In recognition of the increasing hazards caused by climate change, environmental pollution and uncontrolled resource consumption, universities have a decisive role to play as "Agents of Change". They lay the foundation for a transformation towards sustainability by moving evidence-based knowledge into action and bringing together diverse stakeholders.
Environmental and Climate Protection at LUH
Concern for sustainability and environmental and climate protection has a long tradition at Leibniz University Hannover:
- 1993: The first designated Environmental Protection Officer was appointed
- Since 1998: Environmental Reports are published every three years
- 2011: Adoption of Environmental Guidelines
- 2015: Development of an Integrated Climate Protection Concept
- 2017: Adoption of the Integrated Climate Protection Concept featuring a comprehensive catalogue of measures focusing on eight main fields of action
- 2019: Fridays for Future movement, creation of various initiative groups
- End of 2019: The Senate Sustainability Working Group (WG) was established
- 2020: Development of a new Guideline on Climate and Environmental Protection with a commitment to climate neutrality by 2031
- January 2021: The University Governing Board’s Vice President for International Affairs assumes additional responsibility for sustainability management
- May 2021: Foundation of the Green Office
- 2023: Publication of an updated and expanded Integrated Climate Protection Concept
- 2024: Joining the Insect Alliance and Climate Neutral Alliance
- 2024-2025: Personnel expansion of the Green Office through mobility management, third-party funded projects, and energy cost budgeting
