With the sustainability strategy, the University of Bremen has further solidified its unwavering commitment to sustainability, climate justice, and net-zero emissions. How far have we come?

We are not starting from scratch. Several activities have been underway for a long time in our faculties and operational units to transform the university in a sustainable manner. We were one of the first universities in Germany to receive the EMAS certification (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme). In order to consolidate and strengthen the many valuable individual activities, the University of Bremen has developed a sustainability strategy that encompasses the university as a whole. Our goals are structured within the areas of research, teaching, outreach, campus operations, and sustainable interpersonal interactions.

Do you have examples from these different areas?

There are very many examples, so I can only name a few. The Faculty of Biology / Chemistry, for example, coordinates the BreGoS – Bremen Goes Sustainable project that includes all Bremen universities. As part of this project, the University of Bremen has decided to promote more biodiversity on campus – and there have already been noticeable successes. An example from teaching is the new, English-language Natural Sciences for Sustainability bachelor’s degree program, a unique, interdisciplinary program that combines courses from three faculties. I have two examples from the mobility sector as well. Our 2024 information campaign succeeded in encouraging people to use trams, buses, and bikes for their commute to campus, thereby increasing the share of low-emission means of transportation to 73%. We have also offset the CO₂ emissions from motorized vehicles used for business trips, as documented with climate certificates.

However, as mentioned before, our goal is to combine all these diverse and numerous elements into a comprehensive, university-wide process.

How is such a large process managed?

The main responsibility for strategic decisions affecting the university at large, including finances and changes in the appropriation of funds, lies with the university management. In accordance with the university’s democratic constitution and principle of self-administration, however, the tasks will be divided into the areas of research, teaching, outreach, campus operations, and interpersonal interactions. The involvement of university committees such as the Academic Senate, faculties, administrative departments, and staff council will play an important role. The Sustainability, Climate Justice, and Climate Neutrality Commission (NKK) will be an important point of contact for facilitating processes and networking.

To bring sustainability to life, all employees and students must participate. How can we succeed in this?

We will achieve this when the committees, faculties, institutes, and administrative units are informed about the sustainability strategy and understand that it is a task for the entire university. We will succeed when we, as the University Executive Board, see sustainability as the responsibility of the entire university. Individual activities are important, but so is communication about what we have achieved as well as the difficulties we have encountered. It also represents a cultural shift.

How does the sustainability strategy relate to the application for University of Excellence?

Very closely. In our application for University of Excellence, which we will submit together with the University of Oldenburg, we present our university and its profile, including our special achievements. Sustainability plays an important role at both universities. In this respect, the sustainability strategy will also have an impact on the joint application.