As a company and as a university, we are aware of our special responsibility towards future generations and act accordingly.
Our guiding principle.
We live and teach sustainability and are
committed to society and the environment.
Our sustainability strategy
Our understanding of sustainability
Our understanding of sustainability follows the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 17 main goals and 169 sub-goals are summarised in the 2030 Agenda and are aimed at governments of all countries, the private sector and civil society. The SDGs cover the three central dimensions of sustainability: Environmental, social and economic sustainability.
As a university, we are focusing our attention on the fourth key goal: to ensure inclusive, equitable and quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Our sustainability strategy
How did our strategy emerge?
The specific fields of action of our sustainability strategy are based on the German, university-specific sustainability code HOCH-N. In each of the following six fields of action, four sustainability goals have been formulated.
Teaching
We want to motivate and enable students to act
sustainably.
Research
We want to generate and share knowledge on
applications of sustainability.
Ecology
We continue to develop our university while
protecting the natural resources.
Social
We assume social responsibility towards our
students and staff.
Transfer
We exchange knowledge and experience beyond
our university and thus promote the sustainable
development of society.
Governance
We anchor sustainability as a cross-sectional task in
all areas and activities of the university.
566
reforestation certificates in Brazil bought
2019
we are climate neutral university since then
566
trees were planted in the German black forest
Certifiertified by FZ
We are climate neutral
For our carbon footprint, we have collected and offset our greenhouse gas emissions from 2019 and 2020 through 566 certificates for a recognised rainforest conservation project in Brazil. In addition, we have planted 566 native trees in the German Black Forest. Through measures in the field of ecology, we will further reduce our greenhouse gas emissions in the coming years. A calculation of our carbon footprint, and thus the evaluation and adjustment of our measures, is carried out regularly every 2 years.
Digital Sustainability Report
What have we achieved so far?
Explore our digital sustainability report to discover the pioneering measures we have already implemented for a greener and more livable future. From integrating sustainability content into our study programmes and inaugurating our own beehives to hosting inspiring sustainability conferences, learn more about our successes and ongoing projects.