We intend to realise this ambition based on the following pillars:
1. Travel
Our footprint in pre-COVID year 2019 was nearly two-thirds determined by our business travel, especially air travel. There is much to gain here! The motto is: travel less, travel differently (with more sustainable forms of transportation such as trains) and as a final step: compensate.
2. Energy – building
The building in Amsterdam Science Park is being renovated and, upon completion (mid-2023), will be able to “get off the gas grid,” thanks to good insulation and reuse of residual heat from the Nikhef data center. Cooling will be provided by a sustainable cold source in the ground. Electricity is already being purchased sustainably by Nikhef (renewable energy generated in the Netherlands).
3. Waste
Nikhef is working to reduce waste streams. Together with our partners at the Amsterdam Science Park, we are working on separate waste collection and setting up a central environmental square. Sustainable procurement is part of this ambition. For example, Nikhef will include sustainability as a criterion in tenders.
4. Behaviour/attitude
Sustainability is achieved through change in attitude and behavior. Within Nikhef, we therefore address each other on this topic.
5. Primary process – (astro)particle physics
In our scientific activities, we pay structural attention to the sustainability of our experiments. For example, on the efficient use of computing. The topic is put on the agenda at our scientific meetings.
Read the interviews with Nikhef’s sustainability ambassadors about the pillars
Want to know more about these pillars, please get in touch with us.