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Activities and Measures

Below is a list of some of the activities and measures the GreenFUBib working group has introduced since it was founded in March 2021. This list is updated regularly. Fostering collaboration across the university and beyond is a key component of this work.

"Green Office", Initiative, Acquiring and Processing Media

  • Exclusive use of 100% recycled paper (Blue Angel certified)
  • "Digital aufräumen fürs Klima"/"Digital Cleanup": section of employee newsletter aimed at sharing tips and tricks for reducing your digital CO2 footprint at work
  • Actively rejecting printed advertising material from publishers and book suppliers
  • Concluding binding agreements about plastic-free book deliveries with suppliers from Germany and abroad
  • Introducing the "Mehrweg statt Einweg" pilot project for reusable lunch packaging

Public Areas in University Libraries

  • Introduction of reusable baskets in university libraries
  • Phasing out of printed receipts for borrowing and returning library media
  • Use of Ökobon thermal paper for transfer and order receipts
  • Use of electric vehicles to transport books between university libraries
  • Installation of a power generating static bicycle in the Philological Library that can be used to generate electricity for charging end devices
  • Implementing a “seed library” and "seed automat" to allow users to swap local seeds
  • Introduction of a glasses donation box in the Central Library (campaign ended 2022)
  • Introduction of a donation box for used cellphones (campaign ended 2023)
  • Various book upcycling projects organized in collaboration with the “SUSTAIN IT!” initiative
  • Use of second-hand furniture in the Earth Sciences Library and offer a "Swap Point" shelf in the library
  • "Let's scan" campaign: Free scanning services for all library users to reduce paper consumption
  • "Bib-Fit: Charge your brain!" – Development of games and resources at university libraries aimed at promoting movement and physical exercise in collaboration with the University Sports Center

Library Gardens and Outdoor Areas

  • Establishing and maintaining a library garden with natural design, insect hotel, and thermal composter for organic waste
  • Turning outdoor areas at various university libraries into insect-friendly meadows to promote biodiversity
  • Helping students create plant beds on campus within the scope of General Professional Skills courses focused on sustainability
  • Initiating a watering program for heat-stressed tree
  • Participation in the “Year of Biodiversity” at Freie Universität Berlin in 2024 (think camp, Biodiversity Strategy)

Education and Communication Surrounding Sustainable Development 

  • Annual participation in the “Schools @ University for Sustainability + Climate Protection” via the event “Wachsen E-Books auf Bäumen?” (Do E-Books Grow on Trees?) on cultivating sustainable reading habits
  • Participation in Freie Universität Berlin’s annual International Staff Week
  • Assistance in designing Freie Universität Berlin’s Sustainable Campus Tour
  • Developed a template for a “What Is a Green Library?” poster featuring the seven features of a sustainable library
  • Designing course information for University Library apprentices on the subject of green libraries
  • Carrying out a workshop for University Library apprentices on the subject of education for sustainable development (ESD)
  • Presenting the GreenFUBib working group within the University Library (including an online informational event and a meet and greet in the “Blätterlaube”)
  • Stall in front of the Silberlaube for the annual Sustainability Days event
  • Online advent calendar “Let me sustain you!” 2023: Good deeds and ideas from GreenFUBib
  • Involvement of various working group members in the FUturist call for proposals organized by the Unit for Sustainability and Energy Management to support innovative and sustainable ideas for projects on campus (wild animal-proof trashcans, green room dividers for libraries, the Tiny Forest project)
  • Offering the “GreenFUBib research service” to provide information on specialist topics upon request (e.g., megatrends, the Germanwatch handprint concept)

Networking Activities

(Last updated: 2024)