»The award recognises our commitment to sustainable development at our university and in our region: through its sustainable approach to university teaching, research and operations, the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar makes an important contribution to supporting an environmentally and socially compatible transformation. The responsible use of resources and fostering of an inclusive learning and working environment play a central role here. We are currently pursuing a holistic sustainable approach in the planning and implementation of measures in all areas at the university,« explains Dr Tonia Schmitz.

The university is thus responding to the climate change-related transformation process with the aim of actively shaping it, for example. A continuously growing network of stakeholders and working groups initiate sustainability projects on an ongoing basis.

The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is also committed to social sustainability and equal opportunity: the gender equality that prevails at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar was acknowledged in 2024 as part of the national programme for female professors. This programme seeks to ensure equal opportunities for women in university teaching and management positions. The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar also actively promotes diversity and integration as part of the »Weltoffenes Thüringen« initiative.

The commitment to NAThüringen will facilitate cooperation between the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar and public and private partners in Weimar and Thuringia on sustainability projects in teaching, research and knowledge transfer.

The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is one of four universities in Thuringia to sign the agreement so far. The three others are Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Erfurt University of Applied Sciences and Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences.

Background to the Thuringian sustainability agreement

In place since March 2004, the Thuringian Sustainability Agreement (NAThüringen) is a voluntary agreement between the Thuringian federal state and businesses in Thuringia. The NAThüringen has since established itself as the largest network in Thuringia and more than 730 signatories have pledged their commitment. The NAThüringen brings together stakeholders on sustainable management issues. It aims to promote sustainable development with a focus on climate and environmental protection, resource conservation, energy efficiency and social sustainability. The initiative is funded by the Thuringian Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Nature Conservation and the Thuringian Ministry for Economic Affairs, Science and Digital Society.

For more information on the Thuringian sustainability agreement, see the NAThüringen website and the sustainability website of the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar.