New report guides science sector in becoming more sustainable

From research institutes, colleges and universities to university medical centers, the knowledge sector is eager to become more sustainable. Commissioned by NWO and the Dutch Climate Research Initiative, and on behalf of the Sustainability Working Group of Dutch universities and universities of applied sciences, the Rathenau Institute and Het Groene Brein conducted a study to determine what changes are needed within the system to make the sector more sustainable.

The report identifies the biggest barriers and opportunities, highlights which stakeholders play a key role and outlines what is needed to embed sustainability in education, research and daily practice.

The science sector is fully committed to becoming more sustainable and there are numerous initiatives aimed at achieving this. The recent manifesto ‘Think Sustainable, Act Sustainable‘ has received broad support and initiatives demonstrate that research, education and everyday practices can be carried out differently. However, the study by Rathenau and Het Groene Brein shows that this is a complex systemic challenge. At the same time, the report provides appropriate, transition-oriented guidance.

Integrating sustainability into all core functions

Making the research system more sustainable requires a cultural and systemic shift. After all, it involves more than just sustainable operations. It is crucial to integrate sustainability into all core functions of the research system: education, research and knowledge transfer. According to the study, it is precisely this combination that holds the sector’s potential to contribute to a sustainable, equitable and future-proof society.

KIN

Read the full news article and find a download link for the report on the Klimaatonderzoek Initiatief Nederland (KIN) website.