The concept of strong sustainability as a guideline

Grafik mit den 17 Zielen zur NachhaltigkeitBundesregierung
Die 17 globalen Zielen für eine bessere Zukunft

We recognize that protecting the natural foundations of life is a top priority and that a socially just society can only be created if our natural foundations of life and social peace are safeguarded.  

With this in mind, we are guided by the 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to which the global community has committed itself under the umbrella of the United Nations (UN) in the 2030 Agenda.

In order to live up to our role model function as an international center of science, study and work, we want to make our contribution to achieving these goals. We know that we are still a long way from reaching our goal, but we have decided to set out on the path to becoming a sustainable community.

 

Our focus areas

In our research, we contribute in particular to the SDGs Affordable and Clean Energy (7), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (9) and Sustainable Consumption and Production (12). And in line with the unity of research and teaching, these areas are also a focus of our teaching.

Sustainability in all areas

As a university, however, we do not want to become more sustainable in research and teaching, but we want to further develop the entire institution (whole institution approach).

We also want to produce and consume more sustainably on campus and, as a university, devote ourselves increasingly to climate protection (13), biodiversity on campus (15) and water protection (6).

Other sustainability goals such as gender equality (5), health and well-being (3) and high-quality education (4) have been part of campus life at TU Ilmenau for many years and are addressed and further developed through established structures.

This comprehensive approach means that sustainability is a task for all university staff members - both students and staff members from all areas. Everyone is invited to make their contribution.

"Actively contributing to sustainability in all these areas and in our city and region through our daily actions - that is what we mean by a 'sustainable community'."