UW/H sets a clear example for sustainability and is the first university in Germany to be successfully certified according to the "ZNU Standard for Sustainable Management". We are thus taking on a pioneering role in the university landscape: We are the first university to use the cross-sector standard as a central management system for sustainable management.
What does the certification mean?
The standard makes sustainability measurable. It provides a clear structure for defining key sustainability issues with targets, measures and indicators. This allows us to evaluate annually where we are making progress and where there is potential for improvement. Sustainability is not just about separating waste or saving energy: It also takes into account social dimensions such as occupational safety, health or a culture of diversity as well as economic components, such as the quality of teaching and research, procurement and regional commitment.
How did the process work?
Since August 2024, university members from various status groups have identified key sustainability topics in several workshops. The results have been incorporated into a materiality matrix - the quality of teaching and research and climate protection were highlighted as key areas of action. On this basis, we formulated goals and measures that build on the university development plan, the climate protection concept and the Sustainable Development Roadmap, among others.
An internal audit was carried out to check whether UW/H meets all the requirements of the ZNU standard in the areas of management, environment, economy and social affairs. The external audit by TÜV Rheinland Cert then confirmed that we comply with all the criteria of the standard, meaning that certification was successfully completed.
What happens next?
The ZNU certification is the start of a dynamic improvement process. The information and recommendations from the audit are now being systematically addressed and implemented. A re-audit will follow in 2026 to review progress and set new targets. There will then be a more extensive audit every three years. Over time, more and more indicators will be recorded to track the sustainability development of UW/H.
A big thank you goes to ZNU Director Dr. Christian Geßner and Rebecca Ehrengruber from fjol GmbH, who provided UW/H with intensive support and advice in preparing for certification, the Sustainability Networking Office, which was in charge of the process, and all colleagues from various departments and status groups who actively participated in the certification process.
If you have any questions, suggestions or ideas for helping to shape the process, please do not hesitate to contact the Sustainability Networking Office. Your contacts are Stella Bünger and Lukas Stahl: nachhaltigkeit@uni-wh.de