Environmental Guidelines of Hochschule München

We aim to steadily reduce our resource consumption and improve our environmental impact. To this end, we take on board suggestions from both within and outside the university. We define environmental protection measures within the framework of, and in line with, our sustainability strategy and our climate protection plan, which we implement progressively, review and update regularly. To this end, we establish and maintain structures for the continuous measurement and analysis of our resource consumption – including as part of our ISO 50001-compliant energy management system – as well as for regular reporting on our sustainability activities. We create the framework and scope for members of the HM community that enable them to act in an environmentally responsible manner.

We do not view sustainability merely as the transfer of knowledge, but as a holistic approach and an invitation to play an active part in shaping the future. Through campus-wide events and targeted, clearly visible information on environmental protection, we aim to encourage students and staff to engage with the environmental impact of their actions, both on campus and in their private lives. We promote positive environmental behaviour amongst all members of the university community, create incentives for personal initiative and expect everyone to play their part responsibly. We encourage student involvement in sustainability and embed sustainable thinking and action within our degree programmes. In doing so, we prioritise the teaching of fundamental knowledge on environmentally responsible behaviour. Environmentally sound and resource-efficient behaviour, both on and off campus, should become second nature to our students. It is our stated aim to educate people who are committed to sustainability. We intend to achieve this, amongst other things, through interdisciplinary projects in the field of environmental protection (on our own campus). We involve our staff in the implementation of our environmental protection goals and measures. This is intended to empower them to implement and lead by example in environmental protection at their own workplaces.

We view communication as an active component of sustainable action. We communicate our environmental guidelines transparently, clearly and on an ongoing basis, both internally and externally. In doing so, we highlight the measures we are taking, the progress we are making and the challenges we face; we set out specific courses of action and create opportunities for active participation. Aware of our role as role models, we communicate authentically, clearly and on the basis of facts. Through public relations work tailored to specific target groups, we explain the bigger picture, make the impact tangible and encourage people to take responsibility. We share our knowledge and experience across the university and within external networks, thereby contributing to the further development of sustainable structures both within and outside the university.

We are committed to actively complying with the environmental legislation applicable to us, as well as other binding requirements. We support this through appropriate processes and structures, such as safety, occupational health and psychological support; first aiders and psychological first aiders within the company; occupational health management; the organisation of health days; membership of AGUM e.V. (Occupational, Health and Environmental Management), the implementation of protective measures – particularly when handling hazardous substances – and the preparation of risk assessments that also take into account psychological stress arising from work. Occupational health and safety are therefore a top priority at HM.

Carrying out these tasks is a key management responsibility, from which organisational, supervisory and operational responsibilities are derived. We organise teaching, research, knowledge transfer and administration in such a way as to reduce environmental impact and safeguard the health and safety of staff and students in the long term. In doing so, we take a holistic view of health, giving equal consideration to physical, mental and psychological aspects. This includes, amongst other things, measures to prevent overwork, burnout, bullying and addiction, as well as the active promotion of an appreciative and respectful working environment throughout the institution, including communication and training in this regard.

To promote climate justice and intergenerational equity, we are actively reducing our greenhouse gas emissions in line with our Integrated Climate Protection Strategy for Munich University of Applied Sciences. Our climate protection targets include, for Scope 1, a reduction in emissions of at least 80 per cent by 2030 and near-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, for Scope 2, near-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and an annual reduction in energy consumption of at least 2 per cent; and for Scope 3, a reduction in emissions of at least 60 per cent by 2040.

We act with the aim of avoiding, reducing and optimising resource consumption: we recognise the significant role that energy plays in resource use and consider it our responsibility to prioritise renewable energy sources and to expand their generation at HM. The ongoing optimisation of energy use and efficiency, including the upgrading of infrastructure and the implementation of demand-driven control mechanisms, is a key priority for our university. We raise awareness amongst the HM community about water consumption and potential water-saving measures, and use water sparingly and in an environmentally responsible manner. For example, we use rainwater for watering wherever possible. We ensure that waste is minimised as far as possible and that unavoidable waste is collected separately, recycled or reused, or disposed of in an environmentally sound manner; we support this with appropriate communication measures aimed at changing the behaviour of the HM community.

When purchasing goods and services, we aim to fulfil our environmental and social commitments. Reduce, Reuse & Recycle are our guiding principles. We take sustainability criteria and the principles of the circular economy into account. To this end, we refer, for example, to certified eco-labels, give preference to reusable and recycled products, and ensure that the products we procure have the longest possible shelf life and useful life. In addition, we aim for short transport routes and favour regional products.

We aim to reduce emissions caused by transport. This includes the daily journeys made by HM staff to and between our sites. To this end, we are, for example, optimising the infrastructure for cycling. Furthermore, we aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with visitor traffic, as well as business trips, training courses and excursions. To ensure that such travel is as climate-friendly as possible, we actively adhere to guidelines on climate-friendly travel.

We want to protect biodiversity on campus and are also aiming to significantly increase it. Workshops, seminars and initiatives, as well as partnerships with nature conservation organisations to develop our green spaces, help to enhance biodiversity on campus. Through these efforts, and by involving local schools and nurseries, we promote the transfer of knowledge and raise awareness of biodiversity.