In the sense of a whole-institution approach, it is essential to anchor sustainable development in the university structures. Governance, i.e. the management level, plays a key role in this regard. An essential cornerstone for creating a culture of sustainability at the university is to establish sustainable development in the university's self-image and to develop a sustainability strategy. Through sustainability reporting, goals can be set and processes can be reflected and evaluated (cf. www.hoch-n.org).

In its mission statement, the University of Tübingen commits itself to the maxim of sustainable development. It states that it regards sustainability as an integral part of research and teaching, and it uses the resources at its disposal responsibly and efficiently in research, teaching and organization.

At the University of Tübingen, the Advisory Board for SD acts as a central body to strengthen sustainable development at the governance level. The Advisory Board for Sustainable Development currently consists of 25 members from the professoriate, mid-level staff and administration and also has student representation. The advisory board formulates recommendations to the rectorate in the sense of a comprehensive sustainability strategy and makes suggestions for its implementation.   

The Competence Center for Sustainable Development (KNE) is the networking platform for making the activities for sustainable development at the University of Tübingen visible and strengthening them. In doing so, it interlinks the fields of action research, teaching, operations, transfer and governance and contributes to the exchange of knowledge and competences of the actors in these fields. A key starting point is the promotion of university and student commitment to sustainable development. For example, with the Innovation Fond  for Sustainable Development, student initiatives that want to realize a project in the field of sustainability can receive funding. In addition, the EMAS concept at the university implements sustainability in everyday university life and operations.