Resources
Resources
The sustainable use of resources along the value chain is also playing an increasingly important role at universities and colleges. Be it in the procurement of products or in waste and disposal management - there are a multitude of levers for more sustainable development everywhere.
The use of resources touches on a wide variety of sustainability aspects. The measures from the climate protection concept include adapting the purchasing guidelines and promoting exchange, loan and transfer offers. The procurement guidelines of the state of Lower Saxony are also increasingly being converted to promote sustainable procurement practices.
Since December 2021, Carl von Ossietzky University has been officially recognized as a FairTrade University certified, the re-certification took place in May 2024.
Greenhouse gas emission
The consumption of resources (measured in terms of procured goods) makes a visible contribution to the university's greenhouse gas balance. In 2024, a total of 387 tons of CO2 equivalents were generated in this area. Although this area only accounted for 1.79% of total emissions, it still touches on many additional sustainability aspects. The calculation has so far taken into account the procurement of IT equipment as well as paper and water consumption.
Fairtrade-University
The University of Oldenburg has been certified as a Fairtrade University since December 2021. In January 2026, the university was successfully recertified for the second time. Prerequisites for certification include the establishment of a permanent steering group or the availability of fair products at events and in the cafeteria.
Example projects
Switch to fragrance-free soap
Many soaps contain fragrances – to which some people, however, have an allergic reaction. For these people, this severely restricts their daily lives because, depending on their sensitivity, they can hardly avoid coming into contact with these fragrances in public. For this reason, the University of Oldenburg switched to a fragrance-free soap in all toilets at the start of 2026. Only in some areas of the buildings are remaining stocks being used up. Even though the University cannot completely prevent exposure to fragrances (e.g. from deodorants or perfumes worn by members of the university community), the switch to fragrance-free soap is an important step towards greater accessibility and inclusivity at the university.
Book cell at the cafeteria building
The "book box" has been located in front of the canteen building on the Haarentor campus since summer 2024. The old telephone box, which was originally located in the library, now houses a drop-off point for discarded books and can be used for passing on, reusing and borrowing.
Furniture exchange
Discarded furniture can be reused within the university via the furniture exchange. This service has been set up by the building management. The furniture that is no longer used can be inspected and selected in the warehouse itself in room M-0-56. In addition, since spring 2024 it has been possible to view the available furniture via Stud.IP to view the available furniture. This is an internal service for university staff.
Furniture box
Following the furniture exchange, the "MöbelSchatzKiste" opened its doors on 29 October. Furniture that the university had decided to dispose of was given away free of charge. This event was organised by the Facilities Management team and was aimed at staff and students, as well as public institutions and clubs.
Internal sustainability marketplace
The internal sustainability marketplace offers university staff the opportunity to pass on usable equipment to colleagues. For example, toner cartridges or other supplies that are no longer needed in one place may be useful elsewhere. This promotes sustainable, cost-effective and economical practices.
Measures from climate action concept
The following list of measures for the field of action " Resources " is an excerpt from the Integrated Climate Action Concept. A more detailed view of the respective sub-measures is also available there.
- Extending the useful life & lifetime of products & materials
- Revision of the purchasing guideline with regard to sustainability and climate protection criteria
- Revision & introduction of central standards
- Development & implementation of a concept for sustainable laboratory management