Shaping a Sustainable Future
At the University of Siegen, sustainability is a shared responsibility of all members—from students to faculty and administrative staff to university leadership. Together, we are shaping a future worth living.
80% of electricity demand to come from renewable energy sources by 2030
Target of greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045
Expansion of Solar Energy: Harnessing the Identified Potential of Roof Areas
Expansion of the Zero-Waste Strategy and Paperless Administrative Processes
Reducing CO2 emissions from business travel through e-mobility, "train instead of plane," and reducing business travel in favor of digital formats
Sustainability Mission Statement and Governance
In the broadest sense, sustainability refers to all efforts to shape human activity in such a way that the ecological, social, and economic systems affected are permanently protected from harm—in particular from irreversible resource depletion and growing social inequality. The goal is an environment and society that remains livable for us and future generations.
Sustainability is undoubtedly a central issue of our time, one that is reflected in the University of Siegen’s thinking and actions. Assuming responsibility and serving as a role model in this regard is already embedded in the university’s mission statement, “Shaping a Humane Future,” and permeates all areas of its operations.
The topic of “sustainability” is understood as an overarching responsibility of the Rectorate and is represented by the Prorectorate for Faculty, Continuing Education, and Sustainability.
Governance at the University of Siegen is characterized by the existence of three focal points for sustainability activities: The Schools autonomously drive forward the sustainability activities within their respective disciplines; research and teaching are inconceivable without an explicit focus on sustainability. The university leadership oversees networking projects that extend beyond the University of Siegen, such as the NRW-wide initiative “Humboldt hoch n.” Infrastructure-driven sustainability activities are managed within the university administration, for example in the areas of construction, mobility, and energy management.
The further development of sustainability governance is currently the subject of a university-wide review process led by the university administration. The Prorectorate for Faculty, Continuing Education, and Sustainability serves as the central external point of contact for all sustainability-related inquiries.
Areas of Action
Sustainability in Academic Studies and Teaching
How do students at the University of Siegen learn to think and act sustainably? An overview of sustainability-related degree programs, courses, and teaching formats, as well as opportunities for faculty members who wish to pursue continuing education or network with others.
Sustainability in Research
As a hub of innovation, the University of Siegen actively contributes to the sustainable transformation of science, business, and society through its research. Learn more about the University of Siegen’s research profiles, areas of potential, and collaborative projects that provide answers to the pressing sustainability questions of our time.
Sustainability in Campus Operations
The University of Siegen is also committed to resource conservation and climate protection in its day-to-day operations, for example in campus development, energy supply, waste management, mobility, and procurement. Campus operations are also addressed through various projects and initiatives; examples can be found on this website.
Sustainability in the Region
Sustainability doesn’t end at the campus. The University of Siegen brings ideas, research findings, and commitment to its regional community, while also drawing inspiration from it. Whether through joint sustainability labs, civil society collaborations, or projects with partners in rural areas: You’ll find some of the projects and initiatives where academia and practice come together in dialogue in our collection below.
Projects and Initiatives at the University of Siegen
Big changes often start small: with dedicated people who roll up their sleeves and get to work. Here, we highlight projects, initiatives, and awards for a sustainable future that showcase the commitment at the University of Siegen.
In 2021, the 16 universities in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia joined forces with the Wuppertal Institute and the North Rhine-Westphalian Academy of Sciences and Arts to form the Humboldtⁿ initiative, with the aim of actively promoting sustainability at universities. Humboldtⁿ coordinates shared research interests and pools expertise from both basic and applied sustainability research.
The University of Siegen has been actively involved from the very beginning, helping the universities in North Rhine-Westphalia to pool their expertise in research, teaching, infrastructure, administration, and knowledge transfer. As a member of the Humboldtⁿ Advisory Board, Rector Prof. Dr. Stefanie Reese directly brings the University of Siegen’s perspective to the strategic management of this state-wide initiative.
Commitment to Sustainability at the University of Siegen
Help shape the future!
Sustainability is an issue that affects us all—with your perspective and expertise, you can help shape a sustainable path for the University of Siegen. Whether through innovative ideas or well-thought-out concepts—we look forward to your ideas and suggestions.
Contact
Prorectorate for Faculty, Professional Development, and Sustainability
Akad.Direktorin Dr. paed. Barbara Müller-Naendrup
Contact
