When it was founded in 1978, the University of Passau was designed to be a beacon of sustainability, using energy-efficient, resource-saving building technology and a unique urban architectural approach. Time has not stood still - the university prides itself on continuing to innovate and develop, leading the way in matters of sustainability for the Higher Education sector.
Many of our students care deeply about sustainability. They are active in student societies dedicated to improving sustainability on and off campus. Some go as far as founding enterprises, which is why many of the startups originating in the University of Passau have a focus on sustainability.
Behind the scenes, initiatives like our renewable energy sources and an innovative piping and heat exchange system make a big difference to the University's footprint. Together, they reduce our resource consumption by thousands of tonnes of drinking water and many Megawatthours of electricity per year.
More visible, but equally important initiatives include the growing number of locally produced, vegetarian and vegan food options in the refectory, the many green spaces and trees on campus, and reductions in single-use packaging thanks to our takeaway foods now being served in crockery that is returned, cleaned and reused.
