Governance

At the University of Bremen, academic projects relating to sustainability have been implemented for years. The university's administrative and campus operations are also regularly scrutinised to ensure that they are in line with ecological, social and economic sustainability.

In November 2021, the Academic Senate set up the Sustainability, Climate Justice and Climate Neutrality Commission, or NKK Commission for short. It has set itself the task of developing a sustainability strategy for the university. The aim is to develop concrete measures for all areas of the university, research, teaching and operations. The NKK follows the recommendations of the German Society for Sustainability at Universities (DG HochN).

As a result, the Academic Senate decided to develop a new mission statement, which was published in November 2023 and firmly anchors the topics of sustainability, climate justice and climate neutrality. The establishment of the Green Office is also an early result of this strategy process.

Tramway tracks in front of the MZH entrance.

The University of Bremen has had a continuously validated environmental management system in accordance with EMAS (Eco-Management Audit Scheme) since the beginning of 2004. Information on energy efficiency, water, waste, emissions and biodiversity is recorded and projects are carried out to improve the university's emissions balance. A detailed environmental statement is issued annually and sustainability reports are published regularly.

In 2015, the University of Bremen had an integrated energy and climate protection concept drawn up as part of the BMU's climate protection initiative. The measures for monitoring and reducing emissions are currently being coordinated and updated by the "Sustainable Campus Operations Advisory Group" working group led by Environmental Management. The university is endeavouring - within the limits of the financial resources provided by the state - to reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions without "offsetting" by purchasing certificates.

The University of Bremen currently has no regular sustainability reporting. Sustainability reports for the period 2000-2015 can be found on the environmental management pages.