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Greening Campuses for a Sustainable Future: Enhancing Awareness through Living Labs

  • NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, Department of Facility Management
  • The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Research Centre Mission Zero, Research Group Spatial Environment and the User

Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › Professional

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Abstract

Background and Aim. Developing green campuses anticipates to contemporary environmental and health challenges by enhancing biodiversity with green spaces and promoting well-being through outdoor education and active pathways. Inspired by The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this paper highlights living lab examples from two Dutch university campuses (A and B) in order to explore effects of campus greening and related awareness change for students, enhancing future campus management practices.
Methods. In a living lab students conduct action research and experiment in the campus environment with micro interventions in an iterative process. This involves participatory planning sessions, where students from different studies engage in outdoor activities and study the effects of changes in green space on campus. In living labs, campus management, greening experts, and
campus users (e.g., students, employees, entrepreneurs, and visitors) are involved.
Results. Students experience the health and well-being benefits of green outdoor spaces and foster greater social cohesion. Students learn about climate action through the impact of greenery on biodiversity and climate adaptation. This increases awareness on sustainable development.
Originality. Through co-creation in living labs with experts, stakeholders and student participation, we develop the sustainable campus of the future that anticipate real-life challenges.
Practical Implications. This explorative research offers practical strategies for greening campuses, enhancing well-being, fostering community, create awareness on climate action and advancing awareness among students and campus management about sustainability.
Translated title of the contributionCampusvergroening voor een duurzame toekomst: bewustzijn creeren door living labs
Original languageEnglish
Pages197-208
Number of pages12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 7 Dec 2025
EventEuroFM Conference 2025 – Trondheim: Social Facility Management - NTNU: Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
Duration: 1 Dec 2025 → 3 Dec 2025
https://www.eurofm.org/events/conference2025/

Conference

ConferenceEuroFM Conference 2025 – Trondheim
Country/TerritoryNorway
CityTrondheim
Period1/12/25 → 3/12/25
Internet address

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 03 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 03 Good Health and Well-being
  2. SDG 04 - Quality Education
    SDG 04 Quality Education
  3. SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
    SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
  4. SDG 13 - Climate Action
    SDG 13 Climate Action

Keywords

  • sustainability
  • sdg
  • greening
  • campus design

Research Focus Areas Hanze University of Applied Sciences * (mandatory by Hanze)

  • No Hanze research focus area applicable

Research Focus Areas Research Centre or Centre of Expertise * (mandatory by Hanze)

  • Health & Wellbeing

Publinova themes

  • Spatial Planning and Policy

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