A step in a green direction
From August 2022, vegetarian food will as a starting point be the standard choice at meetings and conferences funded by Aarhus University.
As part of the work on AU’s green transition, the University management has decided that vegetarian food as a starting point should be the standard choice at meetings and conferences funded by AU. It will still be possible to order alternatives with meat, however, this has to be as an active option. This also applies to conferences and seminars, which are held at external conference venues hosted by AU.
There is global recognition that the food system plays a major role in climate, environment and health, which can be affected through changes in dietary composition. For example, the UN Climate Panel estimates that the global food system accounts for approx. 30% of total global greenhouse gas emissions, which means that the food system contributes significantly to climate change. Therefore, it is absolutely crucial that AU not only researches green, climate-friendly eating habits, but that AU must also try and challenge them on our own homefield. This effort raises awareness of this and pushes AU in a more climate-friendly direction - an effort that is also in line with the Climate Council's recommendations for state canteens.
The current Danish food consumption challenges Denmark's ambition to be a pioneer in the climate field. The Danes have one of the largest climate footprints from food consumption in the world measured per inhabitant. An average citizen in Denmark eats more than twice as many animal foods as an average world citizen. Thus, Danish food consumption has a climate footprint that exceeds the sustainable level in a global perspective. CO2 emissions from meat are significantly higher than from vegetarian food. For example, minced beef (5-10% fat) emits 34 kg CO2 per kilo beef, while potatoes emit 0.36 kg. CO2 per kilo potatoes.
The implementation of the green initiative will take place in close dialogue with AU's canteens.
To employees who appreciate a good steak, I can only say - do not despair, remember it is possible to choose meat, however, it is an active option. To green employees I can simply say – bon appetite 😊