Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam finished fourth this year, placing it third-highest amongst research universities in the Netherlands. Our best practice 'VU fossil free' was nominated in the category ‘Impact on society, systemic change, originality, transferability and student participation’.
The SustainaBul is the annual sustainability ranking between Dutch higher education institutions, organised by Studenten voor Morgen (Students for Tomorrow). Participating educational institutions are assessed using a questionnaire and best practices divided into the themes: sustainability in research, education and operational management. VU Amsterdam was awarded the most points within the research theme.
Best practice nomination for 'VU fossil free'
VU fossil free, the decision that VU Amsterdam will no longer enter into research partnerships with companies in the fossil fuel industry (unless strict criteria are met) was nominated as best practice in the category ‘Impact on society, systemic change, originality, transferability and student participation’.
10 years participation in SustainaBul by VU Amsterdam
During the more than ten years that VU Amsterdam has participated in this ranking, we have consistently secured a place in the top 5. In doing so, we have achieved our objective set out in the Strategic Plan of ranking amongst the top 5 higher education institutes in the Netherlands. Furthermore, there has been a noticeable expansion of sustainability initiatives across higher education institutions in recent years. This development endorses the increasing focus on enhancing green practices in education and with it, it also underlines the importance of collaboration for a sustainable future.
VU Amsterdam’s sustainability ambition
Sustainability is one of the priority areas of VU Amsterdam and its advancement therefore drives much of our decision-making. This is only possible due to our commitment as the VU Amsterdam community to embracing and promoting sustainability. Various initiatives are now in place:
- The Sustainability Office VU focuses on shaping and executing the VU sustainability strategy.
- Within the Amsterdam Sustainability Institute, scientists and researchers from across VU Amsterdam work on sustainability issues.
- There is a Sustainable Campus Plan and Energy Master Plan, which outline our path towards achieving a gas-free campus by 2040.
- Green Office VU is the sustainability platform for and by students.
Accelerating initiatives
Sustainability Office VU was established in 2023. The Sustainability Team ensures the acceleration of sustainability projects and initiatives across the university (education, research, valorisation, operations and activating the community). Do you have a good idea? Or would you like to contribute to a more sustainable university yourself? Then contact sustainability@vu.nl.