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 2022, a total of 409 tons of CO2 equivalents were generated in this area. Although this area only accounted for 2.21% 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 May 2024, the university was successfully recertified. 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
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.
Sufficiency projects Let's cycle up!
As part of the module mkt275 "Textile Ecology, Consumer Protection and Sustainability Project", a group of students developed and launched the Stud.IP platform. Let's Cycle Up and brought it into being. On this platform, ideas and knowledge can be exchanged on how old furniture can be refurbished and repurposed. The main aim is to counteract the waste of resources and the throwing away of old furniture.
On this page, ideas, materials, tools and furniture can be exchanged and shared. For example, open paint can be used up and old furniture can be given a new life as individual pieces.
Anyone who would like to actively exchange views on this topic can also participate in a Study group to exchange views on the topic.
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