International Mobility
International Mobility
With the increasing internationalisation of science, the importance of this field of action in the context of climate protection and sustainability is also growing.
The University of Oldenburg is aware of its responsibility, but also of the conflicting goals of internationalisation and climate protection, especially with regard to emission-intensive air travel to non-European partner universities, project partners and student stays abroad. For this reason, the topic of sustainability is included in the Internationalisation Strategy internationalisation strategy and students have the opportunity to choose sustainable means of transport via Green Erasmus funding for sustainable transport. For employees, there is the option of making a voluntary commitment to to avoid short-haul flights. short-haul flights. In addition, the University of Oldenburg is participating in the research project flying less as a satellite.
Greenhouse gas emissions
The area of international mobility accounted for 4.85% of the university's total emissions in 2022. 1,111 t CO2-equivalents can be attributed to international mobility. During the pandemic, the value of this area in 2020 was 580 t CO2-equivalents.
Guideline for climate-friendly business trips
From January 1, 2025, the guideline for climate-friendly business trips will apply at the University of Oldenburg. The Executive Board is thus setting additional standards for climate protection on business trips. The measure includes a regulation of short-haul flights and the introduction of a mandatoryCO2 levy.
Self-commitment to renounce short-haul flights
In 2019, the University of Oldenburg initiated a self-commitment to renounce short-haul flights. This was initiated by a group of scientists in Oldenburg from Scientists for future. Members of the University of Oldenburg are invited to take part in the self-commitment and thus take responsibility for avoiding short-haul flights.
Sustainable semester abroad
Attention students: Both Erasmus+ and the University of Oldenburg promote green travel for a semester abroad. Travelling by bus, train or carpooling is supported with a grant of 100 euros and travelling by bicycle or on foot is supported with a grant of up to 350 euros. The funding is realized jointly by the International Office and the university's climate action management.
Project Participation "FlyingLess"
In 2022 and 2023, the University of Oldenburg participated as a satellite in the ifeu Institute's FlyingLess research project. The project focussed on the topic of reducing air travel in the scientific sector and was funded by the National Climate Initiative. As a satellite in the project, the University of Oldenburg took part in workshops and surveys and was able to draw on the project's information and communication material as well as expert advice.