Cardboard plates and cups, electric golf carts, an ever-increasing vegetarian range, and producing as little waste as possible. The actions that the UMCG is taking to become more sustainable are obvious. But if it's up to Vera Knapen, a communication student at Hanze University of Applied Sciences, things could go even faster. A sprint, instead of steps. “With my graduation internship at Sustainable UMCG, I can boost the greening of our activities even more. Incredibly valuable!”
World improver
She has been a vegan for years, always buys her clothes second-hand, tries to fly as little as possible, and uses less and less plastic. “Yes, I am a bit of a do-gooder”, Vera laughs. “I just think sustainability is extremely important.” The communication student at Hanze University of Applied Sciences decided to look for an internship at a social organization. A place where she can make her green heart beat faster. “Then I discovered the vacancy at the UMCG.”
“We are here for people's health”
It is not surprising that Vera ended up at the Healthy Ageing Campus. The UMCG is in fact fully engaged in sustainability. "The entire healthcare sector emits more CO2 than the aviation sector. As the largest employer in the Northern Netherlands, we simply cannot stand still," says Charlotte Kumm, sustainability manager at the UMCG. "We are there for people's health. That is precisely why it is so important that we make sustainable choices.
The power of social media
The Green Teams of the UMCG play a major role in this. “These are groups of employees who are taking sustainable steps in their own department,” explains Charlotte. “That is important because if employees get started on their own and make their colleagues aware, we will achieve much more.” Vera supports Charlotte's team in this. “I do research on how we can use social media to influence the awareness and behavior of employees. Because we need the help of all 14,000 colleagues.”
Enthusiasm and ambition
Although great strides are being made, Vera would like it all to be a bit more and faster. “And that is exactly why Vera and other students are so valuable,” says Charlotte. “We need that enthusiasm and ambition. The way Vera looks at things also makes me think again.” According to Charlotte, the young generation is very important to convince the older generations.
A dynamic location
The UMCG is surrounded by the next generation. “And you can feel that”, nods Charlotte. “It contributes to the dynamic character of the location. When I cycle across the Campus, I feel younger again. You can just see it buzzing.” The other companies on the Campus are at least as important. “We know how to find each other quickly. And by learning from each other and inspiring each other, we can increase our influence.” Vera's graduation internship is almost over. What comes next? "We will see. As long as I can do something good for our world.”
