The consideration of sustainability aspects in research is becoming increasingly important and is a key component of responsible scientific practice. In academia as well, there is an urgent need for a further shift towards more sustainable research practices, which relates both to the design of research processes and to their organizational frameworks. The German Research Foundation "DFG" (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft) has published guidelines and reflective questions that explicitly encourage researchers to systematically integrate sustainability aspects into the planning and implementation of projects, without compromising scientific quality.
The Green Office provides support through consultation and operational assistance to keep any additional effort in proposal preparation as low as possible and to promote the implementation of sustainable approaches in research. The aim is to integrate sustainability aspects early on and in a pragmatic way into project planning, ensuring that they are aligned with high scientific quality and efficient use of resources.
Science and research bear a clear responsibility to contribute to addressing societal challenges and thereby advance the implementation of the UN goals.
individual consultation, e.g. for submitting DFG proposals
increasing the visibility of “sustainable research topics” through monitoring and public outreach campaigns
networking among researchers
supporting early-career researchers already during their studies
participation in the TU-internal working group “Sustainable Research”
With the initiative “Ecoversity – Collaborative Space for Change,” the TU aims to develop into a nationally and internationally networked ecosystem university. The focus is on a collaborative approach that promotes exchange, enables shared learning, and strengthens the implementation of sustainable initiatives.
The Green Office supports the Ecoversity initiative through the “Transformative Skills” project by developing offerings for research, teaching, and university participation. Our focus is on actively driving sustainable transformation within the university and specifically empowering future changemakers. As a central point of contact, we aim to support different target groups in a needs-oriented way — for example in integrating sustainability aspects into research proposals, in the further development of curricula, or in questions related to sustainable procurement. To this end, we create advisory and networking services for researchers, teaching staff, and employees in technical and administrative units. At the same time, we develop university-wide interfaces for sustainability topics, for instance through a central ticketing system through which all university members can submit ideas and requests.
Plase contact us for any questions regarding our services.