Joint project led by netzwerk n e.V. and in collaboration with the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE)

Project description:

To date, only a few of the more than 400 universities in Germany have placed climate protection at the center of their work. The majority of universities are still responding slowly to the pressure for change. Commitment to climate protection at universities has so far had little impact, as it is often not viewed as a strategic goal of university management, and climate-committed students, administrative staff, professors, and academic staff often act as lone warriors.

This is where the "Future Forum for Climate-Friendly Universities" project comes in, supporting 15 small and medium-sized universities on their path to climate protection.

The project demonstrates how universities can align their structures with climate protection by involving all status groups, as well as through transfer and networking at the regional level. These status groups include students, university management, administration, teaching and research staff, and regional stakeholders. Central to the project is student empowerment with the goal of a student-driven sustainability transformation.

The goals for the universities are:

Short-term: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 10%.

Long-term: Implementing comprehensive climate protection concepts based on a whole-institution approach.

Long-term: Serving as a role model, transferring knowledge, and networking with other stakeholders and organizations in the region.

At the beginning of the project, the participating universities will assess their greenhouse gas emissions and analyze existing climate protection strategies, if any. Based on this analysis, areas of action will be identified and goals set. The universities will then be supported and advised by external teams of experts. Another sub-goal is the empowerment of students as part of the teams of experts. Through coaching sessions, they will be enabled to act strategically and contribute to the change process at their university.

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