Young professionals shaping better environments

Making the sustainable choice the easy choice

Universities are investing heavily in greener buildings and climate goals. But Maud van der Veen's research found a gap: even with a clear ambition to become climate positive by 2030, many students and staff at BUas simply weren't aware of it.

Her conclusion? Awareness campaigns alone don't change behaviour. The environment does. When BUas made reusable cups the default, students adjusted within weeks, no campaign required.

"As a young professional, I aim to shape environments that make better choices easier," says Van der Veen. Her research offers three strategies for any organisation: make sustainable behaviour the default, make its impact visible, and involve users in shaping solutions.

 

Rethinking elderly care through collaboration

Dutch elderly care is under pressure: an ageing population, rising care complexity, and persistent staff shortages. Esmee van Burgel's research points to a way forward: shared care, where residents, families, volunteers, and professionals all take part in delivering care, rather than leaving the responsibility to staff alone.

Making this work in practice depends on trust, clear roles, and an environment that invites people to connect. This is where Facility Management plays its part. Welcoming shared spaces, and simple materials like games or activities, can be enough to bring residents, families, and volunteers together.

As Van Burgel puts it, shared care is not just a new way of organising support. It's a step towards a more connected, sustainable care environment.

 

Research that moves the field forward

Both projects reflect what BUas stands for: connecting education, research, and the professional field to create real, lasting impact. Van der Veen and Van Burgel show that Facility Management is not just about managing buildings. It's about shaping the environments people live, work, and care in.