Welcome to the sustainability management department of the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen
In its university strategy, THM has set itself the goal of permanently anchoring sustainability as a cross-cutting dimension holistically, taking an integrative view of ecological, social and economic aspects and in the sense of the Whole Institution Approach in the central performance dimensions of the university – studies & teaching, research, transfer, university operations and governance (good university management).
THM aligns its approach with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015, which have been incorporated into the German and Hessian sustainability strategies. Achieving these goals requires a societal transformation, in which universities, in particular, have the potential to play a central role as pioneers and driving forces. Given the scientifically established findings regarding the transgression of planetary boundaries, all dimensions of sustainability must play a crucial role in the actions of every university, which has a particularly important role model function in managing its own resources. THM is committed to fulfilling this responsibility.
All activities should involve the relevant university departments of THM , and students should complete applied project work as part of their studies with the aim of raising awareness and gaining multipliers throughout the university.
The sustainability management team coordinates sustainable university development at THM . Sustainability management and the Green Office work together in a complementary manner, employing differentiated approaches to address shared sustainability topics and maintaining close communication. Joint activities are also coordinated with the participants of the ECO2 project. The legal basis for this includes the
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THM 's university strategy , and
THM 's sustainability strategy .
In its sustainability report , published every two years, THM the current status of its sustainability goals, offers its perspective, and provides future outlooks. The report is aimed at university members and affiliates as well as the interested public.
The sustainability projects within the framework of the HHSP 2021-2025 are supported by the innovation and structural development funding of the Hessian Ministry of Science and Art.
Sustainability management
The creation of fundamental organizational structures at THM is an essential component for achieving its sustainability goals. For this purpose, the Sustainability Unit established, which acts as a higher-level coordinating and organizing structure and, together with the Sustainability Officer and the Vice President for Strategic Building Planning and Sustainability, FM, THM 's sustainability management system . Sustainability management operates according to a top-down principle .
Green Office
Green Office was established in 2022 and operates according to a bottom-up principle . It enables all members of the university to contribute to the development of a more sustainable institution. The Green Office is therefore the central point of contact at THM for all university members to initiate concrete sustainability projects, exchange ideas, participate, and pool, share, and expand knowledge.
Sustainable Mobility
Mobility, particularly the travel to and from the campus by students and staff, is, according to initial surveys, the biggest driver of CO2 emissions at THM. Integrated into the Sustainability Unit, the Sustainable Mobility team therefore aims to promote the use of climate-friendly modes of transport and to develop and implement a mobility concept for the university. To this end, the team collaborates with numerous stakeholders both within and outside of THM to jointly contribute to the mobility transition.
ECO2 – Energy concept for a CO2 - neutral university
Within the framework of the ECO2 project – an energy concept for a CO2 - neutral university – , numerous activities have been initiated and implemented. Among other things, an energy concept was developed as a basis for future action plans to be implemented in the short, medium, or long term, with the aim of reducing the university's CO2 emissions and increasing energy efficiency. Furthermore, an energy management system for systematic data collection was implemented.
To achieve the goal of a CO2-neutral university by 2030, THM THM be reduced as much as possible through energy-saving measures and offset by renewable energies. This is because the Hessian state government has set itself the goal of a CO2 - neutral state administration by 2030.
Society for Sustainability at Universities (DGHochN).