At the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Landscape Architecture, agricultural economics students are looking at ways to make agriculture sustainable for the future. Students of various degree programs within landscape architecture are working on projects and theses to qualify the green fingers in Osnabr¨¹ck as sustainable green spaces for climate resilience, benefiting from the work in the research project ¡°Green fingers for a climate-resilient city.¡± In addition, agricultural students are working on concepts for sustainable land use that offer economic prospects for the participating farms and align land use in the long term with the requirements of climate protection, climate adaptation, and biodiversity conservation.
 

Good to know: Since 2004, the Rut and Klaus Bahlsen Foundation has been awarding prizes for outstanding student research projects dealing with aspects of sustainability in nutrition and consumer education, food production, or regional development. The Klaus Bahlsen Prize can be awarded for individual or group achievements by students at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Landscape Architecture at Osnabr¨¹ck University of Applied Sciences and from the Master's program in Sustainable Service and Food Management at M¨¹nster University of Applied Sciences.

Interested? Then read on to find out about the winners of 2024!

Sustainability also plays an important role at the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science. Green energy, compostable packaging, bike-sharing apps, AI solutions to support organic farming, charging systems to avoid high CO2 emissions, electromagnetic compatibility, and the sustainable use of field robots and agricultural machinery are just some of the topics that students deal with. In semester or research projects, future engineers and computer scientists work in teams to develop innovative, practical solutions for a sustainable world of tomorrow, often in collaboration with companies. Around half of all master's students combine their studies with professional work in development projects in one of the faculty's approximately 50 laboratories.

Examples of student projects

Study technology ¨C become a shaper of the future

The Faculty of Management Culture and Technology in Lingen is characterized by its diverse, practice-oriented degree programs. Sustainability is a top priority at the Lingen campus and is addressed in various ways in collaboration with regional companies, associations, and institutions. The dual degree programs in Business Administration and Sustainable Management, Business Informatics and Sustainable IT, and Industrial Engineering and Sustainable Development are directly focused on sustainability. This allows students to acquire theoretical knowledge while helping their dual practice partners to implement sustainability in their companies. The Business Administration and Management degree program also includes a separate module on ¡°Sustainability Management.¡± In the campus's own 3D printing laboratory, ¡°3D fabLab,¡± students of general mechanical engineering and industrial engineering, among others, learn how to use resources sustainably by independently manufacturing spare parts and improving products. In addition, students at the Lingen campus have access to a new multifunctional laboratory building. Here, key future topics such as low-carbon energy supply, artificial intelligence, and process-integrated environmental protection are addressed, and effective solutions to the challenges of our time are developed collaboratively.

Instagram channel of the faculty

Corporate sustainability management is part of the curriculum at the Faculty of Business Management and Social Sciences. Among other things, students learn that sustainable action plays an important role in the context of limited material throughput in companies and can thus open up new perspectives for sales and earnings growth. The bachelor's degree program in International Economics and Sustainability deals by definition with the various facets of sustainability. From an economic and business perspective, conflicting goals and different approaches to solutions are discussed. Sustainable value creation is also of great importance in the English-language bachelor's degree program in International Management and will be supplemented in the future by a focus on sustainability management.

Pop, jazz, classical music, and musicals¡ªthe Institute of Music offers a wide range of courses in instrumental music and singing. It trains music educators in a practice oriented, innovative way, enabling them to work in practical fields of music education and play a lasting role in shaping its development. The aim is to work with students to strengthen music education and the cultural sector of tomorrow in a sustainable way.

Many degree programs at Osnabr¨¹ck University of Applied Sciences include so-called compulsory elective modules. These are modules that you can choose freely from the range offered by Osnabr¨¹ck University of Applied Sciences or¡ªafter consulting with your contact person in the Student Affairs Office¡ªeven from accredited degree programs at other universities (such as the neighboring University of Osnabr¨¹ck). They allow you to set your own individual focus in your studies¡ªincluding in the area of sustainability!

Feel free to take a look beyond your degree program

• at the course catalog of Osnabr¨¹ck University of Applied Sciences,
• at the overview of degree programs and modules from all faculties that offer the opportunity to delve deeper into the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (compiled by the Sustainability Working Group (AKN)),
• at the course catalog of the University of Osnabr¨¹ck (a green course catalog is in the works)!

Every winter semester, you have the opportunity to participate in the project/block week ¡°Project Workshop WE in Society¡±, which is organized by Social Engagement. This takes place as part of the university-wide project/block week. Under the label ¡°Project/Block Week WE in Society,¡± various events with a common thematic focus come together and meet on Friday for a festive closing event.

Together with the Sustainability Working Group, teachers and students are cordially invited to participate.

