Sustainability Days at TU Ilmenau

Get creative and make a statement for sustainability! As part of the Sustainability Days, you will have the opportunity to sew your own bag using recycled or environmentally friendly materials. Step by step, you will create a unique item that is not only practical but also helps conserve resources.

Whether you are a beginner or already have sewing experience – everyone is welcome to join, get creative together, and actively contribute to more sustainable consumption.

Participation is only possible with prior registration. 

A new semester is here and so is your fresh update on sustainability topic on campus!
With a new editorial and moderator team, we will discuss what’s new in sustainability, including: Where is the new Green Office located? What happened to the “Take and Give” shelf in the Mensa? Are there any sustainability-related courses you can take this semester? Who are the current student representatives for sustainability in the University’s Sustainability Task Group, who speak on behalf of the students? Tune in for answers, insights, and engaging conversations, all paired with cozy music and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Curious about sustainability on campus? Come and explore it in action!

Join us at the TU Ilmenau Sustainability Fair and connect with a wide range of student initiatives, projects, and teams dedicated to making campus life more sustainable. Whether you're looking to get involved, learn something new, or simply get inspired—there’s something here for everyone.

What to expect:

• A Second Hand Fashion Corner: Discover unique pieces and give clothes a second life!

• Interactive games and info booths run by student sustainability initiatives

• Insights into sustainability in teaching and research at TU Ilmenau

• A special plant-based menu from the Mensa team, plus free drinks from Bionade

Come by and be part of the community toward a more sustainable campus!

In recent years, heat stress has become significantly more severe, which has also affected working conditions at TU Ilmenau. To address this, the Sustainability Task Group conducted a survey 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 as health and safety officer. Together with the University Chancellor, Dr. Wolfgang Ramsteck, they will be available to answer questions and listen to suggestions from employees of TU Ilmenau.

Biodiversity loss is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Every small action counts, and together, we can make a difference!

On April 22, 2026, we’re celebrating Earth Day by planting a tree on our campus. We will plant it at the University Sports Center together with the belly dance group and the DaChor from KuKo e.V.. The tree is funded by donations collected by the belly dance group during their anniversary event (Oriana X) in October 2025.

Why a tree? Trees are essential for our environment: they store carbon, improve air quality, provide shade, and create habitats for numerous species. The tree planting also symbolizes the connection to nature that was celebrated during the belly dance group’s anniversary event.

Join us and support our campus on its way to more sustainability!

“Engineering for a sustainable future”—this motto on our website reflects our commitment to educate 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 we design a future-oriented engineering education? How can university teaching focus more on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

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

The first part focuses on how teaching can be structured to specifically support the achievement of the SDGs. The workshop concentrates on learning objectives but also provides ideas for appropriate teaching methods. Fabian Bendisch, a research associate in the ThüLena project, will provide insights into how sustainability can be integrated into courses and taught effectively.

The second part addresses the planned SDG labeling in degree programs 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 in degree programs and modules.

Together with BürgerEnergie Thüringen e.V., TU Ilmenau is hosting the 10th Thuringian Citizen Energy Day, which features talks on sustainable energy, climate protection, and citizen participation in the energy transition. This event is also organized in collaboration with the Ilm District Office, the Volkshochschule Ilm-Kreis, the “Nachhaltiges Ilmenau” network, and Bürgerkraft Thüringen eG. 

Detailed information on the agenda

Discover sustainability through a creative lens!

Join us for a unique event photowalk dedicated to exploring sustainable aspects of campus life at TU Ilmenau. Open to everyone, no matter your level of photography experience! This is your chance to capture inspiring photo motifs. Whether you’re using a smartphone, an analog camera, or professional equipment, all types of cameras are welcome. It’s all about your perspective and creativity!

In collaboration with the Photo AG of KuKo e.V., the event offers a great opportunity to exchange ideas, broaden your perspectives, and document meaningful impressions of sustainability on campus.

The photowalk also marks the official kickoff of a sustainability-themed photo competition at TU Ilmenau.

Don’t throw it away—repair it!

Choosing repair over disposal is a powerful step toward a more sustainable lifestyle. Our goal is not only to help you fix your devices, but also to share knowledge so you can confidently solve similar problems on your own in the future. At the Repair Café Ilmenau, members of Engineers Without Borders Germany (Ingenieure ohne Grenzen e.V.) are here to support you in fixing your broken electrical devices and answering questions about using smartphones or computers. Tools and materials are provided—you just bring your device and curiosity!

For more information, visit: www.ingenieure-ohne-grenzen.org/rpt-ilmenau