Sustainability at Wageningen University & Research
Sustainability is in our DNA. It plays a key role in everything we say and do, and is rooted not only in our research and education, but even in the way WUR is governed.
The most sustainable university in the world
For years, we have held the title of ‘Most Sustainable University in the World’ (The GreenMetric ranking 2016-2022), 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 six 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
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
Sustainability is significantly represented in the research and educational activities of Wageningen University & Research. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is likewise an important precept for Wageningen University & Research. They are expressed in our mission, 'To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life,' and in our ambition to take a leading role in the area of sustainable operational management. In short, Wageningen stands for sustainability.
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Sustainable Development Goals
Our research and education are driven by the desire to gain insight and to contribute to the challenges and transitions our world faces now and in the future. To this end, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) are a critical guideline for our management and collaboration efforts.
Sustainability in our themes
Sustainability is a common denominator in the central themes of our research and education: Biodiversity, Climate change, Circular & Biobased Economy, From hunger to food security, 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.
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.
Watch how WUR works on Planetary Boundaries:
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