In terms of content, the project workshop focuses on sustainability (SDGs), social change, and responsibility.

If you are curious about what has happened in previous project workshops, you can find some insights into topics and results here.

Since the 2024/25 winter semester, students at Osnabr¨¹ck University of Applied Sciences have the opportunity to participate in the interdisciplinary Future Skills Module. Here, you can explore future-oriented topics such as understanding democracy, artificial intelligence, digital health, mindfulness, programming, and sustainability. You will work together with students from other faculties and learn how teaching and learning take place elsewhere ¨C a great opportunity to gain new perspectives.

Are you a bachelor's student? Then you can earn up to 5 ECTS credits, provided that your study regulations provide for a free elective module or compulsory elective module that is suitable for credit transfer.

Regardless of this, all participants receive a certificate ¨C a great addition to your resume! By the way: The work completed in the Future Skills module is assessed without a grade.

In the Future Skills module, you can choose from selected courses from various degree programs and faculties as well as from central Future Skills offerings. Feel free to take a look at the current Future Skills course offerings!

Further information

The AStA (Allgemeiner Studierendenausschuss) is the General Student Committee. Its Sustainability Unit is committed to raising awareness of sustainability at all university locations (Caprivi, Haste, Lingen, Westerberg) and in the city of Osnabr¨¹ck. In doing so, the AStA focuses on the three dimensions of sustainability: it not only stands for environmental protection, but also strives to implement various projects with a clear social and economic focus. This gives you the opportunity to explore the different aspects of sustainability and try them out for yourself. Do you have your own project ideas? Then feel free to send them by email or via an online form to the AStA Sustainability Officer!

Here are some projects that are already underway:

• A swap shelf in the AStA garden on Westerberg
• Regular repair caf¨¦s (in cooperation with RISE)
• The rental of cups and other tableware, e.g., for parties, to reduce plastic consumption.

In addition, the AStA generally takes care to

• not use plastic cutlery or tableware at events
• not printing posters in excess
• ordering the semester planner in limited quantities only.

The AStA Sustainability Report works closely with organizations, project groups, and committees, including the student initiative NEO (Nachhaltiges Engagement Osnabr¨¹ck, Sustainable Engagement Osnabr¨¹ck) and the AKN (Arbeitskreis Nachhaltigkeit, Sustainability Working Group).

Would you like to get involved and have an idea for a socially relevant project related to sustainability? Do you need advice or financial resources to implement it? Then you've come to the right place.

Osnabr¨¹ck University of Applied Sciences calls on all its members to get involved in socially relevant activities¡ªincluding student projects with a focus on sustainability. To help implement such activities, the ¡°Social Engagement¡± funding pool offers short-term, low-threshold financial support of up to €1,500 per application. Further information on the funding pool, e.g., on projects that have already been implemented or the application process, can be found here.

For advice, please contact Christian M¨¹ller or Marek L?hr from the ¡°Social Engagement¡± department directly.

At Osnabr¨¹ck University of Applied Sciences, various student initiatives and groups are working on the topic of sustainability. These groups and their projects can be found on the ¡°Social Engagement¡± division's pages. If you are interested in getting involved, please feel free to contact the relevant contact person!

Do you have your own idea for a project or for starting a group? Do you need advice or financial resources to implement it? Then read on to learn about the funding pool ¡°Social Engagement¡± for your own ideas.

Food should not only taste good. It should also be healthy and as environmentally friendly as possible. That is why the multi-award-winning canteens of the Osnabr¨¹ck Student Services Association pay close attention to where the food comes from and under what conditions it is produced. Here you will find environmentally friendly, species-appropriate dishes made with regional products every day. With the so-called KlimaTeller, you can enjoy a meal every day at both campuses that causes at least 50% less CO₂e emissions than a comparable dish. Vegetarian and vegan delicacies are provided every day. Meal plans

The Sustainability Commission (KfN) is a newly established senate commission at Osnabr¨¹ck University of Applied Sciences, which began its work in the 2025/26 winter semester.

The KfN's tasks are to discuss and evaluate measures for climate protection and adaptation, as well as strategic planning and developments at the university with regard to its social, climate, and environmental compatibility. It advises the university on its sustainability guidelines and on its contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). It reports to the Academic Senate once a year and can propose strategies and projects in line with sustainable development.

For the student status group, a term of office is one year. The call for candidates for the first KfN appointments is expected to take place in October 2025.

Would you like to help shape the university and contribute your perspectives on sustainability? Then we look forward to receiving your candidacy when the next call for nominations is issued!

Further information on the KfN can be found on the KfN committee page.

