Sustainability Roadmap
RWTH’s first sustainability report summarizes the University’s current efforts related to sustainability. This status quo lays the foundation for the process to help RWTH become sustainable and climate-neutral.
The ‘Sustainability Roadmap’ shall outline this process and help implement the vision from the sustainability mission statement.
The roadmap will cover the period until 2030. However, to decide on and implement the necessary activities, we must first define concrete, measurable goals, including indicators and corresponding measures.
Development Process
Input – Your Ideas for a More Sustainable RWTH
In the first phase of the roadmap process, we gathered ideas through various different means:
- Request for information on strategies and measures already pursued at the faculties, central institutions, administrative units, and AStA – students' committee.
- Two-month online survey to record the ideas, wishes, and suggestions from university members
- Research and analysis of various sustainability standards and frameworks.
Classification
On behalf of the Rectorate, our team in the Sustainability and University Governance staff unit will process the different ideas received and organize the corresponding exchange in coordination with the Rector’s Delegates for Sustainability and the AStA Department for Sustainability and Student Engagement.
Progress reports and updates on current developments will be presented and discussed in the GreenTeams. Here you can find the current draft of the roadmap structure.
Prioritization
A workshop is planned for 2023 to work out which sustainable development themes RWTH needs to prioritize and pursue with particular commitment and resources.
The finalized roadmap will be presented and approved in the Senate.
We will establish the necessary structures and ensure a continuous review of our performance related to sustainability efforts to make any adjustments required in case of deviations.
FAQs
Which overarching goal is being pursued? What is RWTH working towards?
RWTH describes its vision of the sustainable University it would like to become in its sustainability mission statement.
In addition, by participating in the UN-led Race to Zero campaign, RWTH has committed itself, among other things, to becoming climate neutral by 2030.
How can I get involved?
You are welcome to get involved in the roadmap process at any time. Be it by participating in the online consultation sessions (see above) or via various other opportunities that let you join in the discussions (GreenTeams, etc.).
You can find more opportunities and ideas to actively integrate sustainability into your everyday study or work routine on our Help Build a Sustainable RWTH page.
If you have any questions or would like to share ideas, please feel free to contact us at nachhaltigkeit@rwth-aachen.de at any time.
How and where will I be informed about the progress in RWTH’s journey towards sustainability?
Current developments and the current status of RWTH’s journey towards sustainability are discussed in the various GreenTeams. The SustainTeams are open to all interested university members.
In addition, regular information about the various sustainability developments is provided via the N2 – Sustainability Newsletter and the Instagram channel Nachhaltigkeit_RWTH. Please note that these are only available in German.