Environmental Campus Birkenfeld—A Role Model for Universities on How to Contribute to the Implementation Process of the Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

In order to make use of the significant potential of the science of sustainability, it is crucial to further develop the science system and especially the subject “sustainability” at universities. Transformation knowledge, as well as trans-disciplinary cooperation, will have to play an important role in science. An integrative and interdisciplinary approach is necessary to establish an education for sustainable development. Environmental consciousness and social aspects cannot simply be added to existing subjects. According to sustainable development, both should be a recurring theme in the whole course of studies right from the start. To be able to cope with the challenges of the twenty-first century on a national and international level, it is important to encourage a scientific culture that works on the future problems of our society across the borders of special disciplines. The key elements to achieve a “highly efficient zero emission university” are the networking of all involved actors, the development of renewable energies, participation in sustainable education as well as the improvement of existing systems. This will be exemplified by the Environmental Campus Birkenfeld, which was founded in 1996. This campus can be considered Europe’s first Zero-Emission Campus and is one of Germany’s greenest universities.