Projects ‘25-’26

 CAMPUS

The campus portfolio takes responsibility for the projects and initiatives that are about, on, or within the campus. Through our projects, we create a platform for the VU community to impact positively on the local community. What do we do? We get our hands dirty, learn how to dispose waste, consume responsibly, engage in Recycling, Reusing, and Reducing daily practices. For more information and reach out to campus.greenoffice@vu.nl and check the vast array of projects!

  • In 2023, a collaboration between Compostier NL and the Green Office gave birth to the Worm Composting initiative at the VU Campus — a tradition that turns our organic waste into food for the planet. This circular system relies on the magical transformation of fruit and vegetable scraps, tea, leaf litter, paper, cardboard, and — the worms’ absolute favourite — coffee grounds. By creating a balanced ecosystem for microorganisms, the nutrients in these leftovers break down into tiny particles that worms (and other decomposers) can digest. With the help of their mighty little stomachs, they produce one of the most nutrient‑rich fertilizers nature has to offer: vermicompost.

    For more information check the following website: https://sedate-freeze-2e7.notion.site/Worm-Hotel-Composting-at-VU-Amsterdam-2e2d0214c55580259ffefa92ee4532c3

  • In collaboration with VBU, we collect items from the international students moving out in Uilenstede and distribute them to the arriving students. We aim to organise two move-out/clean-out projects at Uilenstede - one in winter and one in August. During each of these events, we will strive to collect 200 donated items from students moving out and give 95% of the donated items to future students.

  • We aim to establish a permanent clothing swap at the Green Office and organise at least two pop-up clothing swaps, at which we, in total, collect >= 150 clothes from students and distribute over 80% of the collected clothes back to students. We will donate or recycle the remaining clothes.

  • On spring 2026, we are setting a community garden at Uilenstede Campus in Amstelveen. We will grow seasonal vegetables and plants that attract pollinators as our pilot version.

  • Since the university held a Sustainable University Assembly on Spring 2025, the community has started different Monitoring and Sounding committee to track the progress of the final agreements. VU Green Thermometer is a yearly infographic that displays the work of the university towards its sustainable goals to increase the transparency of the process.

EDUCATION

This portfolio focuses on increasing the variety and availability of sustainability-oriented knowledge as well as improving the quality of formal and informal education provided at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Reach out to the education officer at education@greenofficevu.nl.

  • The ‘Sustainability Map of Amsterdam’ is an interactive map that allows students to explore numerous sustainable spots all around Amsterdam. The map features plant-based restaurants, sustainable fashion shops, organic grocery stores, and much more. Our goal is to ensure that students spend their money in a more sustainable manner. Right now the map is still under construction, but you will find it soon on the website!

  • You want to cook vegan, but you don’t want to stick with your one go-to meal. No worries, we got you! This project will publish bi-weekly plant-based recipes onto the Green Office webpage to promote a plant-based diet and healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, the goal includes hosting several interactive cooking classes and inviting guest speakers to dispel the negative stigma often tied to a plant-based diet and highlight its benefits instead. No need for meat!

  • Learn more about sustainability by participating in: lectures, book discussions, documentary screenings, and more. Stay updated by following our communications channels.

RESEARCH

The mission of this portfolio is ingrained within the VU’s focus on society and working together to build a better world for the inhabitants of our planet. Our future plans revolve around empowering students through research, providing them with opportunities to engage in sustainability-focused projects that contribute meaningfully to our community and the world. Know more about our projects by emailing us at research@greenofficevu.nl.

  • Engage with the world of sustainability research through our open-access peer-reviewed journal featuring student-produced research! Published annually at https://s4s.greenofficevu.nl/, our journal offers a unique opportunity for students to get familiar with the peer review process and the publication of journal articles.

  • We believe that there is no singular answer to sustainable issues. Every little bit helps when it comes to making an impact.

    The Green Action Lab is a tailor-made “match-making” service of the Green Office Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (GO.VU). Our mission is to connect students, researchers, and partners through impactful sustainability research. We do this by sourcing research questions from within and outside the VU and then match them with students and research experts to create opportunities for thesis and coursework based on real world problems. Check out our website!

  • Do you have a sustainability-related research idea you have been thinking about, but lack the toolkit and network needed? With "Students for Sustainability," you can turn your vision into impactful research. We offer dedicated support and resources for students to create and conduct their sustainability research projects right here on campus. Let's work together to advance knowledge and build a more sustainable university community!

    Dates and duration: Starting October onwards, any new projects should be submitted by the end of period 3 (January) to ensure availability of evaluation, follow-up and completion.

  • A student-led podcast where researchers and students from VU Amsterdam and beyond share stories behind sustainability research, its impact, and pathways to meaningful careers in sustainability.

COMMUNITY & MEDIA

Community engagement is at the heart of what we do. By creating creative, fun, and inclusive spaces, we inspire sustainable thinking and everyday pro-environmental actions. This portfolio brings sustainability to life through student-centered events and media designed to grow interest, connection, and involvement. For more information, reach out to community@greenofficevu.nl.

  • AIESS is a conference that will take place on April 16th on the VU Campus. The aim is to make discussions on AI and sustainability accessible and engaging for the next generation of researchers and professionals. Rather than only promoting technological solutions, the conference also aims to foster critical discussion on the societal, environmental, and ethical implications of AI in sustainability contexts.
    This project is taking place as a collaboration between VU and UvA Green Offices, STORM, and the Sustainability Office VU.

  • A cosy borrel, with some drinks and bites. This event returns periodically to get together with the community of the Green Office and everyone who is interested. The idea is to combine the borrel each time with a small activity. Think of a game, small workshop of whatever you come up with!

  • Each month, in partnership with the UvA and VU Green Offices, we connect students with a new volunteering opportunity in Amsterdam. This initiative offers a low-threshold way to explore diverse organisations and causes while making a meaningful impact. By taking part, students actively contribute to society and help create positive change in the areas they care about.

  • Each month, we organize interactive and fun activities for students to gather, discuss, enjoy their evenings, and learn something new. Dancing Workshops, Arts and Crafts Nights, Cooking Activities, and many more: Keep an eye on our communication channels.

OUTREACH

This portfolio focuses on the public relations of the GO VU with strategic external parties in everything related to collaborations, partnerships and off-campus projects. These relations will allow the GO to extend its positive influence and visibility to other settings of the VU Community. Want to know more about the outreach portfolio? Send us an email at outreach@greenofficevu.nl.

  • Collaborations and partnerships toward sustainability is one of the most important actions we can make as a green office. Thus, we are constantly reaching out to different partners each year and building robust relationships with them. Here are some of our ongoing partnerships:

    Green Offices Metropolitan Region Amsterdam

    CollAction

    Climate Fresk

    Gemeente Amsterdam

    Green Business Club

    Aureus VU Amsterdam

    KallioPPE

    Green Ambassadors with Faculteit Studenten Raad

    VU Amsterdam Universiteit Studenten Raad

  • This is an event organised with the UvA, ROC and HvA, for students to orientate on jobs that focus on sustainability. The event will be hosted in combination with the different Green Offices and companies that have an interest in working on, or becomming more sustainable. Opportunities for you and for them to continue making the world more sustainable!

  • This project aims to establish certain goals and agreements for the university that can be implied throughout the entire university, including all faculties. We need help from the volunteers to help think of topics that we could include in the agreement and on which aspects certain faculties could improve. So if you have an idea, leave it with us! (email or contact form on this website)