Understanding of sustainability

Working together for the university of tomorrow

Our understanding of sustainability

Sustainability is a central part of our identity and our actions. In a university-wide, participatory workshop, students, lecturers and staff jointly developed a shared understanding of sustainability that describes our collective stance and the university’s future direction.

The result of this intensive exchange is our shared understanding of sustainability:

“We understand sustainability as a holistic task that integrates ecology, economy and social considerations as equally important dimensions. In doing so, we focus our actions on meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the opportunities of future generations.

Our university sees sustainability as an opportunity to be a place that embraces experimentation and innovation, where solutions to current and future challenges are developed, tested and implemented collaboratively. For us, it is both a mindset and a course of action, and takes into account the individual needs of all stakeholders – students, teaching staff, staff, partners and society.

This understanding guides our actions in teaching, research, knowledge transfer, operations and governance, and creates a sustainable way of working together for everyone.”

This jointly developed understanding of sustainability forms the basis for our strategic direction and our day-to-day activities. It provides guidance, fosters a shared understanding and motivates us to continuously advance sustainability. Together, we are shaping a university that takes responsibility and actively helps to shape the future.