HOGENT is using a striking figure to remind us of an important message. ‘This is John Doe-Nothing,’ says Karen Van Bastelaere, sustainability coordinator at HOGENT. ‘A life-size skeleton wearing a graduation cap, symbolising what lies within us all: the tempting ease of doing nothing. John Doe-Nothing reminds us that we can all make a difference.’
‘Sometimes it's easier to continue doing things the same way we have always done them: business as usual. But as human beings, we do have free will, and the decisions we make today can have a major impact on our future. For example, HOGENT has the ambition to become climate neutral+ by 2050, and in that case doing nothing is not an option. To achieve that goal, we must do what we can and do it now.’
Anonymous victims
The name 'John Doe-Nothing' is a nod to 'John Doe', a name often used to refer to people who cannot or may not be identified by their own name. This name became widely known to the general public through popular crime series, where it is often used for unknown bodies of victims or suspects. In this way, the skeleton also reminds us that we as humans are vulnerable and that at some point we can all become victims of climate change. The graduation cap stands in stark contrast to this, symbolising the future and all the knowledge we have and can use to turn the tide.
‘In addition to the fame of the name, there is another advantage,’ explains Karen Van Bastelaere. ‘The name easily translates into John Doe-Niks in Dutch, or Jean-Fait-Rien in French. This way we can include both our local and international students and partner institutions. A great asset, especially now that we are the first university of applied sciences to be an SDG Ambassador.’
Joining meetings
HOGENT staff and students can now invite John Doe-Nothing to meetings. This allows them to draw attention to the importance of keeping the long term in mind when making decisions. John Doe-Nothing can also be invited to online meetings via Microsoft Teams in the form of a Teams background.
This is John Doe-Nothing.
Good news: you're not like him yet. But you have it in you. We all do.
And of course, there’s a lot more in you. Thankfully so, because we need you. The reality is: we need everyone. Because to become climate-neutral+ by 2050, we need to take action NOW.
And you too can really make a difference.
Are you doing something for 2050?
Give the world the best of yourself and sign the climate plan at hogent.be/2050
With this striking campaign, HOGENT aims not only to inform, but also to inspire and activate.
All staff members and students can contribute by signing the climate plan at hogent.be/2050.