Sustainability at Wageningen University & Research
Sustainability is in our DNA. For WUR, this means a balance between humans, the environment and the economy, so our human needs fit the boundaries of our planet.
For 105 years, WUR has worked on solving problems and shaping a sustainable future. This is not just a firmly established theme in our research and education, but it is also a common thread in the way WUR is governed. We take an interdisciplinary, science-based approach to solve major global challenges defined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. Our strategic plan is an invitation to do this together, both within a national and local scope. Through close cooperation with partners, students, graduates and civilians, we find scientifically substantiated and socially inclusive answers.
The most sustainable university in the world
For years, we have held the title of ‘Most Sustainable University in the World’ (The GreenMetric ranking, 2016-2024), and that is something we are proud of. As part of this list, scientific institutions all over the world are ranked based on matters like energy use, climate, waste, transportation, water, biodiversity and infrastructure. Sustainability in education and research is likewise assessed. In 2023, WUR joined the Nature-Positive Universities Alliance.
Sustainable campus
Whoever traverses our magnificent campus cannot help but notice: our campus is similarly ecological and green, with sustainable buildings and facilities. On top of that, it is a pleasant place to work and study. We prioritise the vitality of employees and students, and we carefully consider the healthiness of the food on offer in the campus restaurants. We avoid food waste where we can.
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World's most sustainable university
According to the GreenMetric ranking, WUR has been world’s most sustainable university for no less than eight years. This list is drawn up based on the way scientific institutions all over the world handle issues like energy, climate, waste, transport, water, biodiversity and infrastructure. Sustainability in education and research is likewise assessed. We are proud of this title, and work hard to maintain it every day. After all, reaching the top is an achievement, but staying number one may be an even greater challenge.
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Sustainable Campus in Wageningen
Wageningen Campus inspires innovators to work on a sustainable future by providing a highly sustainable work-environment, which is already 80% climate neutral. Wageningen University & Research is considered the most sustainable university in the world for the fifth consecutive time in 2021, according to the Greenmetric ranking. Other campus inhabitants do not lag behind. In terms of energy, water, construction, waste, food and mobility Wageningen Campus aims for the top.
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Sustainable business operations
Climate, biodiversity and circularity are important, overarching themes in WUR’s operations. WUR carefully considers the social impact of all decisions that are made in these areas.
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Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015 the United National general Assembly agreed on 17 goals, providing an agenda for sustainable development, a plan for action for people, planet and prosperity. WUR is strongly committed to contributing to these goals through its sustainable operations and premises, but most of all through its research and education programmes. And we have built up a strong track record over many years.
Sustainability in our research and education
Our research and education is subdivided into six sustainable themes: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Circular & Biobased Economy, Feeding The World and Nutrition & Health. The sixth theme, Artificial Intelligence, is a common thread that runs through all these themes.
Biodiversity
Life on Earth is not possible without biodiversity. The interplay of thousands of species of plants, animals and ecosystems forms the foundation of a healthy living environment, sustainable food production and the mitigation of climate change. Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is working hard for a society in which biodiversity flourishes. We do so in research, education and cooperation with companies, government and civil society organisations.
Climate change
Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our time. Although a global problem, the causes and solutions of climate change are often local. Wageningen University & Research (WUR) explores the impacts on society and ecosystems, and develop evidence-based, integrated solutions and technology: the Wageningen Climate Solutions.
Circular & Biobased Economy
The call for a circular, biobased economy is getting louder and louder. An increasing number of citizens, businesses, and politicians are realising that the reuse of products and reclaiming of natural resources is of great importance for ourselves and for the planet on which we live, if we want to move forward towards a sustainable future. Wageningen University & Research is working on solutions to make the circular, biobased economy a reality.
Feeding the world
Feeding the world is a challenge. We will have to feed 10 billion people by 2050. More pressingly, we will have to do so within our planet’s limits. This is not impossible, but consumption and production will have to change drastically for it to happen.
Nutrition & Health
You are what you eat. It’s a saying with lots of meaning, because to a large extent our nutrition determines our health. For many years, Wageningen University & Research has been conducting research into the relationship between nutrition and health.
Artificial Intelligence
Developments within artificial intelligence are rapid. When it comes to healthy nutrition and a healthy environment, artificial intelligence is an indispensable part of WUR’s research and education. It is already being used in camera footage that recognises the quality of food, in fully automatic farming under differing local conditions, in the remote monitoring of the health of livestock, and in determining which hereditary characteristics lead to fertile and resistant varieties and crops. The list of applications is almost endless.
Discover our stories
At WUR, we work on sustainable solutions every day. This way, we make sure human activity stays within the boundaries of our planet, now and in the future. Through news and background stories, we keep you up to date on all important developments.
