Sverre Tveitan
What happens when you leave your familiar surroundings and look at sustainability from a completely different perspective? For me, that adventure began in August 2024, during an exchange at Polytechnique Montreal. What I learned there, I want to share - with you.
"From the Netherlands to Montreal: How an international experience changed my perspective on sustainability"
Learning in a new world
From August 2024, I participated in an international exchange programme at Polytechnique Montreal in Canada. I took courses within the Sustainable Development Cluster, such as Mining Operations, Sustainable Transportation Planning and Life Cycle Analysis.
This period offered more than just academic depth. It was a unique opportunity to experience how my field plays a role in the global energy transition and how that role looks different outside the Netherlands.
Sustainability through a North American lens
One of the most valuable aspects of my exchange was the opportunity to study sustainability from a North American perspective. Unlike Europe, in Canada the emphasis is often more on balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship, which provided an interesting contrast. These insights enriched my understanding of global sustainability challenges and prepared me for a career in which I will work with a variety of international stakeholders.
The invisible link: sustainable mining
My choice to follow "Mining Operations" was deliberate, as this topic is essential for the energy transition, but often underexposed in the Netherlands. Canada, with its rich mining history and expertise, provided an ideal environment to learn about the challenges and opportunities within this sector. My understanding of how sustainable mining can contribute to the production of critical materials for renewable energy, such as rare earths, was greatly enhanced. This will enable me to raise the profile of this topic later in my career in the Netherlands.
Collaborating across borders
The interdisciplinary format of the courses and the international composition of the student group helped me develop new ways of thinking and working together. Discussions with fellow students from countries such as Sweden, Germany and Italy have increased my understanding of how different cultures deal with sustainability. These experiences have strengthened my ability to find innovative solutions to complex problems.
Ready for impact globally and at home
Through this exchange, I am better prepared to contribute to the sustainable transition, both in the Netherlands and worldwide. The combination of technical knowledge, as gained in "Life Cycle Analysis", and the social and cultural skills I developed in Montreal form a solid foundation for my future career. I am determined to share my insights gained with fellow students, professors and professionals within my field to tackle the challenges of the energy transition together.
