Student team

The student team of the Green Office consists of student assistants who, among other things, are involved in the organization of activities, making study associations more sustainable and the social media of the Green Office. Currently the student team consists of the following students:

Josh Bruegger
Studentassistent Associations & Events

j.bruegger@rug.nl

"Transitioning from a Bachelor's in Artificial Intelligence to a Master's in Energy and Environmental Sciences, I've found a unique intersection for my interests at the Green Office. Here, I serve as a bridge between the University's Associations and sustainable practices, notably through our Green Label and Subsidy programmes, which encourage associations to think critically about their environmental impact and help them financially to implement solutions. Looking ahead, I aim to combine my tech background with sustainability to make meaningful contributions to a greener future."

Sustainable tip: For immediate impact, reduce your meat and dairy consumption and opt for a bank that doesn't invest in fossil fuels. Every choice counts!

Harm Verbeek
Student assistent Coordinator Ambassadors

h.a.verbeek@rug.nl

“From a young age I was taught to care about our planet and the people living on it. When I started my bachelor’s in Human Geography and Planning, I was excited to see this aspect also reflected in my studies and within the university. Working at the Green Office, I hope to have a positive influence on people’s way of studying and working.

I believe real change comes from ambitious individuals coming together to strive for the same goal. That is why I am excited to be able to support such individuals within our university in the Green Office Ambassador programme.”

Sustainable tip: Put on your favourite song when you get into the shower. At the end of the song you will know it is time to get out. This will not only make your shower more fun, but it is also helpful to ensure you're not showering for an unnecessarily long time.

Verena Erich
Studentassistent Research and Education 

v.h.erich rug.nl

"As a history student, you learn about how the world has changed over the years, but this is all in the past. Today, however, we can see how we’re losing more and more of our natural environment every day, and we can still do something about it. That’s why I was drawn to work at the Green Office at our university. I want to learn more about the practices we can use today to help save our planet, and to give other students and staff the opportunity to also learn this at the university.

After a year on the University Council, I wanted to work somewhere where I could apply what I’d learned about the university and education. The Green Office is the perfect place for this, giving me the opportunity to help with projects that make education and research more sustainable."

Sustainable tip: Buy clothing and furniture that are timeless and of high quality because they last longer. In general, you’ll pay more for these items, and it may feel like an investment, but you really get what you pay for. A good pair of jeans can last you for years, matches with everything, and never goes out of style. The same goes for furniture, and it’s even more sustainable if you buy them from a thrift store.

Meerke Romeijnders
Student assistent Administrative and Organizational Tasks

m.romeijnders@rug.nl

"I've always had a strong interest in sustainability, but I often felt that I couldn't do much to make a real impact. However, it wasn't until I worked on my Computing Science thesis focused on sustainability that I truly understood how vital this subject is and how many ways there are to make a difference, big or small. In my role at the Green Office, I support administrative and organizational tasks and help think along for making our future greener. I hope to bring a different perspective to the table, drawing from my tech background to help contribute towards a more sustainable future. 

Sustainable tip: Try to reduce your digital footprint by unsubscribing from newsletters and promotional emails you don't find interesting anymore. Also, try to delete or archive emails and remove old accounts you do not use anymore. While often overlooked, small changes like these can make a big difference!"

Noa Eleveld
Student assistant Climate Impact

n.j.eleveld@rug.nl

“Studying Biology with a focus on Ecology and Evolution has given me a deep understanding of how interconnected and sensitive our environment is. This insight drives my passion for sustainable living, which is reflected in my daily choices - I avoid fast fashion, opt for food with a low ecological footprint, and strive to minimise waste.

In my role as a Student Assistant Climate Impact at the Green Office, I apply this knowledge to analyse data related to the University’s carbon footprint. I work on identifying opportunities to reduce emissions and developing new initiatives to enhance our campus’s sustainability. I’ve found that effective climate action requires both scientific insight and practical, data-driven solutions. I’m dedicated to using my skills to contribute to a greener future for the University and beyond.”

Sustainable tip: Avoid fast fashion and explore second-hand stores instead! Groningen has some fantastic options like Mamamini, ReShare STORE and Appel & Ei , all located in the city centre. Shopping second-hand not only reduces your environmental footprint but also helps combat the waste and exploitation often associated with the fashion industry.

Merel van Ramshorst
Student Assistant Communication

m.van.ramshorst@rug.nl

"With a background in criminal law, I've always had a passion for justice and social issues. After completing my master's in criminal law, I decided to expand my horizons and delve into the ever-evolving realm of social media and society.

Studying the master's program in Social Media and Society has been an eye-opening experience. It's allowed me to understand the profound impact of digital communication on our world today. As my study programme does not have a focus on sustainability, I'm excited to use my communication skills to promote sustainability and engage with the Green Office community."

Sustainable tip: Make the most of your freezer! I'm passionate about reducing food waste, so if I ever feel like food might spoil, I simply freeze it, and it stays fresh for a long time. Leftover dinners also find their way into my freezer for future meals. Alternatively, when I plan to enjoy them for lunch, I store them in my fridge and reheat them: that helps saving money as well!