Science - May 15, 2008
Student actions for greener university
The statue of a tree in front of Forum is decorated with green paper leaves as a reminder that Wageningen UR's own environmental policy could be improved. And a papermaking activity at the Saturday market was design to set people thinking. After a year of promises, the Wageningen Environmental Platform (WEP) and the Progressive Student Fraction (PSF) think it’s time for the university to come forward with a clear sustainability policy.

Many students and staff clearly appreciated the action held on Tuesday 13 May. Tetje and Bram, two Land and Water Management students, who happen to be passing by: ‘They have some good points, especially when it comes to using the knowledge we have in house. Our chair group could certainly have advised on the water problems around Forum.’
Peter, who works at Alterra, also thinks that the different sciences groups could learn more from each other. ‘Each sciences group has good internal aspects, but it would be good if these could be shared.’ Liesbeth, who works at the Library, thinks Wageningen is doing just fine. ‘Aren’t we often in the news with positive things when it comes to the environment?’
That’s an argument you hear a lot, says WEP coordinator Roan: ‘Wageningen does good work, but mostly outside Wageningen. As far as we are concerned, if you are green on the outside and shout about it, you should also look closely at how things are organised internally. On that front Wageningen scores less well.’
According to Joris Fortuin, head of Forum, Wageningen is getting better, but many people don’t know exactly what the organisation is doing. ‘Maybe everyone needs to communicate better about the initiatives that are being taken. For example, there’s already an agreement that purchasing takes place centrally and sustainably. And Wageningen produces green energy with a wind park in Lelystad. We even produce more than we use.’
Masters student Judith thinks the initiative is worthwhile: ‘At last the tree is more attractive.’