The university has a role model function with regard to sustainability-oriented action. In the field of action operation, framework conditions and impulses can be set in order to meet this requirement. This includes efforts in the areas of energy and building management, mobility, nutrition and IT.

The University of Tübingen has already been certified with the EMAS environmental management system since 2011. The initiative for this came from the students of the group Greening the University e.V.. Regular environmental audits ensure continuous monitoring and evaluation. In addition, efforts are made in the area of energy managment as well as waste avoidance and recycling in order to reduce the ecological footprint of the university. Contact persons for this are the team of department 3 for construction, occupational safety and environment. In addition, student initiatives are committed to sustainable practices at the university: For example, the initiative Papierpilz e.V. has contributed to the recycling of paper printed on one side at the university and has found new users in upcycled blocks. The transdisciplinary teaching project "Art to stay or Coffee to go" determined the annual consumption of disposable coffee cups and used artistic activities to raise awareness of the issue.