Procurement & Resource Consumption
Sustainability as a guiding principle – sourcing in a resource-efficient manner, acting responsibly.
Every procurement process - whether for office supplies, technical equipment, research facilities, or food - has an impact on the environment and society. The University of Potsdam therefore considers not only the purchase price but, whenever possible, also life-cycle costs, energy consumption, recyclability, and social standards. The goal is to select products and services that are resource-efficient, durable, and produced fairly.
Sustainable procurement and the responsible use of resources are central elements of a future-oriented university. The University of Potsdam is guided by the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production. This guiding principle shapes our integrative approach, which takes ecological, economic, and social aspects into account equally:
Reducing Material Consumption
A conscious and economical use of resources starts with minimizing material consumption: Not every email needs to be printed, and functional devices should not be replaced prematurely. Such simple measures contribute significantly to conserving resources and reducing waste.
Conserving resources through mindful consumption
A mindful and economical use of resources is essential for sustainable action. The University of Potsdam actively promotes initiatives to reduce paper consumption, reuse materials, and minimize waste. Since 2015, we have continuously participated in the Papieratlas, a nationwide project aimed at transparency and optimization of paper consumption. The results and savings can be viewed on the Papieratlas website.
Reuse and Recycling
The University is committed to reusing goods and materials and using recycled products wherever possible and appropriate. This extends the life cycles of products and reduces the demand for new raw materials.
Social and Environmental Procurement Criteria
When making purchases, the University adheres to credible environmental and social standards. This includes adherence to government-recognized labels, such as those for organic food or eco-friendly office supplies. This ensures that products are not only manufactured in an environmentally friendly manner but also under fair labor conditions. In addition to relying on labels such as the Blue Angel, the manufacturing process is critically examined. This ensures genuine sustainability that goes beyond the label itself.
Legal Framework
In accordance with EU, federal, and state regulations, public institutions are permitted and even encouraged to consider environmental and social criteria in their procurement. The Information Service for Environmentally Friendly Public Procurement offers practical guidance and support in this regard.