Sustainability
Sustainability has always been part of the Alanus University’s DNA, whether through teaching, a conscious use of resources, or engagement oriented toward the common good.
Thinking and shaping society sustainably
At Alanus University, sustainability is viewed not only from ecological and economic perspectives, but also philosophically, culturally, and artistically.
With its distinctive range of disciplines, Alanus University provides impetus in teaching, research, and artistic practice and opens up spaces for sustainable social transformation. The aim is not only to think about society sustainably, but also to put these ideas into practice – within the university and together with partners in the region and beyond. How urgent socio-ecological questions about the future are is repeatedly underlined by current climate impact research. A “too little, too late” is something we cannot afford and do not want to have to explain to our children and grandchildren.
“Walking upright on a habitable Earth” – this dictum by Ernst Bloch captures the essence and seriousness of our collective social task in just a few words. That is why we are moving forward boldly, doing what we can to “shape society in a future-proof way.”
Till Fischer
You can find out more about the university’s profile and mission statement here.
Alanus University is a Fairtrade University
Since 2018, Alanus University has held the title of Fairtrade University awarded by Fairtrade Deutschland, clearly demonstrating its commitment to justice, sustainability, and fair trade. To receive this title, a university must meet five central criteria that make its commitment to fair trade visible. These include an official resolution to promote fair trade practices, the establishment of a steering group, the sale of fairly traded products at events, and their integration into the food service offering. This commitment is framed by the activities of the Fairtrade working group, which regularly plans and implements sustainability projects.
Alanus Hochschule
The Fairtrade working group welcomes Alanus students who would like to get involved!
Sustainability across disciplines
Sustainability modules are part of the curriculum both in the interdisciplinary Studium Generale, which connects all degree programmes, and in the individual subjects, addressing ecological as well as economic and social dimensions. Aspects such as the common good economy, unconditional basic income, or the natural and careful production of one’s own paints from plant fibres are just three examples of how broadly sustainability is embedded in teaching at Alanus University.
Jennifer Zumbusch
Click here to explore our diverse degree programmes.
Sustainability: put into practice
Alanus University is involved in a wide range of projects for socio-ecological transformation and demonstrates how sustainable development can be put into practice. Two examples are the projects SoNaR and Green Teams.
With SoNaR – Founding Socially, Creating Sustainable Impact, the university, together with its two partner universities, the University of Bonn and Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, supports people in developing socially and ecologically responsible business ideas. The project supports aspiring founders through consulting, workshops, and networking events, thereby strengthening a growing impact ecosystem in the Bonn/Rhein-Sieg region.
The Green Teams project is dedicated to sustainable engagement in companies. Together with additional partners, Alanus University is researching how employees in so-called Green Teams advance ecological initiatives in everyday working life – from energy-saving measures to sustainable innovation processes. The aim is to build a nationwide network that supports such teams and makes their impact visible.
Both projects exemplify how Alanus University not only addresses sustainability, but actively translates it into research, knowledge transfer, and social engagement.
Till Fischer
Academic and artistic projects are regularly carried out at Alanus University.
You can find out more about the projects here.
Together for sustainable transformation
Alanus University cooperates with a broad network of sustainable companies to jointly advance ecological and social transformation. Its partners include, among others, Alnatura, GLS Bank, Fairtrade Deutschland, VAUDE and Weleda – all companies that stand for a future-oriented, values-based economy.
Through these partnerships, the university not only enables its students to combine study and practice, but also intensifies the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and innovation potential. In this way, theory and practice are connected – with the clear goal of shaping a sustainable economy together.
All cooperations and partner companies can be found here.
Julian Huke Our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have about studying.
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