The students are challenged to work together to devise and implement solutions for this issue, which will be another step towards achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 12.3: a 50% reduction in food waste by 2030.
Brabant edition
In 2021, HAS green academy held the first Brabant edition of the ZERO Food Waste Challenge. It involved a relatively small group of students from 4 universities of applied sciences. In this Brabant challenge, the lecturer set up a food waste action plan, together with colleagues, students and partners, for HAS green academy.
The research group hopes this action plan will reduce food waste at HAS green academy in Den Bosch by 50% in 3 years. The first step towards this goal is to look specifically at our own food waste and take appropriate action. HAS also actively incorporates food waste as a theme in education and research.
In 2022, the Zero Food Waste Challenge was continued as a national edition. In 2023 we will expand with a number of new universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands (HAN University of Applied Sciences and Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences), but also with the English Harper Adams University.
Online masterclasses
During the challenge students will be able to follow a series of online masterclasses, consisting of webinars and SMALL challenges. The masterclasses can be followed completely independently at your own pace and in English. Through the masterclasses, knowledge is gained that is important for solving food waste issues. In contrast to other years, the associated small challenges are largely pitched this year by 'real clients', with the feedback session being discussed with the clients. Examples include Orbisk, the Nutrition Center and Bakkersgrondstof.
BIG challenges
In addition to the master classes with the SMALL challenges, students can also work on a BIG challenge from a company, institution or school. The professorship formulates a number of generic assignments for its own university, but specific BIG challenges are also collected from companies, institutions and other schools.
All participants will receive a certificate at the end of the challenge, and the group of students or student who devises the food waste project with the most impact will receive the ZERO Food Waste Challenge Award. This award will be presented on or around 12 March 2024 by the Food Waste Free United Foundation.
