News
WUR reduces carbon footprint
Wageningen University & Research’s sustainability policy is centred on various principles, among which the desire to reduce its carbon footprint. In this regard, excellent results have been achieved. Calculations show that WUR’s carbon emission in 2018 had dropped by a staggering 49% from the baseline in 2010. Furthermore, the compensation for CO2 increased to 113%, up from just 36% in 2010.
This reduction results from transitioning to green energy in 2011. As a consequence of increased travel kilometres (both air travel and commuter traffic) emissions have risen some 5% from 2017. The increase in commuter traffic is related to the growth in the number of employees. WUR achieves the CO2 compensation by generating energy with wind turbines, solar panels and heat and cold storage installations.
Air travel and commuting
WUR monitors its footprint annually. This allows our organisation to assess our climate impact and take measures to reduce or compensate CO2 emissions. Thus, steps can be taken to affect precisely those areas where an increase in carbon emissions occurs, such as air travel and commuting. From April, policies will be put in place to discourage air travel and promote travelling by rail.
To reduce CO2 emissions resulting from commuter traffic, WUR promotes the use of bicycles and public transportation. This is achieved through E-bike programmes, the possibility to buy an E-bike through our selection model (Optare), special high-speed biking lanes, as well as the ‘Mobility as a Service’ plan, that provides shared electric vehicles.