Hungary’s first carbon-neutral university office room, the Climate Office, opened on 17 March 2009 at Szent István University, Gödöllő. The Office is the initiative of the Hungarian climate advocate team. Together the advocates have designed the centre (the team includes an architect, interior designer and product designer), which will be run by a set of 5 volunteers and be used as a base for a number of initiatives, including conferences and events for students as well as showcasing climate friendly practices.

On the day of the opening, students and visitors were guided by big black footprints towards the Climate Office’s direction. As you approach the footprints became smaller and change into green to symbolize the reduction of our carbon footprint. After the opening speech given by Dr. László Solti, president of the university, Katalin Czippan, representative of the Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Future Generations gave a short speech.

Following the cutting of the green ribbon, excited students and visitors could finally see how the old university storage room had been transformed into a Climate Office that matches carbon and ergonomic requirements of today and on the top of that, boasts an extremely cool design.

Before and after the speeches special carbon conscious games were organized and János Kardos Horváth, leader of the Hungarian indie band, Kaukázus, gave a concert. Kaukázus is well-known in Hungary for his lyrics that condemn environmental pollution, consumer society and human stupidity.

On the whole, the opening day was a great success. Students and visitors alike enjoyed the games and the concert, and hopefully took home some newly gained knowledge about what it takes to live a more low carbon lifestyle.

Four other universities have expressed an interest setting up similar centres as a result of the initiative.

The entrance to the Climate Office

Inside the Climate Office