Our strategy commits Ulm University of Applied Sciences to the principle of sustainable development.The concept of sustainability is not limited to individual areas, but covers all our activities at the University of Applied Sciences: from sourcing through to our profile areas, from energy management and the Bachelor's and Master's degree programs we offer, right through to our certification as a Fairtrade University.
New building in the Science Park
The new Ulm University of Applied Sciences building at our Albert-Einstein-Allee campus, which has been in operation since summer 2021, is designed to be a highly-efficient building. The building fulfill the "Effizienzhaus Plus" energy standard – by using regenerative energy sources, the building generates more energy than it uses.Intelligent linking of the energy flows with the existing building next door, and above all with the energy network in the Science Park, enables an innovative overall energy concept.
The building will be certified according to the BNB rating system for sustainable construction.Click here to read a flyer with more information about the new replacement building.
Ulm University of Applied Sciences is a Fairtrade University!
Taking responsibility
As a public institution, Ulm University of Applied Sciences takes its responsibilities towards society very seriously.We are committed to and advocate global, fair and sustainable trade.Certification as a Fairtrade University is an ideal way to demonstrate our ambitions to the wider world as well.
We are taking action
To become a Fairtrade University, Ulm University of Applied Sciences must fulfill the criteria of Transfair e.V. Deutschland.Fair trade products will be provided for official University of Applied Sciences events and in internal meetings.Some fair trade products will also be available on campus, in dispensing machines, cafeterias and the mensas.
The greater significance of certification as a Fairtrade University is that regular "fair trade" activities promote awareness of global interrelationships.These activities are coordinated by our steering committee, with members from the Students' Council, the University of Applied Sciences administration and the Students' Union.As a University of Applied Sciences with a technical profile, we also highlight issues such as, for example, the uncontrolled extraction of raw materials for electronic products.Responsible, future-oriented teaching and transformative research projects are further important contributions our University of Applied Sciences makes to a fairer world in terms of sustainable development and fair trade.
Examples of the activities as a Fairtrade University can be found here.
Fair trade helps
Even in the first few months after we decided to become a Fairtrade University, many members of our University of Applied Sciences became enthusiastically involved, bringing new ideas to the project.Interest in fair trade within the University of Applied Sciences has grown significantly.
Our project partners work on location to build up their trade relationships over long periods, with a great deal of personal commitment. It is really worth supporting them by purchasing their products, so they can continue and expand their projects.Farming families in fair trade cooperatives do better compared to conventional producers, even if they are still very poor according to today's standards.They have long-term supplier relationships, receive wages from which they can live and their children do not need to work in the fields but can go to school instead.The standards for common "fair trade-certified" products are often very low. Therefore, whenever possible we prefer "fair-plus-certified" products from GEPA, the not-for-profit fair trade company, which fulfill higher standards.
Fair trade counteracts a lack of opportunities and is therefore a humanitarian contribution to combating the causes of migration and flight, although it must be borne in mind that fair trade projects in the global south are only possible in relatively stable countries – and cannot help the poorest of the poor in war zones or in "failed states", whose need for aid is even more urgent.
Promoting fair trade products cannot in itself overcome poverty, but sharpens awareness of disgraceful conditions.
Activities
- Teaching and presentations on fair trade issues
- Soldering courses with fair computer mice
- Sustainable and fair IT
- Designing fair textiles
- Fair Christmas trees
- Use of fair trade products such as coffee, sugar, chocolate and bananas
- Information on Engineers without Borders
e-mobility
Ulm University of Applied Sciences is not only committed to e-mobility in our relevant degree programs, but also for transporting our employees.In addition to an e-Golf – which is mostly used for transporting messages and post but which is also used by the President's Office for business trips – pedelecs are available to all employees at our two locations; for business trips within Ulm and for travel between our campuses.
Environment+ additional qualifications for students
Ulm University of Applied Sciences offers students the opportunity to attain special qualifications with additional academic assignments.We offer two environmental protection qualifications:
Find out more here.
