Development of the Climate Protection Concept

In the spring of 2019, a comprehensive analysis of the available data on the use of the university’s diverse infrastructure across all focus areas was initiated. For example, a survey on the mobility of university members was conducted to obtain a realistic picture of the use of various modes of transportation. The various data sets analyzed provide information on the university’s greenhouse gas emissions and thus form the basis for its carbon footprint assessment. During the potential workshop on June 21, 2019, key university stakeholders (representatives from the focus areas) identified, compiled, and examined in detail potential cost savings within the focus areas.

On July 2, the university-wide kick-off event took place with 100 participants. In his presentation titled “All Days for Future, or Why the University of Potsdam Is Indispensable to the City of Potsdam’s Climate Protection Master Plan,” Dr. Reusswig of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research highlighted the urgent need to take action on climate protection. Representatives from the consulting firm Arcadis then presented the work done so far on developing the climate protection plan. At around 2:30 p.m., a workshop on specific measures was held, during which small groups developed concrete measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions on campus. These measures are based on the potential savings identified earlier in the potential workshop.

The measures developed jointly by the various members of the UP represent initial proposals, which were subsequently calculated and evaluated by Arcadis to assess their effectiveness. They served as a starting point for developing the catalog of measures for the climate protection plan. In addition to the workshops, stakeholders were also involved through in-depth one-on-one discussions on specific topics. Furthermore, anyone could submit ideas for additional measures at any time (see below).

In November, discussions regarding the structure of the KSK and its catalog of measures took place during the meetings of the Environmental Commission. The concept was approved at the Senate meeting on December 18, 2019.

You are also welcome to submit additional proposals for measures via our form, which may be incorporated into future climate protection management. The catalog of measures serves as a framework for the University of Paderborn’s future climate protection efforts and is continuously adapted to changing conditions. The measures are therefore flexible in nature.

On January 23, 2020, the climate protection plan was officially presented by Arcadis and the university chancellor. We would like to thank everyone for attending in such large numbers and for their constructive contributions to the discussion.

You can find the report on the plan, the list of measures, and the presentation slides from the event at the bottom of this page.

We look forward to implementing this plan in the coming years and, with your help, significantly reducing the university’s greenhouse gas emissions. We also welcome your continued feedback via the form on this page.