Visualizing Energy transition pathways of the International Campus Utrecht

Utrecht University is committed to a future-proof energy system: CO₂-neutral by 2030 and independent of natural gas by 2040. But how do we get there - sustainably, inclusively, and in a way that fits the unique character of our campus? Join our upcoming lunch meetings to learn more and share your ideas on how campus users and other stakeholders can be involved in shaping these scenarios.

The International Campus Utrecht (ICU), located at the historic Kromhoutkazerne, presents a timely and urgent opportunity. With the university’s decision (read this news item, accessible for UU only) to retain ownership of the campus until at least 2030, there is a clear need to develop a comprehensive energy transition strategy for this location.

This project explores critical questions:

• How much energy can realistically be saved?
• What behavioral changes are feasible among campus users?
• How much renewable energy can be produced locally?
• And how will these transformations affect the visual and spatial identity of the campus?

Project Aim

The goal is to develop visualizations of plausible energy transition pathways for the ICU campus. Grounded in the Pathways to Sustainability vision, we see imagination and visualization as key to shaping inclusive transitions. This project aims to develop visualisations to support informed decision-making and to encourage dialogue among students, researchers, campus users, and local stakeholders.

By making potential futures visible and tangible, we foster interdisciplinary collaboration and collective insight. In 2025, through a series of workshops and co-creation sessions, we will explore, map, and visualize these future pathways.

Join the Conversation: Help Shape ICU’s Sustainable Future

We invite students, researchers, campus users, and neighbors to get involved. Whether you have ideas, expertise, or just curiosity - your perspective matters. Through interactive workshops, we will explore different future energy scenarios, map transition pathways, and co-create visual representations of sustainable solutions. Join one of our workshops and help co-create ICU’s sustainable future. Share your ideas - fresh perspectives are always welcome! 

Contact us to get involved or learn more about the project.

Team

• Udeke Huiskamp
• Fleur van der Linden
• Maian Tohver
• Christopher Box 

Steering group: Utrecht University Campus & Facility and Pathways to Sustainability Energy in Transition board