Professor Kari Tanderup and state-appointed forensic pathologist Lene Warner Thorup Boel initiated the network and opened the meeting by presenting the network’s vision to promote sustainable initiatives across the faculty.

“We want to create a culture where sustainability is a priority, and where we collectively work to minimize our climate footprint,” Kari Tanderup shared.

The goal of the day’s meeting was to gather valuable input from the various institutes and inspire colleagues to take concrete actions within the faculty’s everyday operations.

Climate strategy and cost savings were on the agenda

The meeting began with a presentation on Aarhus University’s climate strategy and climate accounting by senior consultant Andreas Stounbjerg, followed by updates from each of Health’s five departments on their ongoing sustainability initiatives:

• Department of Clinical Medicine: Hans Erik Bøtker, Chair of the Department Forum, presented the department’s preliminary work on air travel and climate initiatives, based on specific recommendations that the forum will forward to department leadership.
• Department of Dentistry and Oral Health: Health Services Personnel Manager Andreas Schlott discussed projects involving students in efforts to reduce waste and improve energy consumption in the clinic through optimized processes and recycling.
• Department of Public Health: Associate Professor Ask Vest Christiansen focused on transportation and travel policies, detailing efforts to limit unnecessary travel, reduce air travel overall, and promote virtual meeting solutions whenever possible.
• Department of Biomedicine: Head of Secretariat Morten Pless highlighted energy savings and a special climate ambassador program that has significantly impacted the department’s energy consumption.
• Department of Forensic Medicine: Department Head Christian Lindholst addressed air travel as well, discussing the institute’s call for clear travel regulations to make navigating this area easier.

Attendees at the kick-off meeting were also introduced to a draft of Health’s upcoming climate code, which includes specific recommendations for sustainable choices related to travel, food, buildings, and procurement.

The kick-off meeting marked the first step in a longer process where the network will serve as a platform for dialogue and collaboration across the faculty moving forward.

“We look forward to inviting you to future activities and facilitating ongoing discussions centered on the green transition,” said Lene Warner Thorup Boel.

Contact

Professor and State Pathologist Lene Warner Thorup Boel
Aarhus University, Department of Forensic Medicine
Phone: +45 87 16 83 01
Email: lwb@forens.au.dk

Professor Kari Tanderup
Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine
Phone: +45 26 61 60 84
Email: ktan@clin.au.dk