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Sustainability

Sustainability

Photo: UHH/Denstorf

Footprint

Footprint activities at the University of Hamburg

The University of Hamburg is actively involved in various areas to reduce its environmental footprint and promote a sustainable campus. These activities include measures for building biodiversity, climate protection, and the circular economy,

and reveal the University’s dedication to a sustainable future. By pursuing these biodiversity, climate, and circular economy activities, the University is actively contributing to environmental protection and raising awareness of sustainable conduct among its members.

Our sustainability activities

Biodiversity

The University of Hamburg is actively committed to increasing biodiversity on its properties. These measures include: 

  • Campus greening New green spaces are being created and existing areas are being enhanced to provide ecological habitats for various plant and animal species.
  • Unsealing of sealed surfaces Sealed surfaces are being unsealed and returned to their natural state to improve soil quality and encourage biological diversity.
  • Awareness-raising for University members University members will be informed about the significance of biodiversity and inspired to treat nature with greater awareness.

Climate protection and decarbonization

The University of Hamburg is pursuing several strategies to contribute to climate protection:

  • Solar power systems and stakes in wind farms:Increasing use of renewable energy by installing solar power systems and investments in wind farms.
  • Transition of the heating system:The University is transitioning to climate-friendly heating alternatives such as district heating and heat pumps.
  • Sustainable mobility:Initiatives to promote sustainable mobility include measures to improve commuter travel and mobility on campus, as well as guidelines for environmentally friendly travel for work and study.
  • Awareness-raising for University membersCommunication measures are also in place to raise awareness of environmentally-friendly conduct.

Circular economy

The University of Hamburg is striving for a comprehensive circular economy in all areas:

  • Purchasing and use of devicesFocus is on purchasing long-lasting and repairable products as well as reusing them to maximize lifespan.
  • Repair and recycling:By supporting repair services and transitioning to IT recycling we ensure that end-of-life devices are disposed of in an environmentally-friendly manner or reused.
  • Furniture depots:Multiple furniture depots facilitate the reuse of furniture within the University, thereby conserving resources and reducing waste.