Sustainability Day: Summa goes green!

October 10, 2025, is Sustainability Day. And there's already a lot of green energy flowing through Summa's halls. "Going green isn't just a separate project for us; it's in our lessons, our buildings, and the choices we make every day," says Martine Tornij of Summa's Sustainability project group. "We really should be more proud and visible about that."

Green initiatives that truly make a difference are springing up everywhere within Summa. Some are large and visible, others small and almost self-evident. They all make an impact. "For example, there's the Plustuin (Plus Garden) at Summa Plus, where vegetables and herbs literally sprout from the ground. And at Summa Wonen & Design? They run Woodloop: a smart system for collecting and reusing wood types. At Fashion, they're working on the dye garden; dyeing clothes with natural materials instead of chemicals. Sustainability sometimes sounds a bit old-fashioned, but we already do so much without even realizing it. Sustainability is more than just separating waste or installing solar panels on the roof. We work towards equal opportunities, well-being, and a vibrant, sustainable society. Sustainability at Summa isn't an island, but a movement. It's ingrained in our culture, our policies, and our daily choices. And it's something for all of us: students, faculty, and staff. The Sustainable Development Goals (Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's)) of the United Nations are our compass.”

Summa students are also using their creativity to make the world a greener place. For example, Summa Plus recently hosted a vintage pop-up store where clothing was given a second life. And students literally "oxygenated" the square on the Summa campus between Sterrenlaan 4 and 6 by replacing gray tiles with green. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly common component of our education. "What students learn and do now, they will soon take with them into the world. For example, our hairdressers already use natural hair dye, and Summa Fashion is working with students from various programs on a collection made from upcycled materials from Summa studios and the thrift store Het Goed. Our students are the sustainability ambassadors of the future," Martine emphasizes.

Are you working with your team, class, or location on a sustainable initiative? Or do you have an idea that's already being implemented? Email us at content@summacollege.nl and share your story. Together we can make a difference.