The story about Green Agenda

Background2006-2009 – climate change high on the agenda in Denmark

A cup of coffee

Let’s take this beyond coffee!

Next step: Find more friends!

Complex issues require cross-disciplinary solutions.

Our activists recruited through our networks:

TeachersLaw studentsMath studentsAnthropology students

Biochemistry studentsPhilsophy studentsPoltical science studentsHistory students

Where to go from here?

• Common concern:”The university plays no role in creating solutions for a world that needs sustainability”

• Framework:– Flat structure– Informal structure– Decision by consensus– If you have an idea: Go for it!

Green Agenda was formed

What do we have at this point?

• 10 active members• 30 passive members• An office• A reputation

The age of 1000 projects…

Green partiesOpen organic dinnersOnline forumFundingHomepageRecruitment eventsT-shirtsStudent gardens

Courses for mentorsInternational partnershipsLobbyingNewslettersDebatesKnowledge sharingGreen roofsRainwater toiletsEtc etc etc

Chaos!

Lessons learned

• We cannot handle 1000 projects• We need to focus our aim• We need to concentrate our resources• We don’t need money• We don’t need members – we need activists

The vision paper

• Weekend seminar• Outcome

The essence of the paper

• The university is a privileged institution in society

• The university has a responsbility in society• Sustainability as a stretegy for Copenhagen

University means two things:

1. We should provide education in sustainability2. We should run our campuses and buildings as

sustainably as possible

The new Green Agenda

1. Uni. of Copenhagen must integrate sustainability in courses

2. Uni. of Copenhagen must create a sustainability policy for the campus and buildings

Communication of our vision

Results

• 10 % of the vote in elections• Other student parties adopted the idea of a green

campus• Sustainability is now in the curriculum (economy,

political science)• The university made an official policy on sustainability:

”One of the greenest campus areas in Europe”• The university set fixed targets for CO2 reduction• The university hired three sustainability officers• Green Student Gardens still exist.

Spin-offs

• Similar organisations to Green Agenda established at four other universities

• ”Green Network” established at Copenhagen U.• National ”Green Network” established• Energy Crossroads established

Rise and fall…

• Activists going abroad to study• Ressource drain• Aim of Green Agenda fulfilled

Green Agenda died in the spring of 2011

Which is OK.

Conclusions

• Lack of initial strategic planning was a waste of time and resources

• Think carefully about the purpose of your organization.• Think carefully about which kind of organization you wish

to build: Broad membership base or core organization?• Define your goals and sub-goals.• Analyse your key actors and target groups• Pick your battles – be ambitious but realistic• Do you really need money?• If you have a good idea you believe in – go for it!