New network for sustainability invites to kick-off meeting

A new network focused on sustainability is being launched at Health. The network aims to reduce the faculty's carbon footprint and will serve as a platform for collaboration and dialogue on sustainable solutions.

Professor Kari Tanderup is one of the initiators of the network. She emphasizes the importance of integrating sustainability across all faculty activities:

"We want to create a culture where sustainability is in focus, and we work together to minimize our carbon footprint—whether in relation to travel, building design, or the small decisions we make every day," she says.

Co-initiator, Professor Lene Warner Thorup Boel, believes it is essential to engage the entire faculty:

"We hope the network can inspire action and foster a shared understanding of how to implement sustainable solutions in our work, regardless of which institute or department we belong to," she says.

A first step toward a more sustainable future

The kick-off meeting marks the beginning of a longer process where the new Sustainability Network will play a central role in promoting green initiatives at Health.

"We want as many employees as possible to help shape this process. There are many ideas and initiatives already in motion, and now it's about combining efforts and creating a shared direction," says Lene Warner Thorup Boel.

The network is not just for those already working on sustainability— all Health employees are encouraged to participate and share their ideas.

"We need all the good forces that want to help create a more sustainable future for our workplace and society," says Kari Tanderup.

What is the status of the university's climate strategy?

The Sustainability Network invites you to its first official kick-off meeting, which will take place in the Merete Barker Auditorium on October 30, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM. The planning group promises an inspiring event with presentations and engaging discussions.

On the day, Senior Consultant Andreas Stounbjerg from the University Leadership Office will present Aarhus University's climate strategy and carbon accounting. Afterwards, representatives from the various institutes at Health will provide updates on their ongoing sustainability initiatives.

"It’s important that we align our efforts at Health with the overall strategy of the university. We are part of a larger whole, and our actions should reflect that," says Lene Warner Thorup Boel.

A code of conduct in development

Additionally, participants will be introduced to a preliminary draft of the faculty’s climate code, focusing on areas such as travel, food, buildings, and procurement. The aim of the meeting is to involve employees and create a bottom-up approach where the code reflects shared ambitions.

"We’ve been working on developing a climate code for Health that will help us think more climate-consciously in everything we do. It’s not just about big decisions, but also about taking responsibility in smaller ways—for example, when choosing modes of transport or considering how we use office spaces and meeting rooms. We would love to involve more committed colleagues in this," says Kari Tanderup.

"We want to engage employees in the process so that it becomes a genuine bottom-up approach, where we collectively create a code that fits our needs and ambitions," explains Lene Warner Thorup Boel.

Furthermore, the network will discuss how to address dilemmas in climate efforts.

"Aarhus University’s climate strategy focuses on reducing air travel, but at the same time, international collaboration is a cornerstone of the university. This is an important discussion that we should address in the development of the climate code," says Kari Tanderup.

Kontakt

Professor and chief forensic pathologist Lene Warner Thorup Boel
Aarhus University, Department of Forensic Medicine
Phone: +45 87 16 83 01
Email: lwb@forens.au.dk

Professor Kari Tanderup
Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine
Phone: +45 26 61 60 84
Email: ktan@clin.au.dk