Climate and energy
Saxion aspires to have carbon neutral operations and property portfolio as well as a climate adaptive outdoor space [1] by 2050.
By the end of 2024, the carbon footprint of our operations will have been reduced by 35% and the carbon footprint of our buildings reduced by 20% compared to 2018. Furthermore, improvements are being made to make our premises climate adaptive, while focusing on biodiversity.
In February 2021, Saxion became the first Dutch university of applied sciences to obtain BREEAM-NL In-Use certification. The international BREEAM In-Use methodology is used to determine and improve the sustainable performance of the built environment. We are very proud of this exceptional achievement. Saxion will continue to improve the sustainable performance of its buildings step by step in the coming years. Gaining insight into the current situation is an important first step. The BREAAM-NL certification also contributes towards the realisation of Saxion’s sustainable goals.
In September 2021 Saxion sent a letter to APB pension funds. In this letter the Executive Board and Saxion University Council call upon pension funds ABP to stop investing in fossil fuels. Not only Saxion, but many other universities and applied universities have called upon ABP to stop doing this, partly on behalf of Scientists for Future. Saxion is committed to being a CO2-neutral organisation with an entirely circular operation. This means there is no place for direct or indirect investment in fossil fuels. Through this collective appeal we hope to rapidly achieve a fossil-fuel free pension.
Biodiversity and climate adaptation
We hear a lot these days about plant and animal species threatened with extinction, extreme rainfall, floods and droughts, along with terms like heat stress and air quality. Our climate is changing and the diversity of plant and animal species is declining. The challenge ahead is to respond to climate change through climate adaptation and preserve and restore biodiversity. It is important that Saxion contributes to this.
In 2022 we set out our vision, approach and goals regarding climate adaptation and biodiversity for the period up to the end of 2030. We are going to make good use of all spatial options open to us including roofs, facades and our outdoor spaces.
Climate Adaption & Biodiversity Strategy
DownloadIn terms of biodiversity Saxion is focusing on improving environmental conditions expressed in 5 key priorities. These are nutrition provided by good working ecosystems, moisture, protection and the opportunity to reproduce and to connect with neighbouring ecosystems.
The idea behind this is that by facilitating the 5KPs the diversity of plant and animal life will increase by itself.
Climate adaptation also involves improving conditions. Especially in Saxion’s urban environment, heat stress and drought are major concerns.
In this instance improving conditions means creating more shade, green roofs and facades, retaining rainwater and having fewer hard surfaces and more vegetation, in other words removing paving stones.
Lots of activities and projects are needed to achieve the desired results. The size and impact of these can vary greatly. Saxion will carry out one major project each year along with several smaller activities and projects.
Examples of major projects include establishing a climate square and creating green roofs and green facades.
Small-scale projects and activities include for example changing grass-mowing policy, replacing grass with mixed flowers, getting a team to plant shrubs, removing paving stones and replacing them with vegetation and letting greenery grow along fences and pillars.
Within Saxion we are cooperating with our own education and research. A good example of this is the Biodiversity Masterplan for the Enschede campus that was completed early in 2022 by three students from the Climate and Management programme. This serves as a sound basis for implementing projects and improvements.
Outside Saxion we regard Apeldoorn, Deventer and Enschede local authorities as our partners and that also applies to the relevant water boards and our suppliers. Saxion is also seeking additional cooperation with environmental and nature organisations such as IVN (Institute for Nature Education).
[1] A climate-adaptive outdoor space is one ready to cope with the expected climate changes this coming century, so that it remains a pleasant living environment for both humans and wildlife. This includes combating heat stress, collecting and retaining rainwater, good air quality and a sufficient and varied range of greenery (trees, plants, shrubs, flowers).