What have been big milestones for you?

Big milestones for me have been that we have really brought sustainability to the attention of UM, that more and more people want to contribute to it and that there is also a budget for it. Of course, also the current news reports helped to speed things up.

Sustainable UM 2030 helped develop the UM-wide minor in Sustainability. Do you think the minor is a good addition to this preparation for students?

Definitely. The most valuable thing about the UM-wide minor sustainability is that a team from different disciplines worked on it. All faculties, across different disciplines, have formulated the programme of the minor. And it also includes a project assignment, so students can actually work on solutions. Every student should take that minor, it would even be interesting for staff members.

What many people don't realise is that sustainability is very complex. What do you think is the biggest challenge in sustainability?

Patience, experimenting and eventually daring to make choices. The most important thing for such a complex issue, as integrating sustainability, is to always enter into dialogue with different parties. It is important, that right from the start, we share the different views and insights with each other, so together, we can come to a supported solution. If you look at the current education programme of students, it’s very valuable that now students are taught to bring together the different perspectives and that eventually choices have to be made. It can sometimes be a long and difficult process.

Choices are often made too quickly that in hindsight were not so sustainable...

If something is organic, it doesn't immediately mean it's sustainable. You have to look at the whole chain. Where does it come from? What route did it take? At UM, procurement also takes this into consideration now. As a contract manager, for instance, you have to build up that knowledge.   

How can we encourage people to be more sustainable?

We are creatures of habit. We need to be taken out of our comfort zone. Therefore, many scholars in sustainable development also say that systems theory is very important. A systemic change has to happen and this doesn’t happen overnight.

Is this systemic change still the biggest challenge for UM?

Of course, because you have to deal with many different departments, faculties and other related parties. 

Do you yourself ever worry about our planet and where things are going?

We can no longer ignore sustainable development. We want a better world for our children and grandchildren. I am afraid it will not get better in the short term either. Besides a different approach, a lot of innovation is needed. It is already five past twelve and the change is still taking too long. Think about phasing out the fossil industry, because we are still heavily dependent on it, converting this also takes time. 

What's important to realise is that each one of us has to take responsibility now. It should not just depend on one programme or team, but it is a problem that must be tackled collectively.

Colleagues know you as a true nature lover. Has this love always been there?

Yes, I feel connected to nature. In the morning when I get up, first thing I do is look outside. Nature gives me a sense of joy and freedom. I spend a lot of time outdoors, biking to work every day and running in my free time. I love to cook and eat from what nature brings us. I also love gardening, but unfortunately I don't  have a vegetable garden. However, I sometimes put a vegetable plant between the flowers or on the terrace.

We wish Anja the best of luck at ITEM. She has left Sustainable UM 2030, but one thing is certain: "Sustainability is in my heart. I will always continue to contribute to that."

By: Sustainable UM2030, Sandy Langenhuizen