Erasmus University Rotterdam has the ambition to become one of the most sustainable universities of the Netherlands. Developing a green and sustainable campus is an important aspect of this ambition. In recent years, the university has taken several steps towards a more sustainable campus.
Campus under construction
In 2011 the university started reconstructing campus Woudestein in the context of Tomorrow's Campus. The goal of Tomorrow's Campus is to create a campus with allure. A campus which is both green and urban, with room for sports and relaxation and with plenty of meeting points and facilities.
Increasing biodiversity on campus
Increasing biodiversity on campus is a core theme of Tomorrow's Campus III. In recent years, more colour was added to the planting to attract insects. No pesticides are used and weeds are mainly removed by weeding. Ever since EUR moved to Woudestein in 1968, Landscaping firm van der Gaag has done EUR's greenery maintenance .
Green campus plan
The sustainable campus roadmap includes a "green campus" program line. It is important that sustainability efforts are visible on campus. In addition, a green campus contributes to a better and healthier work and study climate. Several steps towards a more green campus have already been taken, such as:
- In the new Langeveld Building, a lot of greenery has been integrated. Moreover, nesting boxes for birds, bees and bats were created on the facade and around the building.
- Mid-2021, a brainstorming session resulted in several ideas for enhancing the natural value and biodiversity of the campus. With this information, an initial impetus was made for an integrated vision of a green campus for the EUR. The session also provided input on possibilities for sustainable green management of the campus, which will be included in the next Park Management tender.
- Green roofs are created on several campus rooftops, such as Sanders Building, Mandeville Building and Erasmus Building.
Pond renovation
The pond of campus Woudestein is in need of a makeover. Prior to the design for that, a biologist investigated how we could make the pond fit in better with its natural surroundings. It turned out that the construction of a clay slope, an embankment, could help promote biodiversity in the pond and the natural migration of amphibians. This will be included in the technical Program of Requirements for the pond design.
Campus Garden
In 2019, a garden was opened on campus, maintained by Edible EUR and the Erasmus Sustainability Hub, to inform and inspire people about the use of natural agriculture on and around campus. Compost from the composter at EUR is used as nutrient-rich soil. In addition to the vegetable garden there is also a bee palace, housing 60,000 bees. Students help the beekeeper of Bee the Change to take care of the campus bees .
Biodiversity in higer education
Erasmus University Rotterdam is happy to contribute to the promotion of biodiversity.
Vegetable garden on campus
The Erasmus Sustainability Hub and Edible EUR are running a vegetable garden on campus.