University of Twente signs manifesto for joint climate transition in academia

The University of Twente, together with other Dutch universities and university medical centres, has signed the manifesto Think Green, Act Green (Duurzaam denken, duurzaam doen). With this step, the University endorses the call from the Dutch Young Academy and the Green Young Academy for knowledge institutions to take greater responsibility and work more closely together in driving the climate transition.

Sustainability is a core element of the University of Twente’s education, research, and operations. By signing the manifesto, the University underlines its ambition to accelerate the climate transition, both within and beyond its own campus.

“As a university, we don’t just want to talk about sustainability—we want to live it,” says Machteld Roos, Vice President of the Executive Board of the University of Twente. “The manifesto reminds us that sustainability ambitions cannot remain a paper reality. It calls for extra attention, collaboration, and concrete action. We value that this initiative comes from the community: from young researchers and staff who want to make a difference. That fits perfectly with the way we work at the University of Twente: together, with impact.”

Towards a sustainable academic sector

The analysis by the Dutch Young Academy and the Green Young Academy shows that many universities already have sustainability plans, but that effectiveness, alignment, and collaboration can still be improved. The manifesto, therefore, calls for joint action in four key areas:

• Education: embed sustainability structurally in curricula so that students are prepared for their role in a sustainable society.
• Research: encourage collaboration on societally relevant science and reduce dependency on polluting industries.
• Operations: work towards climate-neutral universities with less offsetting and faster CO₂ reduction.
• Governance: give sustainability a permanent place in decision-making, evaluations, and reward systems.

Sustainability as a strategic priority at the University of Twente

For many years, the University of Twente has been working to reduce its ecological footprint and strengthen sustainability in education and research. Examples include the establishment of the Climate Centre, Green Hub Twente, and the Sustainability, Energy & Environment (SEE) programme, as well as making university buildings more sustainable and integrating sustainability principles into curricula and campus management.

By signing the manifesto Think Green, Act Green, the University of Twente aims to further intensify this course and contribute to a joint, transparent, and ambitious sustainability agenda within the Dutch academic community.