University of Greifswald Sets itself Goal of Becoming Carbon-Neutral by 2030

Sustainability, ©Jan-Messerschmidt, 2016
©Jan-Messerschmidt, 2016

‘By passing the ambitious climate protection strategy, the University of Greifswald is showing that commitment towards sustainability requires rigorous implementation of specific action. The extensive debates on this strategy have made it clear that we are faced with immense challenges that we will only be able to overcome (of which I am personally convinced) if we face them together,’ says Rector Katharina Riedel.

The decision was prepared in detail by the Senate’s Sustainability Committee and discussed in long and vigorous debates at two of the Senate’s sessions. During the discussion, it became clear that the determined climate goals are perceived as a huge challenge and that the goals are backed and supported by a very broad majority. ‘I am delighted that a significant majority was found at the University of Greifswald’s Senate to pass the climate protection strategy and above all attain the goal of becoming a carbon-neutral university by 2030,’ says the Chairman of the Senate, Prof. Dr. Uwe Bornscheuer.

Realisation of the Climate Protection Strategy

The first step will see the introduction of five climate protection working groups for central fields of action:

  1. Steering group
  2. Energy and buildings
  3. Campus and university-owned property
  4. Mobility, IT and logistics
  5. Purchasing and contracting

The working groups will define and realise specific measures. The University plans to make use of both its own proven expertise and initiative as well as external advice and the support provided by networks such as the Netzwerk Umwelt, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltigkeit an Hochschulen and the NetzwerkN. Furthermore, there are plans to acquire additional funding to cover the costs for more staff and climate protection measures.

The University of Greifswald’s actual greenhouse gas emissions are already being assessed continually and available in transparent form. This makes it possible to accurately plan and implement the necessary measures. ‘The University of Greifswald is addressing the challenge of the century - carbon-neutrality - with high levels of commitment, a broad range of expertise, team spirit, creativity and optimism. However, attaining this goal will remain impossible without external support, including financial aid. I sincerely hope that the Federal Government and the State of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern will provide more support to higher education institutions when it comes to climate protection,’ explains Dr. Tiemo Timmermann, Sustainability Officer at the University.

Further information is available in German here

www.uni-greifswald.de/nachhaltigkeit

Contacts at the University of Greifswald

Chairman of the Senate
Prof. Dr. Uwe Bornscheuer
Tel.: +49 3834 420 4367
senatuni-greifswaldde

University Communications
Jan Meßerschmidt
Domstraße 11, Entrance 1, 17489 Greifswald
Tel.: +49 3834 420 1150
pressestelleuni-greifswaldde


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