Green Office VU Amsterdam
Mission
The Green Office VU Amsterdam aspires to become the central sustainability platform of Free University Amsterdam. It is a place where students, faculty and staff come together to implement joint initiatives, exchange ideas and create alliances. It is inspired by the Green Office Model.
Achievements
» Co-created a sustainability minor and honours course for 50 students
» Handed out 1,800 water bottles and installed four water refill stations
» Established a volunteering programme for 60 students
» Publishes the Science for Sustainability Journal
» Works with the university’s caterers to offer and promote Meatless Mondays
» Sells the “VU FoodBox” with local sustainable fruit and vegetables
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Team
7 student employees work in the Green Office team. One of the student employees acts as manager and coordinates the team. The Green Office actively engages student volunteers through a large volunteering programme. The Sustainability Programme Team and a supervisory board of former managers and assistant managers support the Green Office.
Founding story of Green Office VU Amsterdam
Sustainability efforts were already active in education, research and operation at Free University Amsterdam. However, widespread involvement of students in sustainability projects, initiatives and policies was still lacking. The university also scored low in a national sustainability ranking of universities. The Green Office was established in 2014 to tackle these issues and provide a holistic approach to sustainability at the institution.
Background
Green Office VU Amsterdam is part of Free University Amsterdam, in the Netherlands. 22,900 students study and 3,600 staff work at the university. Upon its founding, the Green Office was approved by Facility Services. It is also a department within Facility Services. In 2017, the Green Office had a budget of €75,000. For more information, you can visit their website.
