Sustainability Days at TU Ilmenau

During a roughly two-hour forest walk from Lärcheneck to Schwalbenstein with City Forester Matthias Wetzel, participants will learn more about the importance, current condition, and future of the Ilmenau Forest. The focus will be on topics such as drought, heat, future-proof tree species, and sustainable forest management. The approximately four-kilometer-long tour also provides an opportunity for questions, discussions, and shared experiences of nature.

The walk is linked to a step challenge organised by the European university alliance SUNRISE, which comprises 9 universites and is coordinated by TU Ilmenau. The university whose participants collectively clock up the most steps wins.

But regardless of the competition, it’s well worth taking part: a little surprise awaits all participants. 

Everyone is also invited to capture their impressions in photographs. The best snaps from the group walks will then be published on the university alliance’s website.

The meeting point is at Lärcheneck, near the allotment gardens at the entrance to the woods.

Led by Jens Wolling, the hike begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Ilmenau train station with a ride to the Rennsteig train station. From there, the route follows the Panoramaweg trail near Stützerbach, past the Auerhahn and through the Finstere Loch to the Knöpfelstaler Teich. The hike then continues through the Schortetal valley back to Ilmenau. Sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and plenty of food and drinks are recommended.

How can research help strengthen our forests for the future? We’ll explore this question together—with a short presentation by Prof. Dr. Jens Wolling on Ilmenau’s historically significant role in the sustainable use of forests and insights into current research being conducted by the “Holz-21-regio” alliance: new technologies and sustainable solutions for

climate-resilient forestry, as well as the innovative use of wood. Afterward, interested attendees can experience some of the presented technologies firsthand and learn more about the research in an interactive way.

The guest on the hsf “Ilmenau Sustainability Corner” programme is Prof. Dr Gunther Notni, deputy spokesperson for the Holz-21-regio research alliance and head of the Quality Assurance and Industrial Image Processing Group. 

The programme can be listened to via livestream or, within the city limits, on FM 98.1 MHz.

The online symposium offers members of the SUNRISE Alliance a platform to share experiences, best practices, challenges, and insights regarding the sustainability transformation at their universities. The focus is on the question: How are SUNRISE universities shaping their transition toward greater sustainability, and what can we learn from one another? The exchange of different approaches is intended to provide new impulses, highlight opportunities for future collaboration, and inspire participants to implement further sustainability initiatives at their own universities.

Join us for a screening of Pixar’s WALL·E, a heartwarming and thought-provoking film that takes us to a future where Earth has been overwhelmed by waste and overconsumption. Through the story of a small waste-collecting robot, the film explores themes of environmental responsibility, consumption, waste, technology, and our relationship with nature

What can we do with old T-shirts, unwanted clothes or leftover fabric?

Around the world, more and more clothing is being produced and discarded – with consequences for the environment and the climate. Reusing clothing helps conserve valuable resources, reduce waste and extend the life of existing materials.

In the Makerspace@UB, participants will explore different ways of upcycling textiles and create their own small project. Depending on the workshop, we will crochet, sew, cut and experiment. Together, we will discover how a little creativity can give old textiles a new life. No experience is needed – all you need is curiosity and a love of making things yourself.

Curious about sustainability on campus? Come along and experience it for yourself! Visit us at TU Ilmenau’s Marketplace of Opportunities and discover a variety of student initiatives, projects, and teams working to make campus life more sustainable. Whether you want to get involved, learn something new, or simply get inspired, there’s something for everyone.

What to expect: A Second-Hand Fashion Corner, interactive games, information stands run by student sustainability initiatives, and much more!

Come by and become part of the community working towards a more sustainable campus!

Too many bicycles are discarded even though they could easily be repaired and used for many more years. But there is a more sustainable way! The bicycle workshop on the TU Ilmenau campus repairs old bicycles at an affordable cost. Where others have already given up and sent their bicycles to the scrapyard, “Wunderrad” gives them a second chance.

Would you like to grow your own vegetables or fruit on campus? Are you interested in starting a gardening project that combines sustainability with innovative technology? Or would you simply like to meet new people and connect with a community committed to making our campus more sustainable?

Whatever your motivation, you are welcome to join us! Come to the meeting to learn more about the Campus Community Garden project, share your ideas, and help us turn the vision of a community garden on campus into reality.

On 23 October, it will be time for the third edition of our flower bulb festival: We plant bulbs into the ground to prepare splashes of colour for spring.

Together, we will plant early-flowering bulbs, creating not only a colourful start to spring but also an important first source of food for wild bees, bumblebees and other insects. Especially at the beginning of the year, food sources for insects are still scarce, which makes early sources of nectar and pollen particularly important.

Come along, get planting and help prepare our campus for spring.

During the recent storms, many trees on campus lost branches, and some were even uprooted entirely. We want to give this fallen wood a second life. Interested in getting involved outdoors?

Together, we will build a Benjes hedge on the Ehrenberg meadow at the TU Ilmenau campus, near the Humboldt Building. In doing so, we will transform the fallen wood into a valuable habitat for birds, insects, and other small animals.

We will learn how a Benjes hedge works and why it can make an important contribution to increasing biodiversity. So, roll up your sleeves and get involved in creating a valuable habitat on our campus together! No prior knowledge is required, but please bring gloves and suitable work clothes. Tools will be provided.

