‘We have a responsibility to do our part – not only in research and teaching, but also in our own actions,’ emphasises Prof. Dr. Christoph Skornia, Vice President and Head of the Sustainability Unit. ‘With the climate protection concept, we are laying the foundation for the sustainable and environmentally friendly development of our university.’
At the heart of the new strategy are 34 practical projects covering six key areas of action: from mobility and energy to waste and wastewater management, procurement and communication. These include, for example, the expansion of renewable energies on campus, the promotion of bicycle use, the switch to sustainable procurement for office and laboratory supplies, and targeted educational programmes on climate protection for all university members.
‘Many people have been committed to greater sustainability on campus for years,’ says climate protection manager Ujvesa Pronaj, who played a key role in developing the IKSK. ‘This concept brings together a wide range of approaches and experience and raises them to a strategic level – together, we are now taking the next step.’
From energy check to action plan
The creation of the IKSK was part of a project funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection as part of the National Climate Protection Initiative. Project manager Dr Maja Stojanović-Blab coordinated the implementation and intensive exchange between all participants. ‘Thanks to the funding, we were able to develop such a comprehensive climate protection concept in the first place,’ explains Dr Maja Stojanović-Blab.
The concept was based on extensive analyses: work began as early as 2023 to collect all relevant data on energy and greenhouse gas emissions. In close cooperation with an energy consulting firm, all buildings were inspected in 2024, GHG savings potential was identified, and various scenarios for the future were calculated.
A special feature of the process was the close involvement of the entire university community. Experts and interested laypeople from the fields of technology, administration, teaching and the student body worked together on ideas, creating an exchange on equal terms.
‘We brought people together who otherwise have little contact with each other – it was incredibly enriching,’ says Pronaj. ‘It was precisely this dialogue that strengthened many new perspectives and understanding, as well as motivation for the topic.’
Climate protection is anchored in the university development plan
Climate neutrality by 2027 is a fixed goal in the university development plan – and thus part of OTH Regensburg's strategic orientation. The IKSK now provides the concrete roadmap for implementation. It not only identifies existing emissions, but also shows ways in which these can be systematically reduced. A big step towards a sustainable campus.
As part of the IKSK, OTH Regensburg is currently working on EMAS certification – a demanding environmental management system of the European Union. Together with other Bavarian universities, it is also leading a so-called EMAS convoy to support each other on the path to greater environmental protection.
‘Climate protection is not a single project,’ says Pronaj. ‘We think of it as a network – within the university, but also beyond.’In order to further advance the implementation of the planned measures, the university has applied for follow-up funding from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. With this, OTH Regensburg wants to set an example: for concrete changes, for courageous steps and for climate-conscious university development.
Sustainability Unit brings together climate protection activities
A key event on the road to IKSK was the establishment of the Sustainability Unit in November 2023. It brings together the university's efforts in this area and is headed by Vice President Prof. Dr. Christoph Skornia. In addition to climate protection manager Ujvesa Pronaj, the team also includes Dr. Maja Stojanović-Blab, operational head of the Sustainability Unit and sustainability officer, and the Green Office under the direction of Lenz Franzke.
More information and the complete IKSK report are available on the OTH Regensburg website.
