Climate and Environmental Protection

The following measures are being implemented across the University:

• We have been using only environmentally-friendly hydroelectric power since 2015.
• We are phasing in energy-saving LED lighting in our buildings.
• Heating, ventilation and lighting systems are being steadily upgraded for energy efficiency.
• At night, on weekends and during the end-of-year break, temperatures are reduced to 18 degrees Celsius in building in which that is technically possible.
• We are working to optimize the times ventilation systems run and the times they are in active use.
• Server rooms are cooled only to the extent necessary for safe operation.
• Hot water storage units operate on timers so that water is not heated outside of office hours.
• With fixed thermostats on stairwell radiators, we keep the temperature there constant at 15 degrees Celsius.
• We are successively replacing energy-intensive heating pumps with high-efficiency pumps.
• We are gradually acquiring energy-efficient refrigerators to replace old models.
• Since 2010, we have been recording and evaluating our buildings’ resource consumption and continuously initiating measures to further reduce it.

The following measures are being implemented in selected locations:

• We renovate windows, doors and roofs and provide better sealing and insulation.
• We also work together with external service providers to optimize energy use.
• We are installing photovoltaic units.
• Several buildings have green roofs.
• A cistern is currently being installed in the Botanical Garden to collect and use rainwater.
• We install nesting aids for birds on new and existing buildings.

• Since 2010, we have purchased only recycled paper with “Blue Angel” certification.
• With subsidies from our energy saving fund, we support the purchase of energy-efficient electrical appliances and other energy saving measures. 
• Among other things, we are withdrawing investments in companies that operate in an ecologically unsound manner (divestment) and invest increasingly in sustainable investment products.
• We are also revising our investment guidelines with regard to the environmental sustainability of our investments.

• We have introduced University pedelecs for short trips, and to replace motor scooters.
• We commissioned a  mobility study to develop mobility management strategies.
• There is a monthly state government subsidy on the purchase of a job ticket pass on the local public transport system.
• A number of employees have signed voluntary commitments to avoid short-haul flights for work-related travel.

• We founded the “Low-waste Tübingen” initiative and are promoting the switch from disposable cups to multi-use cups with our  „Besser bechern“ campaign. Since December 2018, an additional 40 shops in Tübingen have been participating in the ReCup deposit system.
• We purchase only environmentally-friendly cleaning products that do not generate waste because they are recycled ("cradle to cradle" products).
• We have equipped the entire university with waste separation containers for paper, bio-waste, packaging and residual waste. We also collect CDs, pens, aluminum and mobile phones.
• We equip various sanitary facilities with electric hand dryers instead of paper towels.

• As part of the Studium Oecologicum we offer courses on all dimensions of sustainable development.
• Our Studium Professionale/Service Learning also provides opportunities to explore social involvement in environmental issues.
• We award an annual Sustainability Prize for theses.

• Our researchers work on projects investigating climate and environmental issues, e.g. in Environmental Systems Analysis.
• We have set up a Comptetence Center for Sustainable Development to help anchor sustainable development in all areas of the University.
• Some of our scientists and researchers are invovled in the Tübingen regional group of Scientists for Future.