The University of Hamburg Sustainability Office is charged with developing the University to a leading institution of sustainability. The aim is to achieve this by reducing the environmental footprint of the University as well as improving its positive social (handprint) and scientific influence (brainprint). The Sustainability Office is striving towards a comprehensive transformation under the motto “Innovating and cooperating for a sustainable future in a digital age.”

Particular focus has been put on fostering social sustainability and an inclusive working culture within the University. This includes encouraging networking across faculties and departments and beyond, to create an integrated and cooperative learning and working environment.

The University of Hamburg is also striving to encourage a research community that addresses the complex interdisciplinary challenges of sustainability and social systems. This research will contribute to a deeper understanding and innovative solutions for sustainable development. The Sustainability Office places great value on increasing awareness of sustainability for students and staff, as well as in the economy and society. The goal is to support all members of the University in their role as sustainability managers and to encourage active involvement in sustainability initiatives.

Creating a culture of experimentation and collaboration will establish the University of Hamburg as a flagship University for sustainability. This includes supporting creative approaches and providing resources to implement innovative projects and ideas that will drive sustainable change forward.

The University of Hamburg is a university for a sustainable future and has performed pioneering work in this area in recent years. Projects such as the Center for a Sustainable University (KNU) and HochN have provided inspiration in Germany and abroad when it comes to sustainability and also fundamentally shaped the topic.

The chief sustainability officer (CSO)—with the support of a Sustainability Office—is developing and implementing a sustainability strategy based on existing activities and connections.