Van hier...naar een circulaire UM-campus in 2035
Circulariteit gaat over verstandig en efficiënt omgaan met grondstoffen: minder verspillen, meer hergebruiken en ontwerpen met gesloten kringlopen in gedachten. De Universiteit Maastricht werkt aan een volledig circulaire campus in 2035. Dit betekent het minimaliseren van afval, prioriteit geven aan hergebruik, reparatie en recycling, en het kiezen van materialen en leveranciers die aansluiten bij circulaire principes.
Maar circulariteit gaat verder dan afvalbeheer. Het is een mentaliteit die we verankeren in ons onderwijs, onderzoek en onze activiteiten. Aan de UM laten we ons leiden door de R-strategieën van circulariteit: Refuse, Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Repurpose, Recycle en Recover. Deze strategieën helpen ons opnieuw na te denken over hoe we systemen ontwerpen, materialen gebruiken en toeleveringsketens structureren. Door middel van initiatieven zoals de Circularity Fresk en specifieke cursusinhoud leren studenten hoe ze deze principes in de praktijk kunnen toepassen. Onze campus wordt een proeftuin voor circulaire innovatie en bereidt studenten voor op veranderingen in de wereld van morgen.
Ontdek wat we doen!
Research Call Circularity
In 2024, UM launched a €350,000 research seed fund to promote interdisciplinary collaboration around the theme of Climate change. In 2025, the Research Call will specifically challenge circular research projects. The call specifically encourages joint proposals between faculties, recognising that complex sustainability challenges require diverse expertise. This initiative not only strengthens UM’s research profile in sustainability, but also generates knowledge with direct societal relevance. It reflects the university’s commitment to enabling research that supports systemic change. The outcomes of these projects will be shared with both academic and regional partners.
Swap Room
Located in the Sustainability Hub, the Swap Room offers students a place to exchange clothing and accessories—completely free of charge. With more than 1,000 clothing items swapped so far, the room brings the principles of circularity to life in a fun and accessible way. It encourages conscious consumption and helps reduce textile waste, one of the most polluting industries globally. The Swap Room is run by student volunteers and regularly hosts themed events and has become a vibrant part of UM’s campus sustainability culture.
Bike repair shop
UM’s student-led bike repair shop supports sustainable mobility by keeping bikes on the road and out of the waste stream. Over 100 bikes have already been repaired, often for free or at very low cost. Students learn hands-on repair skills, promoting a DIY ethos and increasing access to sustainable transport. The initiative contributes to a cycling-friendly campus and reduces reliance on car or public transport. It also fosters community-building and student empowerment through skill-sharing and peer support. The shop is integrated into the wider goals of promoting low-carbon living at UM.
UM Transition Platform
The UM Transition Platform connects researchers, educators, students and external partners who are working on transformative sustainability challenges. It serves as a space to share ideas, develop joint initiatives, and collaborate on complex transitions such as the shift to a circular economy, climate neutrality and social equity. The platform also plays a key role in the Euregional rollout, linking UM expertise with regional actors to accelerate change beyond the university. By bringing people and perspectives together, the platform fosters innovation and systemic thinking.
