Liveable campus
In 2021, Leiden University will develop a new Sustainability Vision 2030. This vision for the future focuses on the primary tasks of the University: integration and visibility of sustainability in our education and research.
Help students learn about sustainability
Leiden University wants to offer all students the opportunity to become acquainted with sustainability issues in relation to their own field of expertise. Additionally, great attention will be paid to make education about sustainability more accessible in the coming years.
Aim to make a positive social impact
The university strives to be a sustainable study- and working environment that inspires and mobilises the university community to make a positive social impact within and outside of the University. The course we have set and the results we have already achieved in our business operations will be continued, while we strive for a higher level of ambition to further reduce our CO2 footprint.
Reduce CO2 footprint by half
For example, the 'Roadmap for energy-neutral Leiden University buildings' describes how we will reduce at least 49% of building-related CO2 emissions. The University is developing a sustainable travel policy to reduce CO2 emissions as a result of business trips, and sustainable tendering is the norm.
Increase biodiversity on campus
The University uses the knowledge of, among others, the Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), the Hortus botanicus and Naturalis Biodiversity Center to design and achieve a greener campus with higher biodiversity.
More sustainable construction and renovation
We reduce the University's CO2 footprint among others by sustainable construction and renovation, with an eye for energy and heat savings and material (re)use. We have invested in solar panels and all university vehicles on and around our campuses are electric.
Sustainability in tenders and purchases
Sustainability plays an important role in tenders and when purchasing products. We strive for as little packaging material as possible, or sustainable processing of packaging materials.
Where do we stand?
In the past period, based on the Environmental Policy Plan 2016-2020, the University's business operations have been based on six measurable themes: sustainable housing, energy, water, sustainable procurement and investment, waste and mobility. This resulted in a CO2 reduction of 28% in 2020 compared to 2016. In addition to this reduction, most of the remaining CO2 footprint has been compensated since 2018. All sustainability activities and figures are described in detail in the annual sustainability reports.