In May 2011, the Executive Board of Freie Universität adopted environmental guidelines as part of the environmental management system, demonstrating the university's commitment to active environmental protection. In 2021, they were updated in accordance with the amended EMAS Regulation of 2017 and 2019. The guidelines establish the fundamental framework for environmental objectives and are a commitment to environmental protection and fulfilling the binding obligations of the university.

Text of the environmental guidelines

Protecting the Environment in the University Context

At Freie Universität Berlin, we believe that universities have a special responsibility to contribute to securing a livable world for present and future generations. As a large, internationally oriented academic institution, we feel obligated to contribute to research and education in addressing pressing global ecological and societal challenges. As a prominent educational institution, we aim to create systematic learning and experience spaces for sustainable development in collaboration with all members of the university. We recognize that our credibility is measured by how we implement exemplary sustainable solutions in the campus management's own area of responsibility. Climate protection, energy efficiency, and a commitment to avoiding and systematically reducing operational environmental impacts have long been essential goals of the entire university. We emphasize this commitment with the 2016 published Sustainability Mission Statement, the 2019 Climate Emergency Declaration, and the following environmental guidelines.

Continual Improvement

The foundation of our work is the compliance with relevant laws, regulations, requirements, and sustainability-related commitments. Furthermore, we consider environmental management as an ongoing development that aims to:

• Give a high priority to climate protection by making the responsible use of natural resources as efficient as possible and promoting the use of renewable energies,
• Adapt to climate change,
• Minimize emissions, waste, and costs associated with resource use, regularly review, and document them,
• Ensure the responsible handling of hazardous substances.

Overall, we commit to continuous improvement of operational environmental protection.

Acting Ecologically

We consider ecological aspects in all tasks of campus management, procurement, construction, and operation. In investment decisions, the most environmentally friendly options, considering economic viability, should be preferred.

Living Participation

We promote innovation management and offer our employees and students broad participation opportunities to network sustainability-related activities university-wide.

Facilitating Dialogues

We enable a continuous dialogue for employees, students, and the interested public, regularly informing about the ecological development at Freie Universität.

Environmental Guidelines of Freie Universität Berlin.