Together, we're making the University of Basel 100% plant-based
In 2025, students at the University of Basel voted for a 100% plant-based food offer by 2030. Sign the petition and help make the decision a reality.
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The case for going
plant-based at Basel
What is the problem?
OUR FOOD SYSTEM IS FUELLING THE CLIMATE CRISIS
Food systems are responsible for around a third of global greenhouse gas emissions, with animal products as a major driver. Every meal served at the University of Basel has an environmental impact. If the University is serious about its climate targets, it must also address what is on our plates. A 100% plant-based food offer is a powerful opportunity to protect our climate, restore biodiversity, and move towards a more sustainable food system.
What can we do?
LET’S TURN OUR CLIMATE GOALS INTO ACTION
The University of Basel has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030. A fully plant-based food offer is a major step towards that goal — and an opportunity to lead by example. Students have already voted for this change. Now, let’s work together with the University to turn that decision into meaningful action and build a food system that reflects our climate ambitions.
Is that even possible?
YES. THE TRANSITION IS ALREADY HAPPENING.
A 100% plant-based food offer is not a distant or unrealistic idea. Universities, schools and institutions around the world are already increasing or fully transitioning to plant-based catering. The University of Basel has the knowledge, resources and climate targets to do the same. The question is no longer whether change is possible — it is whether we are willing to make it happen.
Want to see yourself here?
Join the team organising in Basel.
The campaign at Basel now officially has its own website! Sign the petition and share it to show the support for a fully plant-based Uni canteen.
We kicked off the autumn semester at the University of Basel Info Market, where we welcomed new students, handed out delicious snacks, and invited them to join our campaign for fully plant based university catering.
Many took part in our giveaway and joined our info chat, strengthening our campaign and bringing more students into the movement. It was energising to meet so many students who support our demand, want to learn more, and are ready to push for change with us.
The new semester is off to a strong start, and we are just getting started. Next stop: UNISSA Pizza Night!
What's happening at PBU Basel in spring 2026?
After an intense 2025 campaign, our work continued behind the scenes. This semester was about recharging, building connections, and getting ready for what comes next.
We started conversations with administrators of the University of Basel about the next possible steps for plant-based university catering. We also joined the PBU Summer Camps, where we connected with campaigners from other universities, exchanged experiences, and developed new skills for the work ahead.
And: PBU Basel now comes in a fresh new look as part of the campaign rebrand. You can already spot it on our latest flyer!
We won! 52.6% of students voted in favour of our demand to transition university catering to fully plant-based food by 2030. The result confirms that a majority of participating students support our vision for a sustainable and future-proof university catering.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who voted, campaigned, discussed, and supported us along the way. This result gives our demand a strong democratic mandate and marks an important step forward for plant based university catering in Basel.
On 22 October, the student union (skuba) hosted a public panel discussion on the upcoming student vote.
Our campaigner represented our initiative, made our demands heard, and took part in a lively discussion with a member of the referendum committee. It was a valuable chance to explain why we are pushing for change, respond to critical questions, and bring our message directly to the student community.
A big thank you to everyone who came along, joined the discussion, and showed their support. Your presence and engagement help build momentum for our demand and show that students are ready to shape the future of university catering.
Following a referendum challenging the Student Council’s approval of our motion, the decision will now go to an all student vote. This is our chance to show just how broad the support for fully plant based university catering really is and to turn that support into a strong democratic mandate for change.
On Tuesday, 8 April, the Student Council (Studierendenrat) of the University of Basel voted in favour of a motion submitted by PBU Basel. With this decision, the official student representation is calling for university catering to transition to fully plant based food by 2030. Just days earlier, the Student Parliament of the University of Bern had passed an identical motion.
These decisions mark an important step forward for more sustainable university catering and show that change is gaining momentum across Swiss campuses. Basel and Bern are sending a strong signal that universities can take responsibility and lead the way towards a more sustainable, climate conscious food system.
We start the semester by dropping a 10m-Banner in front of the Biozentrum of the University of Basel, with the same happening at ETH Zürich, ZhdK and the University of Bern. Our message is clear: Universities must respond to the climate and biodiversity crisis and go fully plant-based with their catering!
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Make Basel change.
Your signature goes directly to the University administration. Every name counts. We're 853 away from our goal.
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