Sustainable buildings

Our ambition is to create a circular and healthy campus. This means that we think carefully about the benefits and necessity of each construction project, when we build we take great care to conserve resources and reduce environmental impact, and our buildings are flexible and future-proof. Sub-themes such as nature-inclusiveness, climate adaptation, health and inclusivity also play an important role.

Our objectives

  • By 2050, the campus will be fully circular – i.e., minimal use of raw materials with no environmental impact and high-quality reuse (closed cycles). 
  • We are committed to sustainable building design with smart and flexible use of space.
  • Our buildings will be energy-neutral or energy-positive, and our processes will have a minimal carbon footprint. By 2030, all our building-related procurement decisions will be based on circular principles.
  • Our buildings will be accessible so that everyone feels welcome.

Where we are now

  • Roadmaps to 2030 have been drawn up to give Campus & Facilities further guidance on how to achieve our circularity goals. Three of these roadmaps are related to sustainable buildings: Real Estate & Facilities, Building Design and Layout of the Campus Grounds.  
  • Requirements for circularity, environmental impact and energy consumption have been added to the campus plan and technical manual.
  • All new buildings will be built as sustainably as possible. 
  • A tender for circular furniture and building design is currently in progress.
  • The Radboud Sustainable Work Programme contributes to reducing the need for office space by making better use of workplaces.

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This is what we are going to do

We are going to translate the roadmaps into concrete plans for each theme. For sustainable buildings, this includes:

  • Performing a circularity assessment (preparation of BCI) for the existing campus and setting reduction targets.
  • Seeking collaboration throughout the chains.
  • Starting to use material marketplaces.
  • Working with a circular furniture supplier and a circular furniture warehouse.
  • The Erasmus building will be completely renovated and be made more sustainable.

How can you help?

When it comes to creating the campus of the future, we are dependent on the needs and behaviour of our users. After all, the most sustainable space is one that does not need to be built. That is why we are focusing on efficiency and the occupancy of offices and teaching rooms, so that they are not left empty unnecessarily. Using and repairing our equipment and devices for longer is also an important issue. You can help by

  • participating in the Radboud Sustainable Work programme, the project that aims to develop and implement a new way of collaborating and working on campus.
  • keeping your diary up to date and reserving and cancelling meeting rooms in good time.
  • taking good care of the buildings and facilities.

Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are seventeen goals aimed at making the world a better place by 2030. They serve as a global compass for addressing challenges such as poverty, education and the climate crisis. 

Radboud University’s sustainable construction plans are in line with the following SDGs:

  • 11: Sustainable cities and communities
  • 12: Responsible consumption and production
  • 13: Climate action

Contact

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