The SC is full of new ideas for when the campus will be operating in full swing soon. For example, we would love to place beehives in between the greenery outside. We are working on improving waste separation, switching paper coffee cups to real cups, and implementing a ‘Green %’ grade for Practical Education Students if they bring their personal water bottles. I think it's fantastic that HTH takes sustainability so seriously in everything they do. I constantly notice that it is part of the school's ambitions; they really do what they promise on paper. A green and sustainable environment has become increasingly important for students. The great thing is that this is now a reality on our campus, but we can also continue promoting sustainable solutions. The school doesn’t only listen very carefully to the needs of its students but also implements sustainability as an everyday practice!

I think it is fantastic that the renovated campus construction is sustainable. For example, thanks to built-in sensors, the lights now turn off automatically. A new, modern air conditioning system in the ceiling creates a suitable climate in summer and winter. Combining triple glazing, replacing the facades and sustainable materials, it is such a pleasant, modern environment for studying. There are sustainable elements everywhere: curtains made of PET bottles in the bar, the ceiling in the gastronomy room made of second-hand wood, and an irrigation system under the square that collects rainwater in the outdoor area. Also, a little-known fact is that a socially responsible company reupholstered the seats in the auditorium.

“Our mission is to create a community of sustainably-minded professionals that leads us into a future of green hospitality.”

I also enjoy combining my activities as Chair of the HTH Sustainability Committee (SC) with my studies. With 35 co-students, we form an international student community representing HTH and aiming to positively impact the planet and society. Every semester we organise new projects with a focus on sustainability, which are open to students from every year. For example, a ‘beach cleanup’ in Scheveningen or a ‘closet sale’ for second-hand clothes. At the beginning of the campus renovation, I immediately had a good connection with the project manager Sander Lapré. Our Committee was invited to contribute our ideas on sustainable measures in the building.