Sustainability

What does this department do?

The central task of the department for socio-ecological transformation* (aka ecology department) is to ensure that the framework conditions for studying (mobility, food, open spaces on campus, etc.) change for the better. Additionally, we want to support and network sustainable student groups and projects. We couldn't do this without the help of sustainability council.

Several student initiatives for sustainable development are already actively shaping our campus life, e.g. AStA working groups AK Campusgarten, AK Fairteilen, AK Fahrradcampus. A collection of initiatives here.

What are current projects/topics??

We are currently working with the sustainability council, working groups and university groups on the following topics:

1. Foster sustainable initiatives: We support sustainable groups in their membership recruitment through information events such as the first semester welcome, AKK events, etc. There are currently many projects underway that have great potential for sustainable transformation. We need more interested and motivated students to get involved to make them true.
2. Mobility: From bicycle racks, public transport services (e.g. the successful contract between the AStA and Nextbike) to a barrier-free campus design, we are thinking about the mobility of students and employees. A lot can be changed at a very local level, especially in the mobility sector.
3. Food: With the aim of making the food supply more sustainable, many adjustments can be made, e.g. through discussions with the Studierendenwerk regarding the Mensa and with KIT regarding catering.
4. Energy:This sector has probable the greatest environmental impact of a very high energy demanding organization like KIT. We push a fast and thorough development of efficient management, build up of renewables like photovoltaic systems on ALL suitable surfaces at KIT and many other stuff to aim climate neutrality at least till 2030.
5. Biodiversity: Several initiatives and researchers are already working on this topic at KIT. With regard to the degradation of nature in rural areas, urban spaces offer important and diverse niches for plants and animals. Our campus also has great potential to offer, but more measures are needed. More green spaces would also protect us from the coming heat waves and promote groundwater recharge.
6. Studies/Education: Young generations are facing major challenges. Among other things, the climate and biodiversity crises are progressing and are already having a negative impact on the economy and society, jeopardising a future worth living for humanity. Universities are therefore called upon to prepare students for these future challenges, in terms of knowledge and the necessary skills. Education is an essential prerequisite for transformation processes. That is why we are working with KIT to expand education for a sustainable development**.

If you are interested, have questions, new ideas or any concerns, please feel free to write to us. Committed students are needed everywhere, but especially in student initiatives that are committed to a more sustainable KIT, because there is a lot to do! Get involved for a greener KIT!

* Why the name? Young generations are facing major challenges because the current development of our society is not sustainable. Among other things, the climate and biodiversity crises are progressing, already having a negative impact on the economy and society and jeopardising a future worth living for humanity. Economic, social and ecological issues are closely interlinked. There can be no economy without a society, there can be no society without a healthy environment and the environment is inevitably strongly influenced globally by humans. The student body and KIT can also set an example at local level and have an important influence on the students, on the city, at national and international level. KIT does not yet fulfill this responsibility, which is why the department is also committed to push towards a socio-ecological transformation. ** The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) briefly defines Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) as "[an education that enables people to think and act in a future-proof/sustainable way. It enables each individual to understand the impact of their own actions on the world]."