Procurement & Disposal Management

Sustainable procurement and environmentally responsible waste management are key factors in the journey toward a climate-friendly and resource-efficient university. Through their purchasing decisions, public institutions such as the University of Potsdam influence not only their own environmental footprint but also markets, supply chains, and production standards.

Every procurement process - whether for paper, IT equipment, laboratory instruments, or catering - has ecological and social impacts: from raw material extraction through manufacturing and transport to use and disposal. Sustainable procurement criteria promote climate-friendly materials, energy-efficient products, fair working conditions, and the avoidance of unnecessary waste.

Equally important is a well-thought-out disposal and recycling strategy: recyclable materials should be kept in the cycle, hazardous substances properly disposed of, and avoidable waste reduced. In this way, the university not only fulfills its environmental responsibility but also contributes to the implementation of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Using Resources Sustainably - Sharing Responsibility

The University of Potsdam follows a Whole Institution Approach: Sustainability is not viewed as an isolated project, but as a cross-cutting task that encompasses teaching, research, administration, campus development, and the daily lives of all university members. Sustainable procurement and waste management are thus closely linked to other areas of action such as energy, mobility, and resource management, and are an integral part of the university’s overall strategic development.

On the following pages, we show how the University of Potsdam designs sustainable procurement and waste management processes, what goals we pursue - and how all members of the university community can actively participate.