Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) has signed a covenant with all entrepreneurs on Woudestein campus to embrace the so-called Planetary Health Diet. This makes EUR the first university in the Netherlands to introduce this scientifically based nutritional vision campus-wide in close collaboration with caterers and entrepreneurs.
Specific targets for 2030
With this covenant, all involved parties agree that the campus will meet three clear milestones by 2030:
- 80% of purchases will be plant-based, measured as an average of all catering outlets;
- more than 50% of menu options will be plant-based;
- CO₂ emissions from food and drink will be 50% lower than in 2025.
These targets are in line with the 2030 climate targets and the university's strategy. It is important that freedom of choice for students, staff and entrepreneurs remains guaranteed.
Collaboration
The covenant is a joint effort by all food and beverage partners. Through working sessions and a baseline measurement, the parties will work step by step towards the targets in the coming years. Researchers from the university will be actively involved in measuring progress and sharing knowledge. We are working with researchers from four faculties: ESHPM, ESL, ESHCC and RSM, turning the initiative into a so-called "living lab" where science, policy and practice come together.
Sustainability
'With my research into how environmental costs can be better incorporated into prices, I want to help make our campus truly more sustainable – including what we put on our plates. I am happy to share this knowledge with all partners involved in this covenant.'
Tabea Krauss
PhD candidate ESL
The implementation of the Planetary Health Diet on campus is being carried out in close collaboration with the Erasmus Sustainability Hub and the Erasmus Food Lab, a student organisation that promotes sustainability at the university and raises awareness in education, research and events. Students are also given the opportunity to provide their own input via a survey.
Unique leading position
Other universities are also working with the Planetary Health Diet, but Erasmus University Rotterdam is the first to do so across the entire campus and in collaboration with all entrepreneurs. With this campus-wide approach, the university is taking a unique leading position, in line with its ambition to be a socially engaged university.
Planetary Health Annual Meeting
The signing of the covenant coincides with the Planetary Health Annual Meeting taking place in Rotterdam this week. This is the leading international conference on the connection between human health and the health of the planet. It brings together researchers, policymakers and civil society organisations to share knowledge and solutions. This year, Erasmus University Rotterdam is the host and co-organiser. The conference runs until tomorrow (Friday 10 October), which is Sustainability Day.
All participating partners
• CoffeeCompany
• Erasmus Paviljoen
• Erasmus Sport Café
• HAS
• MAAS
• MOZZA
• Rotterdam School of Management, Maria's Cantina
• Sally’s Salads
• Sohmi
• Spar University
• Tosti World
• Vitam
- More information
Frequently asked questions about the Planetary Health Diet for students and employees
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