisation and our energy consumption will be fully carbon-neutral. In 2035, we will take the next step and our operations will be fully free from natural gas.
Our approach
Good examples
Solar energy As many solar panels as possible on roofs, in solar parks and on solar carports.
Thermal energy storage We store heat and cold in groundwater for sustainable heating and cooling.
Zero-waste programme No more waste, just raw materials.
Procurement Circular procurement, unless there is absolutely no other option.
Catering Making the food supply more sustainable and reducing food waste.
Future-proof buildings Healthy, energy-efficient and circular buildings for the future.
