Sustainability concept (whole-institution approach) of the catholic university of eichstätt-ingolstadt (Germany)

Abstract

The Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt (KU) is one of the few universities in Germany that consequently follow a whole-institution approach with their overall sustainability concept. Already in 2010, the KU had agreed on a sustainability concept that stipulates objectives and measures for the three action areas of research, teaching and campus management and operations. Meanwhile, the action areas have been expanded by three additional fields (governance, transfer and student initiatives and commitment) in accordance with the latest scientific findings. In the field of governance, structural implementation was supported by appointing a sustainable development coordinator, and by the creation of the position of a campus environmental manager and the establishment of a steering group. Since 2012, a sustainability report is issued annually. Approximately 15 professorships from different subject areas carry out research on different topics connected to sustainable development and share their expertise with their students in a joint lecture series that is open to all KU students. In 2010, the KU established its Master’s degree program in “Education for Sustainable Development” and since 2019, all KU students have the possibility to acquire a “sustainable development” certificate worth 20 ECTS credits. In connection with its campus management, the KU was awarded the EMAS certificate in 2015 and it was the first German university to be awarded the EMASplus certificate in 2018. Within its transfer practice, the KU has established a sustainability cluster. The entire sustainability process is supported by a number of student initiatives at the KU. Several awards mark the successes on the KU’s path towards becoming a more sustainable university. Furthermore, the KU has established collaborations with the Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences and the Eichstätt municipality.