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Sustainability at HAS green academy

At HAS green academy, we explore the future of agro, food and the living environment. Every day, students, lecturers, researchers and staff work together on solutions that contribute to a world in which people, animals and plants live in balance. Whatever your motivation—whether it’s improving animal welfare, creating healthier eating habits or making a family business future-proof—here you learn how to take your place as an active explorer of change.

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Education that shapes the future

 

Sustainability is woven into everything we do. In every study programme, we explore how the agri‑food sector and the living environment can be renewed, and how every choice impacts the bigger picture. We look at animal behaviour, the way consumers do their shopping, the design of our landscapes, and the innovative strength of our businesses. Students and lecturers work together on real-life challenges from professional practice. They discover which knowledge is needed, which skills help, and how a curious and entrepreneurial attitude opens doors. In this way, we encourage you to work in a solution-focused way—whether you start your own business, continue a family enterprise, or contribute within an organisation.

 

 

Research that drives progress

 

Our research focuses on Healthy Food Production, Healthy Living Environment, and Healthy Nutrition and Healthy Living. Across all these areas, we work towards sustainable progress. Researchers develop insights for the hospitality and catering sectors that help create healthier dishes. The Research Group for Animal Welfare and Technology studies how social interactions in the barn can improve animal welfare. The knowledge generated is applied directly in our education. Many colleagues combine their roles as researchers and lecturers, bringing the latest insights straight to students and partners. This ensures that our education remains continuously connected to current developments in the sector.

 

 

Sustainability within our organisation

 

We do not only look outward, but also at ourselves. We want everyone here to feel at home, and to feel seen, heard and valued. A socially safe and inclusive learning and working environment is essential to us. We encourage open conversations about current themes and welcome different perspectives, precisely because friction can create space for growth. In our policy plan on social safety and inclusion, we have outlined clear priorities that help us to continuously improve.

 

 

 

Our buildings and facilities

Our locations in Den Bosch and Venlo each have their own character and history. At the same time, we recognise our responsibility to make these buildings more sustainable. In Den Bosch we have achieved energy label A and, through an ambitious investment plan, we are working towards a building that will meet the European target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55 percent by 2030 compared to 2014. In Venlo we have also achieved energy label A and continue to take steps towards a fully future‑proof location.

 

The grounds in Den Bosch consist largely of a school garden that thrives and blooms throughout the year. The combination of crops, arboretum and perennial planting attracts a wide variety of animals and insects. The water features capture rainwater and form a valuable habitat. Research shows that the terrain can even serve as a connecting link between green zones in the city. The HAS greenhouse plays an important role in our education and research. Almost all the water used is rainwater, and since 2023 the greenhouse has been heated by an air‑to‑water heat pump, supplemented by an efficient central heating system. With this, we are taking another step towards more sustainable facilities.

 

Together, we are building a future that is healthier, greener and more resilient. Would you like to think along, participate or collaborate? You are always welcome!