For a Future Worth Living - Sustainability at the University of Bonn
As a university with Excellence status, the University of Bonn is doing its bit for sustainable transformation processes.
With a dedicated Vice Rectorate, a Sustainability Unit and a Green Office, the issue of sustainability is firmly embedded in University management and plays an important role in all areas of its life—research, teaching and operations.
Participation, networking and student involvement are key to implementing the University’s own sustainability program, known as BOOST (Bonn Program for Sustainable Transformation). This is also reflected in its guiding principle, “Working Together for Sustainability.”
The key aims and fields of activity are set out in the mission statement, which was devised in a participatory process.
Quarterly Campaign Months
To promote a culture of sustainability, the University of Bonn organizes campaign months once every quarter. All members of the university are invited to participate in the diverse offers around the topics of sustainability.
Sustainability...
...in research
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in research. Whether it involves construction materials, fuels, sustainability in horticulture or sustainability in development policy, our researchers are working on projects with a wide range of solution-oriented and interdisciplinary approaches.
...in teaching
Issues connected with sustainability and sustainability research also play a key role in teaching. As well as covering sustainability issues through its content, this teaching also educates people in sustainable development through its methodology in formats with a practical, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary focus.
...in operations
Our University needs resources in order to operate. Our commitment to sustainability, particularly in terms of our energy supply, building work, waste management, mobility and procurement, helps minimize the negative impact on the environment.
More information is currently being put together and will be published soon.
Fairtrade soccer balls for University Sports, fairtrade coffee and bananas in the cafeteria ... and close cooperation in committees. Luise Tegeler, Judith Meder and other students campaigned for greater fairtrade awareness at the University of Bonn for two years. Now as the two are finishing their master’s degrees, they are passing the torch. on to a next ‘generation’.
In the 2022/23 winter semester, Studierendenwerk Bonn is rolling out a new app-based re-use system devised by Relevo in University of Bonn cafeterias.
The new Argelander Professor at the University of Bonn is economist Julia Mink, who is active in the Transdisciplinary Research Area entitled “Individuals, Institutions and Societies”, studying the societal costs of climate change.
Plogging combines collecting trash with jogging. In other words, you get the good feeling of making the world a bit of a better place while also doing something for your own health.
Electrified: 100 % green electricity
Since November 1, 2019, the electrical sockets in the University of Bonn issue only electricity generated from ecological or renewable energy sources, thereby effecting a considerable reduction in the carbon footprint of the University.
Award: The University of Bonn is a “Fair Trade University”
2020 saw the University of Bonn advance to the status of a “Fair Trade University”.
The Green Office at the University of Bonn
The University of Bonn opened the Green Office in October 2021 as a central point of contact for the topic of sustainability, supporting the commitment of all university members in this area.
Wanted: Sustainable ideas
We are seeking ideas to increase sustainability. All University members are encouraged to engage in this process by submitting their ideas via e-mail.
A special budget will fund projects designed for example, to achieve sustainable reductions in energy, material and water consumption and reduce the volume of wastewater, exhaust air and waste generated by University operations. Funding will also be granted to proposals designed to protect the environment and which seek to influence the behavior of University members (e.g. awareness raising and information campaigns). Update! We are pleased to announce that applications from the University Hospital Bonn will also be accepted, effective immediately.
First Sustainability Day at the University of Bonn
Thank you to everyone who participated!
