What does sustainability mean for employees and students?

Good health is one of the most important prerequisites for successful work and study. In addition to long-standing measures such as ergonomically designed workstations, health courses, and psychosocial counseling, members of the University Health Management (UGM) and the Staff Council are working together to develop a heat protection plan for the university.

To give students and staff the opportunity to get around without owning a car, and with the aim of reducing the burden on TU Ilmenau’s vehicle fleet, university members and residents of Ilmenau are working together with the university’s executive board and the city administration to establish a car-sharing service on campus and in Ilmenau.

Whether it’s fair-trade coffee served at committee meetings and in the cafeteria, or joint initiatives and informational events with the Fairtrade Town of Ilmenau: The principle of fair trade, in all its aspects, already plays a role in everyday university life and is set to be further embedded in the future following a joint decision by the Senate and the Student Council. 

For several semesters now, the digital Pausenexpress has been available to students, and there has also been a Pausenexpress at the University Library and for staff as a free service at their workplace. Since the summer semester of 2025, the University Sports Center and Student Health Management have also been offering an in-person version for students during classes. Studies show that exercise and sports not only prevent muscle tension and postural problems but can also improve concentration and enable more effective work.