Greening the University

Climate protection I Environmental protection I Sustainability

Commitment to sustainability matters is crucial at Osnabrück University. Back in 1997, it was the first university in Germany to adopt environmental guidelines based on the principle of sustainable development. Numerous participatory activities and projects relating to mobility, energy, construction, consumption, new work, and nature conservation characterize the work of the “Greening the University” process. The environmental reports provide information about the commitment and the various activities of the past years and show an environmental performance that is understood as a cross-sectional task. All individuals at this university should feel a sense of responsibility and are encouraged to get involved.

Our guiding principle

[The university as a genuine laboratory for a transformation process in all domains:

Research | Teaching | Governance | Operations | Transfer into the region | Participation / student engagement]

A bed with colorful wildflowers, in the background you can see the archway of a historic building
© Anita Tiedtke

Our sustainable campus

A sustainable campus is a meeting point for innovative minds who are shaping a better future with green technologies and creative ideas. Not only is it a place to learn, but also to live – by offering urban gardening, climate-friendly transport options, and events that minimize the ecological footprint and strengthen the community spirit. Whether it is the "eatable campus", the “deposit campaign” or slow fashion: there is plenty of information available and there are numerous hands-on activities on campus and beyond. Thinking outside the box is worthwhile!

Our topics

A recycling symbol made of brown cardboard lies on a green, artificial grass base. The arrows of the symbol are visible and give the impression of sustainability.
© New Africa - stock.adobe.com

Waste I Cleaning

Prevention as a top priority and the collection of recyclable materials as an important component.

Ein Schild in Form eines Hauses zeigt die Aufschrift "CO₂-BILANZ" in grüner Schrift. Es steht auf einem Felsen, umgeben von grünen Pflanzen und Gras im Hintergrund. Der Fokus auf dem Schild betont das Thema Umweltbewusstsein und Nachhaltigkeit.
© Tamara | stock.adobe.com

CO2 balance

For the detailed greenhouse gas balance of 2022, see the climate protection concept.

A hand holds a light bulb from which green leaves are growing. The surroundings are blurred and show a green, natural background. The light bulb radiates light and symbolizes sustainability and environmental awareness.
© thesweetsheep | stock.adobe.com

Using and saving energy

Energy-efficient technology and precautious use help saving resources.

Two people are sitting at a high table, smiling and looking at a laptop. The walls in the background are painted in warm shades of yellow, red and orange
© Simone Reukauf

Space management I New Work

Modern workplace concepts for content employees and resource conservation in terms of spatial planning.

A shopping cart symbol with green leaves is in the foreground. The background is blurred and shows various graphic elements that suggest sustainability and environmental awareness.
© Gibster | stock.adobe.com

Procurement I Consumption

Promotion of climate-neutral procurement and consumption at the university!

Eine kleine Pflanze mit frischen, grünen Blättern wächst aus der Tastatur eines Laptops. Dies symbolisiert eine Verbindung zwischen Natur und Technologie.
© troyanphoto | stock.adobe.com

Green IT

Resource-conserving use of information and communication technology.

Ein Wasserflasche aus Glas steht auf einem Tisch in einem modernen Büroraum. Im Hintergrund ist eine große Pflanze in einem Blumentopf sowie verschwommene Büromöbel und Fenster zu sehen, die für eine helle, einladende Atmosphäre sorgen.
© Fabio | stock.adobe.com

Green office

From green web browsing to zero waste: ideas for eco-friendly workplaces!

Wooden figures stand around a bright green, transparent globe, which is placed in the middle. Green lines emanate from the sphere, symbolizing a connection between the figures.
© Andrii Yalanskyi

Green Days I Event

Assistance in planning sustainably organized events!

An airplane flies over a green meadow under a blue sky with a few clouds.
© pusteflower9024 - stock.adobe.com

Climate protection fund

CO2 compensation for business trips applies to air and car travel. It is available once per year via a collective compensation.

A young man is riding a black bicycle. The movement of the bicycle is made clear by a blur in the background, which shows people and a yellow façade. Colorful flowers can be seen in the foreground.
© Reimar Ott

Mobility

Eco-friendly business trips and everyday mobility!

A close-up of many green bubbles floating in a blurred green background. The bubbles have different sizes and reflect light.
© lin - stock.adobe.com

Water I Rain

Water is an essential resource that must be preserved!

Networks I Environmental reports I Climate protection concept

HochNiNa

The network Sustainability of Lower Saxony’s Universities (HochNiNa) was established in 2018 with the aim of promoting exchange and cooperation between the responsible sustainability officers and representatives at universities in Lower Saxony. COUNTS is a joint project.

Logo Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection and logo National Climate Initiative

Climate 2035

  • Integrated climate protection concept
  • Goal: Climate neutrality 2035
  • funded by the NKI (Nationale Klimaschutzinitiative)

If you are interested, you can receive the document from the  Environmental Coordinator.

Environmental management I Governance

Background information on the environmental performance since 1997. Moreover, the extended version of our environmental guidelines. Environmental management comprises strategies and measures to reduce negative environmental impacts and promote sustainability.

Contact

Jutta Essl

Foto Jutta Essl
Dezernat 6: Gebäudemanagement

Nelson-Mandela-Straße 2
49076 Osnabrück

Room: 95/107a

 +49 541 969-2242
 jutta.essl@uni-osnabrueck.de