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Creatively shifting the norm

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Liesbeth Bos and Marije van Bommel are working hard on sustainability in education. During the 3rd knowledge-sharing meeting for sustainability coordinators in the SustainaBul MBO network, they shared their experiences at MBO Utrecht, an educational institution with about 5,500 students and 550 employees. What can we learn from their creative approach to shifting the norm? 

A strategic direction with sustainability as a compass 

It began with a strategic direction from the Executive Board, aimed at encouraging students to contribute to a more tolerant and sustainable society. To put this strategy into practice, Liesbeth and Marije set up a Green Team, consisting of enthusiastic employees from different layers of the organization. The goals of this Green Team were to advise, inspire and connect in the field of sustainability. Two concrete projects were also started, namely making catering more sustainable and integrating sustainability into education.  

In inspiring, the Green Team let their creativity run wild. They organized actions such as planting flower bulbs and a tree on the school grounds. They also introduced the "Week Without Meat and Dairy," with a tasting and conversation starters to spark conversation about sustainability. Free fruits and vegetables were offered, leading to a positive atmosphere. Students were given a challenge to come up with a plant-based snack for the cafeteria. 

The challenges along the way 

The path to sustainability was not without its bumps. Engaging teachers proved challenging, as they often struggle with a lack of time. And despite the board's fine vision, it was difficult to structurally embed sustainability in annual plans. Still, Liesbeth and Marije did not give up. They were inspired by the inaugural address of Jan Willem Bolderdijk, who argued that there is often more change than we think. They remained persistent in putting sustainability on the map. 

Lessons for sustainability ambassadors 

What can other educational institutions learn from MBO Utrecht? Three key lessons: 

  1. Seek support at all levels: from the Executive Board to support services. Sustainability is a shared responsibility.
  2. Be creative and dare to step outside the box: Ludic actions and challenges to students can shift the norm.
  3. Persevere, even when things are sometimes difficult: Sustainability is a long-term journey. Provide mutual support and continue to inspire.

The lessons Liesbeth and Marije shared resonated with the other participants. They too sometimes struggle with involving colleagues, creating support and finding the right balance between vision and concrete actions. In two subgroups the participants went deeper into these themes, resulting in valuable insights and practical tips. 

A valuable meeting 

The 3rd knowledge-sharing meeting for sustainability coordinators provided a valuable opportunity to share experiences and insights. Although there are still many challenges, all stories showed that there are also plenty of opportunities and inspiring examples. By working together, sharing knowledge and supporting each other, we can continue to discover the path to a sustainable future. 

Join the knowledge network 

Interested in participating in the SustainaBul knowledge network? Contact sustainabulmbo@lerenvoormorgen.org (for schools). Or check out our website. 

Want to learn more about sustainability in the mbo? Join the mbo network To stay updated on knowledge, events and inspiration. 

Download the presentation of MBO Utrecht 

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