With a presentation and a debate on resilience in the face of interrelated crises of climate and corona, the Green Hub Twente has been officially opened. The Green Hub, the largely student-run ‘Green Office’ of the University of Twente, is the central point where all knowledge and initiatives regarding sustainability come together. The Hub will work on integrating practical, sustainable solutions in research, education and business operations of the university. Because of Covid-measures, the opening could be watched online by the audience.
Catalyst
‘The University of Twente wants to be a catalyst for a more sustainable society’, says Alex Baker-Friesen, coordinator of the Green Hub Twente. ‘To live up to that ambition it is not only necessary to transform our own organization for sustainability, but also to focus the research and education of the UT on sustainable solutions for societal challenges. A lot is already happening at the university regarding sustainability. We want to amplify and weave together these initiatives, together with students, researchers, teachers and other staff members.’
Crossing boundaries
Besides coordinator Alex Baker-Friesen, the team of the Green Hub Twente consists of ten Student Green Officers, spread across five portfolios, as well as four specialized student officers in supporting functions across all portfolios. ‘We have a multidisciplinary and diverse team. This ensures multiple perspectives on complex issues, that cross the boundaries of disciplines.’ The perspective of partners outside the University of Twente is also important. ‘We work together with a network of companies, governments and other organisations around the university.’
Watch five of the Green Officers introduce themselves and their portfolio's
About the Green Hub Twente
The Green Hub Twente is part of the Green Office Movement, a model that has been successfully adapted by universities around the world. The creation of the Green Hub Twente follows from Shaping2030, the long-term strategy of the University of Twente. It is an important step towards a sustainable organisation in 2030.
