Sustainability at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences
As the largest university of applied sciences in Lower Saxony, Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences takes its responsibility to society and the environment seriously. With our guiding principle of "Together for Tomorrow," we recognize sustainability as more than just a buzzword; it is a central pillar of our strategic orientation. Through our constitution, we have made a clear commitment to social, ecological, and economic sustainability in five areas: governance, teaching and learning, research, operations, and knowledge transfer. The university utilizes its unique status as a foundation university to collaborate closely with regional companies and institutions, helping to shape the transformative processes of our time.
Upcoming
In collaboration with the University of Osnabrück and Osnabrück Student Services, the 'Global Belongings' Swap Shop for international students is set to launch at the end of the 2025/2026 winter term. Further information (including opening hours, the Swap Shop's location, and the items that can be collected and dropped off in the Swap Shop) can be found here.
On the following dates, departing international students can drop off items that they do not want to take with them and that might be useful to future international students (DROP OFF). Likewise, newly arriving international students can visit the Swap Shop to pick up items for free (PICK UP):
- Thursday, 29 January 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, 4 February 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, 11 February 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m.
- Friday, 20 February 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m.
- Monday, 04 March 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, 18 March 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, 25 March 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m.
- Monday, 30 March 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Thursday, 02 April 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, 08 April 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, 15 April 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, 29 April 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m.
- DROP OFF dates at the end of the semester will be announced at short notice.
Structures
Vice President for Equal Opportunities and Sustainability
+49 541 969-7120
The Commission for Sustainability (KfN) is a newly established senate commission at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences that began working in the winter semester of 2025/26.
The commission discusses and evaluates measures for climate protection and adaptation, as well as the university's strategic planning and developments with regard to social, climate, and environmental compatibility. The commission advises the university on its sustainability guidelines and how to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The commission reports to the senate annually and may propose strategies and projects aligned with sustainable development.
At our university, the guiding principle of "Together for Society" is more than just an empty phrase. Through our teaching content and targeted research topics, as well as institutionally, we address social challenges, such as sustainability in all its facets.
We offer all members of the university community the opportunity to contribute their expertise and realize project ideas.
Among other things, we provide:
- The “Social Engagement Funding Pool”
- The organization of discussion events within the subject area
- Support for student engagement (NEO, Sustainability Working Group, various microprojects in the field of sustainability)
Contact Person
The Department for Sustainability of the General Students’ Committee is committed to raising awareness of sustainability at all university locations (Caprivi, Haste, Lingen, and Westerberg) as well as in the city of Osnabrück. The General Students’ Committee focuses on the three dimensions of sustainability in doing so. The AStA not only stands for environmental protection, but also implements projects with clear social and economic focuses. These projects offer students the opportunity to engage with sustainability's various facets and try them out for themselves. You can submit your own project ideas to the Sustainability Officer by email or via an online form.
The following are already established:
- A swap shelf in the General Students’ Committee garden on Westerberg
- Regular repair cafés (in cooperation with RISE)
- The loan of cups and other tableware to reduce plastic consumption, e.g., for parties.
Additionally, the General Students’ Committee takes care to
- not use plastic cutlery or tableware at events
- avoid printing excess posters
- order the semester planner in limited editions only
The Department for Sustainability works closely with organizations, project groups, and committees, including the student initiative NEO (Nachhaltiges Engagement Osnabrück, or Sustainable Engagement Osnabrück) and the AKN (Arbeitskreis Nachhaltigkeit, or Sustainability Working Group).
Contact Person
Malte Mensing
AStA representative for sustainability
Business psychology student