How can the energy transition be achieved in a way that is socially and economically sustainable? This is the theme of the third Oldenburg Climate Symposium next week. The highlight will be a public lecture by the renowned sustainability economist Claudia Kemfert.

Twelve universities in Lower Saxony have developed a joint framework for their greenhouse gas balance under the leadership of Oldenburg. At the end of project, the web-based balancing tool developed can now be used throughout the state.

A new greenhouse on the university campus creates an ideal climate for a wide variety of plants, regardless of the weather. This has made everyday life much easier - and more energy-efficient, says master gardener Martina Klinger.

There can be no energy transition without climate-friendly buildings – that much is clear. Led by the Oldenburg-based affiliated institute OFFIS, a team of researchers from the northwest region has investigated how digital solutions can help advance the “heating transition” (Wärmewende).

The goal of expanding solar energy has been achieved for the time being: all relevant roof areas of the university are covered with PV modules. Further construction and refurbishment measures have improved the energy balance over the past year.

The university's CO₂ emissions have fallen slightly. Energy-efficient refurbishment of buildings is paying off. Climate protection management sees further potential for savings.

A new Junior Research Group aims to make bioplastics out of organic waste such as green waste, hay and algae. The Project is receiving 2.7 million euros from the BMFTR funding.

The University of Oldenburg contributes to environmental protection and species conservation in many ways. Making its campuses more nature-friendly is also on the agenda, with numerous projects already underway.

The university's central library has been fitted with a new, particularly efficient ventilation system. The measure is part of the "WärmewendeNordwest" project funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

Should the phase-out of the combustion engine be postponed or cancelled? A strategy paper with the participation of economists Jörn Hoppmann and Hauke Lütkehaus looks at the consequences of the "combustion engine phase-out" for the automotive industry.

Around 40 members of the university - including many students - planted new trees together on the Haarentor campus at the end of November in icy temperatures and glorious sunshine. The campaign was initiated by the climate protection management team.

The university has reached a new milestone in the expansion of photovoltaics: the one megawatt mark has been cracked. Sustainably generated electricity now saves almost 500 tonnes of CO₂ per year

Philipp Staudt, information systems researcher with a focus on environmental protection und sustainability, receives an ‘Impulse Professorship’. His aim is to enable people to assess their own energy requirements – and to act accordingly.

It will soon be ready: from 9 September, the university's new covered, two-storey parking facility on Uhlhornsweg can be used. It offers space for 340 bicycles. The official opening will be accompanied by a programme of bike-related events.

The universities of Oldenburg and Bremen have a long tradition of commitment to sustainability. Now, for the second year in a row, they have been nominated for the German Sustainability Award (DNP).

The university is using heat energy more efficiently: It recovers waste heat from its computer centre, saving 100 tonnes of CO₂ per year, making it one of the few universities in Germany to do so.

The glass façade in Wechloy has been modernised - and fitted with additional photovoltaic modules. Thanks to heat-insulating panes, it will stay nice and cool on the ring level and in the library in the future.

With the ReparierBar, students have created a monthly meeting place where young people can make broken items usable again with support. The concept also includes cultural events and discussions.

When the dice roll in Sophie Berg and Hendrik Wolter's seminar, it' less about fun and games and more about becoming more aware of the conflicting goals of sustainable management – and one's own ambivalence.

The effects of climate change are increasingly evident. Reforms to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) could increase its impact and thus advance the battle against global warming, argues sustainability researcher Bernd Siebenhüner.