Universities have a responsibility

Sustainability poses a major challenge for all of humanity. Six of the nine planetary boundaries have already been exceeded, which places the Earth’s stability and resilience under threat. Despite global efforts to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), many of these goals are not being met. In addition, the 1.5 degree target set in the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, appears to be slipping further out of reach. These facts only highlight the urgency with which all social actors, including universities, need to adopt measures to contribute to sustainable development.

Greater focus on impact and impact measurement

In response to these challenges, universities are increasingly focusing on their positive impact on sustainable development. Many universities, much like businesses, are developing visions, mission statements, and a concrete impact framework to define and pursue their sustainability goals. By establishing indicators for measuring impact, universities can drive their measures in a way that is evidence and performance-based, and present their progress ins a way that is transparent and comprehensible. This systematic approach allows universities to maximize their contribution to sustainable development while also continuously reviewing and improving their strategies to make them more effective.

Changing stakeholder expectations

Stakeholder expectations of universities have changed drastically in recent years. Students increasingly choose their university based on its reputation in the field of sustainability. For staff, the sustainability of their institution can make their work feel more meaningful, thus increasing motivation and worker satisfaction. Funding providers, accreditations organizations, and other stakeholders are also increasingly placing greater weight on sustainability. These changed expectations require universities to focus more closely on sustainable practices and actively communicate their sustainability achievements.

New regulations in the field of sustainability also apply to universities

In addition to these changed expectations, universities are faced with increased regulatory pressure. Universities in Hamburg will also have to comply with new regulations, like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive: (CSRD). These regulations require greater transparency in relation to sustainability activities, and may include obligations like the German Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains (Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz, LkSG) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). The makeup of the EU also plays an important role. Preparing for these regulations, including the necessary adjustments to processes and the collection of relevant data, requires a significant amount of effort and several years of adaptation.

Overall, it is clear that sustainability is of central importance to universities. They are not only required to fulfill their social responsibilities, but also to align themselves with their stakeholders’ expectations, and their regulatory requirements. Universities can maximize their positive effect on sustainable development through strategic and evidence-based approach, thus making a significant contribution to addressing global sustainability challenges.

Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future

The University of Hamburg has firmly established itself as a university of sustainability, following its guiding principal “Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future.” Sustainability is a central component of all aspects of the University’s operations across all its faculties and departments.