A pilot is currently underway in two locations, with the Ecosia search engine installed on computers in HG-0B-08 and HG-0B-16. Students using these computers fill in an evaluation form afterwards. So far the results are encouraging: students report positive experiences using the search engine. We plan to extend this pilot for many years to come! We also receive a monthly report indicating how many searches were conducted using Ecosia and how many trees were planted as a result. We share these numbers—these milestones—with our community through our social media channels. It’s great to see what we’ve already achieved and what we can do more of in the future.
Hannah, what does a better world mean to you?
A better world is one in which people help each other to find a balance in how they live and what mark they leave on the planet. In our changing world, social movements and innovative initiatives are one way to bring sustainability to the forefront. At the Green Office VU, we contribute to a better world by helping students empower themselves and their peers, and giving them tools and ideas to live more sustainable lives.
What’s it like to work at the Green Office?
Working at the Green Office empowers me. It’s an incredible opportunity to work on something I’m passionate about, and at the same time it humbles me to work here. I’m able to connect with like-minded people and help other students feel empowered to live more sustainably.
How can our university have an even greater impact?
That’s a tough question. VU Amsterdam is already contributing to a better world by providing quality education in the area of sustainability. As a university, this is our key role in educating the students of today to make a better world tomorrow. VU Amsterdam must continue on this path and seek to achieve this mission every day. That’s one of the ways that our university can have a greater impact on the world.
