Practising What You Teach and Preach

Abstract

Universities and other institutes of higher education can be at the forefront of sustainable development and climate action. As organisations that develop knowledge, conduct research, and valorise their experience, universities are capable of testing and investigating new approaches, models, strategies, technology… The process thereof can be monitored, evaluated and corrected or enhanced when needed. Therefore, universities can be safe places for the roll-out of climate action and sustainability measures, paving the way for other organisations and cities to reach their climate goals.

TU Delft adopted its Vision, Ambition and Action Plan as the basis of all sustainable transitions on the campus. Aiming at five sustainability goals – becoming carbon neutral, climate adaptive and circular by 2030, contributing to quality of life, and demonstrating sustainable innovations on campus – an all-encompassing plan was drawn up to set in motion serious changes. The four main elements addressed in this paper are: Education for Sustainability, Campus as a Living Lab, Sustainable Operations, and Community Engagement. This paper will discuss the steps taken by TU Delft to become a climate university and exemplar for other organisations and institutions.