Leuphana University Lüneburg - A Climate-neutral University

Leuphana is on the path to sustainability in research, education, social participation and campus operation: In research, for example, with the Science Initiative Sustainability, in society with the Future City 2030 and on campus with the climate-neutral university. The mission statement of Leuphana University is based on the three basic concepts of humanism, sustainability and action orientation. 

In addition, Leuphana University presented its sixth sustainability report last year. Only a few of the more than 500 universities in the German-speaking world have so far documented their own development regarding sustainability. On more than 60 pages, it reflects the consistent further development of the sustainability concept in all areas of the university and provides comprehensive figures, data and facts on the topics of research, education, society and campus operations. Leuphana is considered a role model in sustainability issues. Most recently, it received an award for its innovative environmental management from the German Federal Ministry for the Environment and the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK).

Leuphana has the first and so far only sustainability faculty in the German-speaking world. The university offers six study programmes on the topic of sustainability. All Bachelor students deal with sustainability issues in their first semester at the university and during an annual conference week, they present their work results to the public. 

A broad view of a subject area is typical in every study programme at Leuphana. The basic study programme here is called College. There, among other things, students learn basics that help them with scientific work. It is possible to take courses from other subject areas. In addition, everyone studies here with a major and a minor subject. The Studium Individuale, let students put together one's own studies from various subjects.

Leuphana University is setting an example: A deposit system for coffee cups is not enough: many universities want to become more sustainable - but only a few succeed. Leuphana's concept is therefore an important exemplary step towards a climate-neutral university culture in Germany.

Sources:

Frankfurter Allgemeine (2019): Grüne Zeiten für Hochschulen, online available: Nachhaltigkeit an der Uni (faz.net)

Leuphana University Lüneburg (2021): Nachhaltige Universität, online available: Entwicklung: Nachhaltige Universität | Leuphana