Transition UGent

Who are we?

Transition UGent is a think tank of committed staff and students, experts and policy makers, dreamers and doers who are all convinced that Ghent University can play an important role in the field of sustainable development. The think tank serves as an open innovation network, in which you can join us in keeping the enthusiasm high, bring new actions and suggestions to the table and stay closely involved in Ghent University's sustainability policy.

'Transition UGent' writes transition plans (climate plan UGent) and monitors the progressSummerschool Klimaat workshop: Campus Sterre klimaatneutraal.

Last year we discovered once again how valuable the Transition UGent network is. Commissioned by the Board of Governors, we are working on a climate plan. For all relevant policy plans, ambitions are set, boundaries defined, and actions formulated. The results are monitored yearly by the Board of Governors and actions are adjusted where necessary. We work aruond CO2-reduction, climate adaptation, biodiversity and circularity. An incredible task, but we could count on many of you: from your expertise, from your engagement, from your experience in the job. It strengthens the message, the credibility, the support.

Meeting of Transition UGent on 29/2 from 12h-14h30

"Courage and perseverance, for a climate of hope and tackling."

With this slogan we kick off the new year. A year in which, hopefully, UGent will once again fully endorse the ambitious and 10-year-old sustainability vision and the approved transition paths and action plans. We face enormous sustainability challenges, and we need everyone to do so: board members, researchers, policy staff, students.

So we hope to see you back at the next meeting of Transition UGent!

When

29/2 from 12h to 14h30

Where

Green Hub, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 33 (ground floor UFO)

Programme

12h: Lunch with Mr Quiche

12:30-13:00: 'Between hope, sadness, anger and fear. The power of emotions in the climate crisis', a performance by journalist and author Tine Hens

13:00-14:30: Joining thematic tables:

  • The role of the scientist in the climate debate (Dutch): Scientists play a crucial role in the climate debate as they have convincingly demonstrated in recent decades that the earth is warming with all its consequences and that humans are responsible. But how do we participate in the debates about the necessary transitions, both in society and within UGent? How do we avoid polarisation and can we talk more about the pros and cons of what does work?
  • Circular construction (Dutch): last year, a working group on circular construction was started up with experts and project leaders from DGFB. The aim is to make circularity more prevalent in construction choices, processes and materials by exploring the possibilities, experimenting, doing policy preparatory work,... We are happy to pull this meeting open and hope to introduce new interested parties to our plans, steps forward and stumbling blocks.
  • Sustainable food (Dutch): Due to declining sales figures in restos and cafeterias since the corona pandemic, it was decided to reduce the 50% vegetarian and vegetable meal offer to 25% again. This can only be temporary... The IPCC, the EAT Lancet report, the Flemish protein shift,... are clear: a shift is needed from animal to vegetable proteins. We adapted the transition plan sustainable food and are happy to present it to you.
  • (ENG) Reducing environmental impact in labs: Experiments were set up in several research groups in an attempt to reduce disposable plastics and the environmental impact of products, reduce volumes, use less reagents and less energy during lab work. Get inspired by these (new) good practices....
  • (ENG) A sustainability summer school for PhD students? How can we help young scientists deal with the sustainability challenges they face in their research work and provide them with tools for a socially-just transition? The doctoral schools course "What does it mean to be a researcher in the 21st century?", the Sustainability Summer Schools and CEMUS Research Forum already lean towards this and can provide inspiration. We explore the options.
  • UGent imagines 2050 (Dutch): A structural vision has been developed to rethink our campuses and buildings in terms of the sustainability challenges that await us in the coming decades. Work is now underway on a roadmap mapping building and renovation projects towards 2050. What is the state of play? And how will sustainability ambitions be realised?
    Inspiration session climate psychology and the climate conversation: KlimaatContact vzw creates insight into the emotions associated with climate change and its impact on behaviour and conversations. Concrete tools are provided to have a connecting and effective conversation to inspire your environment to make climate-friendly(r) choices.

Register

Register! Then we will know exactly how many people we need to order lunch for.

Your expertise and commitment is heartily welcome!

Do you want to join us? Come to one of our transition meetings! Send an email and

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