This year, Avans University of Applied Sciences is the second most sustainable higher education institution in the Netherlands, following Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences. This was revealed by the SustainaBul 2025, the annual sustainability ranking compiled by Studenten voor Morgen (Students for Tomorrow), which assessed 34 universities and universities of applied sciences this year. This recognition confirms that Avans not only has high ambitions in the field of sustainability, but also delivers on them — in education, research, and operations.
“This recognition is the result of years of dedication by countless passionate colleagues,” says Executive Board Chair Marjan Hammersma. “We don’t just educate future-proof professionals; we are continuously developing into a future-proof organization ourselves. And we are incredibly proud of that.”
Sustainability in thinking, doing and lifelong learning
At Avans, sustainable development isn’t an add-on — it’s woven into who we are and what we do every day. Our educational and research priorities are directly linked to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Our education and research are not just about sustainable development — they exist for sustainable development,” says Geoffrey van der Horst, Sustainable Development Lead. “Students, lecturers, and researchers actively contribute to solving societal challenges, from climate change to inclusivity. All of our study programmes are accredited with the Distinctive Feature for Sustainable Higher Education, which guarantees students receive high-quality education with sustainability at its core. That is far from standard practice in higher education.”
Staying the course
“At Avans, sustainability isn’t a collection of isolated projects; it’s at the heart of our education and research,” Geoffrey continues. “Back in 2012, we committed to making sustainable development a core part of our identity — and we’ve stayed true to that path. The SustainaBul now shows that consistent investment pays off. More importantly, it shows we are making real progress toward structural change. Our goal is a sustainable future in which we live within the limits of our planet.”
From programme to network
In recent years, Avans has achieved a great deal through the Avans Duurzaam programme — from solar panels on rooftops to EV charging stations in car parks, and from sustainable procurement to accreditation in education. That phase is now behind us. The sustainability challenges we face today are more complex and involve competing interests within the organization.
Geoffrey van der Horst
“To navigate that complexity, collaboration is crucial,” Geoffrey explains. “That’s why we now work with the SDG Network — a group of colleagues from various disciplines and domains who jointly steer the ongoing sustainability efforts at Avans. This network-based approach is a logical next step after the Avans Duurzaam programme because it allows us to organize sustainability in an integrated way.”
Geoffrey adds: “The SDG Network also enabled Avans to submit a clearer and more cohesive sustainability report. That stronger narrative undoubtedly contributed to our higher SustainaBul score.”
Sustainable operations
In the SustainaBul, Avans received a good score in the category of operations. “That’s a fantastic recognition for all our colleagues and students who work every day to create a sustainable working environment,” says Maurice van Boxtel, Coordinator of Sustainable Operations. “It shows that sustainability is deeply embedded in how we work — from procurement and project management to implementation on the ground.”
“We work from a clear foundation. Sustainability isn’t a side project; it’s a natural part of the way we operate,” Maurice explains. “We constantly ask ourselves: how can we do this better? That applies just as much to contract management as it does to facilities and procurement. By making sustainable choices the standard, we make a real impact — in both small and large ways.”
In October 2024, Maurice van Boxtel and Arlène Denissen (member of the Executive Board) signed the Manifesto for Socially Responsible Commissioning and Procurement on behalf of Avans
Maurice believes Avans’ strength lies in combining ambition with realism. “We keep our eyes on the future while staying critically aware of the present. Especially in times of financial pressure, it’s essential to stay the course. That sometimes means making tough choices, but we continue to invest in what truly matters.”
Not a final result, but a milestone
While the future presents financial challenges, Maurice believes our sustainability goals remain within reach: “Our ambitions are realistic and achievable, as long as we continue to collaborate, prioritize, and support each other.”
The SustainaBul is not an endpoint but a progress marker. The annual assessment offers insights into where we stand — and keeps us sharp. Every year, the bar is raised — and that’s exactly the point. “Sustainability is a continuous process,” Geoffrey concludes. “There is always room for improvement. For example, we don’t always know what others within the organization are doing, or how we can better align with one another. I also believe Avans should more often take the lead as a commissioning body and testing ground for sustainable innovation. What we’re doing well is treating sustainable development as a collective responsibility. It’s not just about metrics or rankings — it’s about mindset and behavior. Everyone contributes.”
About the SustainaBul
The SustainaBul is the annual ranking of sustainable universities and universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands, established in 2012 by Studenten voor Morgen. Students and education professionals assess each institution on sustainability across four categories: vision, education, research, and operations. The ranking helps prospective students make informed study choices based on institutions' sustainability performance. At the same time, it promotes collaboration between institutions, accelerating the transition toward sustainable higher education.