The climate crisis doesn’t stop at the university gates. As a major institution, employer, and center for education, the university bears significant responsibility for driving climate transformation. It must lead by example. For new construction projects, like the Endenich campus, we advocate for sustainable building practices, including green facades and photovoltaic systems. The campus grounds should be designed with green spaces to minimize sealed surfaces, reducing heat buildup and improving overall comfort. Additionally, we propose incorporating diverse flowering strips to support bees and other insects, helping to combat species loss.
Sustainability should also be reflected in everyday life, and students must be supported in making sustainable choices. Beyond raising awareness, it should be easy for students to adopt eco-friendly habits — for instance, through an expanded and more affordable vegan menu across all campus facilities. This benefits not only the environment but also students’ health and well-being, and it should be complemented by initiatives such as university sports programs.