Sustainability

Several photovoltaic systems on the roof of the Mensa Cafeteria at the University of Bremen. Parts of the campus can be seen in the background

Sustainability: Fundamental Guiding Principle of the University of Bremen

The University of Bremen has been committed to the sustainable development of our world for years. This involves, on the one hand, taking a scientific approach to the issue of sustainability with numerous projects and, on the other hand, constantly reviewing the university’s own actions to ensure that they are in line with environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

The University of Bremen stands out: For years, the University of Bremen has developed a successful organizational structure to realize the objectives of the EMAS environmental management program. Three sustainability reports were already issued. In addition, a detailed Environmental Statement is published annually to reflect the environmental developments at the university.

Milestones in Recent Years

2025

Sustainability Strategy Approved

The Academic Senate adopted the University of Bremen's Sustainability Strategy, thereby placing sustainable and climate-friendly actions at the center of the university's activities. 
Download the Sustainability Strategy

2023

New Mission Statement Adopted

The Academic Senate adopts the new mission statement of the University of Bremen. In it, the University reaffirms its commitment to its social responsibility. This means acting in a sustainable and climate-friendly manner.

2022

Establishment of the Green Office

The Green Office is established. The unit, which is affiliated with the university’s environmental management, is intended to educate in particular students about sustainability and climate protection.

Commitment to Sustainability at the University of Bremen

The University of Bremen’s multi-dimensional commitment to sustainability as its guiding principle is reflected in many areas, among them Campus, Learning and Teaching, Research, Governance, and Transfer.

Campus

Our efforts to act in a sustainable and responsible manner are reflected in many areas on campus – both in terms of environmental and social standards. Our Enivronmental Managment focuses on climate protection, energy efficiency, and mobility, while involving as many university members as possible.

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Learning and Teaching

Sustainability is at the heart of learning and teaching at the University of Bremen. There is an extensive range of sustainability-oriented courses and research projects across all its disciplines.

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Research

As early as 1976, the university was one of the first German universities to establish a comprehensive central research development fund. The aims were – and still are – profile building, the promotion of early-career researchers, and the strengthening of external funding acquisition.

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Governance

The sustainability guidelines of the university, adopted in 2010, have since been systematically pursued and consistently implemented through various programs, offers, and measures. University operations are constantly being further developed and improved within the framework of the EMAS audit.

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Transfer

The university is a key player in the further development of networking and knowledge transfer between academia and the economy. In this context, the technology park in its urban setting plays a key role in the shaping and development of local knowledge transfer.

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Sustainability Forum on Campus

Marko Rohlfs und Lorena Kalvelage hocken auf einer Wiese und schauen sich die Pflanzen am Boden an. Im Vordergrund steht ein Schild, das über das Biodiversitätsprojekt auf dem Campus informiert.

BreGoS Reallabore: The Campus as a Research Object for Sustainability

What is a real lab? What do they actually do? Who can get involved and how? up2date. interviewed Prof. Dr. Marko Rohlfs and ecology student Lorena Kalvelage, who explain the concept using examples from the Campus goes Biodiverse real laboratory.

Die Obstwiese hinter dem Sportturm

Campus Sustainability Best Practices

The University of Bremen has set out to becoming a zero carbon campus. A number of measures are planned: For example, a new train stop on the route to Hamburg to facilitate climate-friendly travel by public transport. But apart from such large-scale projects, there are plenty of sites between the GW1 building and the Sportturm building where sustainability is already lived and promoted – not only in environmental but also in social terms. Our photo gallery provides an overview.

Außenansicht der Staats- und Universitätsbibliothek Bremen.

How Can You Be More Sustainable on Campus?

Disposable coffee cups, numerous paper copies, a crowded parking lot: Many people at a single one location cause a lot of waste and produce CO2. But fortunately, there are also numerous ways where you can save resources at the University of Bremen.