Which actions does the University take?

In its Constitution (further information available in German), the University of Cologne commits itself to contributing to a sustainable, peaceful, and democratic world through its tasks in research and teaching.

The Rectorate’s Representative for Innovation and Research Infrastructures, Professor Dr. Günter Schwarz, has also been the Rectorate’s Representative for Sustainability since July 2021. Schwarz has the task of steering and coordinating the further development concerning science and operations together with the Sustainability Council. This council shall  advise and make recommendations on the development of the sustainability strategy and an implementation concept.

In addition, the Rrectorate has decided to establish a sustainability office at our Uuniversity and has made the topics of sustainability and environment a priority in all service areas within the framework of the European University for Well-Being (EUniWell). The University of Cologne is thus focusing on sustainability and will continue to intensify its efforts to use our resources responsibly.

Sustainable campus – Examples

• Mobility
  More bikes, less cars
  The University has built a bicycle station for approximately 1,100 bicycles. In addition to secure bicycle parking, it offers many bicycle-related services.
  
  Trains preferred
  Travel costs for train journeys are reimbursed even if they are more expensive than flights. A written justification must be provided for domestic flights. Preferring the use of trains helps to reduce CO2 emissions.
   
• Procurement – Switching to recycled paper
  The University of Cologne is launching a tender for paper towels and toilet paper for 23 universities, using the ecolabel ‘Der Blaue Engel’ (The Blue Angel).
   
• University gastronomy – Fairtrade- und Bio-Angebote des Kölner Studierendenwerks
  The UoC supports fair trade, earning it the title of a ‘Fairtrade University’.
   
• Fair trade
  As a ‘Fairtrade University’, the University is committed to sustainability regarding food production, fair trade relations, and working conditions. The Competence Center Fair Trade was founded in July 2020 and is affiliated with the Global South Studies Center to promote the academic study of fair trade in the German-speaking world.
   
• Disposal – the occupational, health, and environmental management system
  There is a central collection point for empty batteries in the University's main building.
   
• Energy management
  The energy management of the University of Cologne is tasked with providing energy and drinking water in an inexpensive, low-risk, and environmentally friendly manner.
   
• Green electricity
  The University switched to green electricity on 1 January 2022 and has calculated its carbon footprint.
   
• Sustainable projects
  The University and City Library of Cologne is committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030) by aligning its services with them and engaging in sustainable projects.
   
• International
  Sustainable Internationalisation after Covid-19 - Developing a Concept of Global Responsibility

This is only a small selection of the actions taken at the University of Cologne. Find out more under the heading ‘Programmes and facilities’ and under ‘Orientation framework for sustainability and climate protection’.
The information offered on sustainability at the University of Cologne is being further developed and expanded as part of the sustainability strategy process.