The course starts with a general introduction on sustainability and transitions. In this first week, you will be asked to choose one of the themes mentioned above (i.e. energy, water, waste, food) and teams will be assembled. The subjects addressed in short guest lectures will specifically address these different domains. Once the main sustainability challenge of the university in one of these domains has been defined and analyzed you will start a comprehensive process of designing possible solutions.
The student will receive guidance from a practical coach who is an expert in one of the themes and a theoretical coach who is a researcher within a discipline focused on sustainability. The coaches, lecturers and fellow students will provide feedback on the possible solutions you come up with. You will work towards a final presentation in which you will present an elaborate advice to the universities (i.e. VU, UvA and AUC). These presentations are targeted to relevant people within and outside the VU who are in a position to implement the solutions you provide. By actively designing real solutions for sustainability at the campus, you will learn more about the complex and interdisciplinary nature of sustainability while grasping professional skills such as co- creation, design thinking, communication and team work.