Circularity, Climate and Community
On the road to a sustainable Maastricht University by 2035
The road to sustainability is certainly not a one-way street and cannot be walked in just one day. Walking the road together takes time and requires dedication and cooperation.
At Maastricht University, we’re taking concrete steps towards a a climate-neutral university, a circular campus and a thriving community by 2035.
Why these ambitions
Although the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent an important step forward by the United Nations, they are too broad to fully support the sustainability ambitions of an institution like UM. In addition, the SDGs can sometimes be used in a general way that allows only small improvements, rather than encouraging deeper, structural change.
For this reason, we have chosen to define a set of specific sustainability themes. These themes highlight the areas that are most important for achieving real transformation, and where UM can make meaningful contributions through its education, research, and operations.
UM’s sustainability strategy is therefore built around three connected themes, circularity, climate and community, each addressing key societal challenges identified by the European Union.
A Climate Neutral UM
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Maastricht University aims to be part of the solution by drastically reducing its emissions and becoming fully climate neutral. We are doing this not only by making our buildings more sustainable and promoting sustainable mobility, but also by actively engaging with suppliers and partners who share this mission. At the same time, we are working to strengthen our community’s resilience to the effects of climate change.
Education and research also play a key role: students are trained to become agents of change, and researchers contribute to the transition towards a fossil-free society. Through initiatives like the Climate Fresk and integrated educational modules, we aim to raise awareness and provide a sense of agency. This is how we make a tangible difference—both on and beyond our campuses.
A Circular UM Campus
Circularity is about using resources wisely and efficiently: wasting less, reusing more, and designing with closed loops in mind. Maastricht University is working towards a fully circular campus by 2035. This means minimizing waste, prioritizing reuse, repair and recycling, and choosing materials and suppliers that align with circular principles.
But circularity goes beyond waste management. It’s a mindset that we are embedding into our education, research, and operations. At UM, we are guided by the R-strategies of circularity: Refuse, Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Repurpose, Recycle, and Recover. These strategies help us rethink how we design systems, use materials, and structure supply chains. Through initiatives like the Circularity Fresk and dedicated course content, students learn how to apply these principles in practice. Our campus becomes a living lab for circular innovation, preparing students to drive change in tomorrow’s world.
A thriving UM Community
Sustainability is about people. At Maastricht University, we believe that a future-proof university is only possible when students, staff, and partners feel engaged and heard. That’s why we are building a green, healthy, and thriving campus where collaboration, wellbeing, and a sense of belonging are central.
We invest in inspiring learning and working environments, encourage participation and dialogue, and support social engagement. Through networks, co-creation, and student-led initiatives, a strong community is growing—one that strengthens sustainability from the ground up. Together, we are shaping a vibrant UM community where everyone can contribute.
