Green Office Wageningen Projects

Several ACT (Academic Consultancy Training) projects by students of Wageningen University were commissioned by Green Office Wageningen:

• Creating a Climate-Resilient Campus (June 2023)
• Practice what you Preach - A guide to reduce fossil-based plastics in educational laboratories (October 2023)
• Final Steps towards Implementation of the Edible Academic Garden (February 2013)
• The Future Possibility of Layar App in Project EAT (July 2013)
• Future in Action, Sustainability in Education at Wageningen University (July 2013)
• Enhance the Sustainability of Wageningen University (December 2013)
• Making the Wageningen UR Campus more beautiful (December 2013)
• Sustainable use of paper at Wageningen UR, an ICT translation issue (December 2013)
• Can and should we reduce the paper use at the Wageningen Campus? (June 2014)

Summary

The Reuse Revolution began as a project to cut down on coffee cup waste on campus. The GO partnered with S&I and WEP to continue on this theme and promote reusable cutlery in the canteens. The Billie Cup was introduced by Emmy van Daele, a former GO volunteer who pushed the project until it became successful. At the same time, the GO collaborated with the Billie Cup founder, Vanessa Debruyne.

Outcome

The GO secured a 10% discount for those who bring their own cups to any of the coffee caterers on campus and at the machines. In 2018, the “Conscious Consumption Week” was hosted, with events and workshops about ways to reduce waste. Together with the Billie Cup, the Billie day was organized, to make all locations on campus have and actively offer the cup to all their customers.

Summary

The Green Impact Programme was introduced to engage staff in the sustainability at the WUR. The staff could form teams to tackle basic or more advanced sustainability related issues at their working place and beyond.

Outcome

The teams subscribed to the toolkit: www.greenimpact.org.uk/wur and chose which actions they wanted to implement. All actions were monitored, and the teams had the chance to earn points and see how well they are doing compared to other teams in the achievement report. At the end of the cycle, teams could win several awards (based on the number of actions they had done). In addition, students were involved as Green Impact project assistants (GIPAs). They stimulated the teams to implement more actions and provide help, for instance with the implementation of action or the uploading of evidence.

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Summary

The project aimed to make the entrance area at the Leeuwenborch site greener in response to climate change and biodiversity loss concerns. Design principles focused on practicality while wishes included creating an inviting space and ensuring year-round attractiveness.

Outcome

Around the Leeuwenborch building, a variety of trees, flowers, and other plants were planted to increase greenery and promote biodiversity. The before-after photos in the attachment show the major improvement that the project has achieved.

Summary

The Green Office in Wageningen has developed a sustainable guidebook to assist newcomers, especially students, in embracing eco-friendly practices in their daily lives. The first version of the guide was published in 2021, which was then updated and redesigned in 2023. The second edition offers even more comprehensive advice on the sustainable opportunities that Wageningen has to offer.

Outcome

This guide provides practical advice and resources on topics such as zero waste shopping, second-hand shopping, waste separation, and local green organizations. It aims to make the transition to sustainable living in Wageningen smoother for individuals, regardless of their level of experience with sustainable practices.

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