Sustainability on campus: previous successes
- Mobility
Strengthening bicycle traffic
The university has built a bicycle station for around 1,000 bicycles. In addition to secure bicycle parking, a comprehensive range of bicycle-related services is offered at the same time.
Preferential use of trains
Travel expenses for rail travel are reimbursed even if they are more expensive than air travel. Domestic flights must be justified separately. Preferred rail use helps reduce CO2 emissions.
- Purchasing/Procurement
In addition to the switch to recycled paper, including the environmental standard "Der blaue Engel", numerous other measures have already been implemented.
- University catering - fair trade and organic offers of the Cologne Student Union
The UzK supports fair trade and has received the "Fairtrade University" award for this.
- Fair trade
As a "Fairtrade University", the university is committed to sustainability in food production, fair trade relations and working conditions. The Fair Trade Competence Center was founded in July 2020 and affiliated with the Global South Studies Center to promote the academic study of fair trade in German-speaking countries.
- Disposal – the occupational health and safety and environmental protection management system.
There is a central collection point for empty batteries in the university's main building.
- Energy Management
The energy management (German only) of the University of Cologne has the task to provide cheap, low-risk and environmentally friendly energy and drinking water
- Green electricity
The university switched to green electricity on 1.1.2022 and has determined its CO2 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