Last year, we started a new tradition: planting a tree to honour members of the Sustainability Working Group who have graduated from the university. This tradition will continue this semester. On the final day of the Ilmenau Sustainability Days, we would like to celebrate their active engagement and wish them continued success in contributing to sustainable development throughout their future careers.

The tree we plant together will provide shade, produce oxygen, and help retain water in the soil. May the tree grow and flourish as a lasting reminder of their contribution to a more sustainable future.

Get creative and make a statement for greater sustainability! As part of the Sustainability Days, you’ll have the chance to sew your own bag from recycled or eco-friendly materials. Step by step, you’ll create a unique, personalised piece that’s not only practical but also helps conserve resources.

Whether you have previous experience or not – everyone is warmly welcome to get creative together and play an active part in shaping sustainable consumption.

Participation is by prior registration only.

A new term has begun – and with it, our latest update on sustainability on campus!

With a new editorial and presenting team, we’ll be discussing the latest news on sustainability, including: Where is the new Green Office located? What’s become of the ‘free’ shelf in the canteen? Are there any sustainability-related courses on offer this term that you can enrol on? Who are the current student representatives on the Sustainability Task Group, who represent the voice of students at the university? Tune in for answers, insights and fascinating discussions, accompanied by some lovely music and a relaxed, cosy atmosphere.

Curious about sustainability on campus? Come along and experience it for yourself!

Visit us at the TU Ilmenau ‘Market of Opportunities’ and discover a wide range of student initiatives, projects and teams dedicated to making campus life more sustainable. Whether you want to get involved, learn something new or simply be inspired, there’s something for everyone here.

What to expect:

• A second-hand fashion corner. Discover unique pieces and give clothes a new lease of life!
• Interactive games and information stands run
by student sustainability initiatives • Insights into sustainability in teaching and research at TU Ilmenau
• A special plant-based menu from the canteen team, as well as free drinks from Bionade

Come along and become part of the community working towards a more sustainable campus!

In recent years, heat stress has become significantly more severe, which is also affecting working conditions at TU Ilmenau. The Sustainability Task Group conducted a survey on this topic last year. The results of this survey and the next steps to be taken will be presented by Marco Hennhöfer, Chair of the Staff Council and member of the Sustainability Task Group, and Sebastian Illhardt, the Health and Safety Officer. Together with the University Chancellor, Dr Wolfgang Ramsteck, they will then be available to answer questions and listen to suggestions from staff members.

The loss of biodiversity is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Every little gesture counts, and together we can make a difference!

On 22 April 2026, we will be celebrating Earth Day by planting a tree on our campus. The joint tree-planting event will take place at the University Sports Centre, together with the belly dancers and the DaChor choir from KuKo e.V. The tree will be funded by donations collected at the belly dance group’s anniversary event (Oriana X) in October 2025.

Why a tree? Trees are essential to our ecosystem: they store CO₂, improve air quality, provide shade and offer a habitat for numerous species. At the same time, planting a tree symbolises our connection to nature, which was also the focus of the belly dance group’s anniversary event.

Get involved and support our campus on its journey towards greater sustainability!

“Engineering for a sustainable future” – this motto on our website reflects our commitment to training engineers who are not only technically competent but also take responsibility for the environment, society and future generations. But what does that mean in practice? How can a forward-looking engineering education be structured? How can university teaching focus more closely on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

A workshop followed by a discussion session will explore these questions.

The first part will focus on how teaching can be structured to specifically support the achievement of the SDGs. The workshop will concentrate on learning objectives, whilst also providing ideas for appropriate teaching methods. Fabian Bendisch, a research assistant on the ThüLena project, will provide insights into how sustainability can be integrated into courses and taught effectively.

The second part deals with the planned SDG labelling in degree programmes and modules. Prof. Dr Jens Wolling from the Sustainability Task Group will provide insights into how the SDGs can be made visible and clearly communicated within degree programmes and modules.

In collaboration with BürgerEnergie Thüringen e.V., the Technical University of Ilmenau is organising the 10th Thuringian Citizens’ Energy Day, which will focus on presentations on sustainable energy, climate protection and public participation in the energy transition. This event is also being organised in collaboration with the Ilm District Office, the Ilm Adult Education Centre, the ‘Nachhaltiges Ilmenau’ network and Bürgerkraft Thüringen eG.

Detailed information on the program

Join us for our unique photo walk, where we’ll be exploring the sustainable aspects of campus life at TU Ilmenau. The event is open to everyone, regardless of your photography experience! This is your chance to discover inspiring photo opportunities. Whether you use a smartphone, an analogue camera or professional kit – all types of cameras are welcome. It’s all down to your perspective and creativity!

Organised in collaboration with the KuKo e.V. Photography Club, the event offers a great opportunity to exchange ideas, broaden your horizons and capture striking images of sustainability on campus. The photo walk also marks the official launch of a photography competition on the theme of sustainability at TU Ilmenau.

Don’t throw it away – repair it!

Repairing rather than throwing things away is an important step towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Our aim is not only to help you repair your devices, but also to pass on knowledge so that you can solve similar problems yourself in future. At the Repair Café Ilmenau, members of Ingenieure ohne Grenzen e.V. are on hand to help you repair your broken electrical appliances and answer any questions you may have about using smartphones or computers. Tools and materials are provided – just bring your appliance and your curiosity!

You can find further information at: www.ingenieure-ohne-grenzen.org/rpt-ilmenau