Contact person: Lea Kl?ppel, l.kloeppel@hs-osnabrueck.de, -7170

When selecting items to offer, the Campusstore of Osnabr¨¹ck UAS prioritises ensuring that they

•  are verifiably produced fairly,
• are made from resource-efficient materials with the lowest possible environmental impact throughout the entire supply chain,
• are high quality and therefore durable.

You can read about the certifications that guarantee this here.

The daily commute to campus, a quick stop in the city center, or trips to the surrounding area¡ªmobility is an important part of student life. For your everyday student life in Osnabr¨¹ck, there are numerous affordable, sustainable, and practical mobility options such as buses and trains, bicycles (including the bike repair shop Ride2Repair run by the AStA, bike repair stations on every campus, bike routes tested by students, and tours of shortcuts for students with the ADFC Osnabr¨¹ck), and car sharing. You can find a current overview here and here.

By the way: Cycling not only contributes to environmental protection, but can also have many other advantages:

• Stress reduction through exercise in the fresh air
• Promotes heart health and fitness
• Flexibility in route planning and parking
• Time savings, especially for short distances within the city
• Low costs

Do you have textbooks you no longer need? Mugs? A piece of furniture? Or are you looking for something along those lines?

Then take a look at the bulletin board provided by the university on the ILIAS learning platform. It's also worth taking a look at the publicly accessible bulletin board of Osnabr¨¹ck University of Applied Sciences.

There are also several Swap Shelves. At Osnabr¨¹ck University of Applied Sciences, you will find an exchange shelf in the AStA garden on Westerberg and another in front of the Center for International Degree Seeking Students on the ground floor of the AB building; in Haste, there is a book exchange shelf in the HR building. The University of Osnabr¨¹ck operates a book exchange shelf at Westerberg (Building 93, main entrance foyer) and one in the city center (Building 53, main entrance foyer). Please only leave clean, functional items in good condition there!

Scientists for Future Osnabr¨¹ck is the Osnabr¨¹ck regional group of Scientists for Future Germany. People of all ages are welcome here, especially younger people. The group is very happy to welcome new members from the student body (with a bachelor's degree) of Osnabr¨¹ck University of Applied Sciences!

Are you interested in working towards a sustainable future? Then you are warmly invited to get involved with Scientists for Future!

Further information can be found on the group's homepage or in the information letter (registration via osnabrueck@scientists4future.org). You can also view current offers on the university's sustainability page.  

• Reports from the city of Osnabr¨¹ck: Sustainability Report & Climate Protection Report
• Pioneering climate protection concept with the goal of climate neutrality by 2040
• Fairtrade Town Osnabr¨¹ck, with fair trade products in around 60 retail stores and 20 restaurants
• Wirtschaftsf?rderung Osnabr¨¹ck GmbH, one of the first municipal economic development agencies with its own department for sustainable, regional business
• Klima-Frieden Osnabr¨¹ck und Osnabr¨¹cker Land e.V., a cross-sector business network that promotes ecological and social issues in the regional economy
• Bicycle parking garages at both train stations (bike station at the main station, BikeTower at the old town station)
• Portal ¡°Osnabr¨¹ck ¨C Sustainable¡±
• Sustainable and fair city map
• Event calendar ¡°Osnabr¨¹ck Alternative¡±
• Regional products from Osnabr¨¹ck and the surrounding area in owner-operated retail stores
• Weekly markets with regional producers
• FoodSharing-FairTeiler at several locations (W¨¹ste, Dodesheide, Schinkel, Kalkh¨¹gel; Lingen)
• Regular flea markets (e.g., Osnabr¨¹ck Night Flea Market, Spring and Autumn Flea Market at Moskaubad, DHD Markets every Saturday at Halle Gartlage)
• Osnabr¨¹ck Telegram group ¡°Sharing is Caring¡± (@sharingiscaringos)
• At Spielcaf¨¦ Osnabrett, you can play lots of board games without having to buy or own them
• On the commuter portal of the city and district of Osnabr¨¹ck, you can form carpools for regularly traveled routes

Other Osnabr¨¹ck institutions:

• German Federal Environmental Foundation

Note: This list is not exhaustive. If an initiative is missing, please let us know at nachhaltigkeit@hs-osnabrueck.de.

In the 'Global Belongings' Swap Shop, departing international students can drop off items they no longer need when their stay in Osnabr¨¹ck comes to an end, and newly arriving international students can pick up those items for free upon their arrival in Osnabr¨¹ck. Further information (including opening hours, the Swap Shop's location, and the items accepted) can be found here.

On the following dates, international students can drop off items they do not wish to take with them before leaving Osnabr¨¹ck¡ªitems that future international students can make good use of during their time in Osnabr¨¹ck (DROP OFF). Newly arriving international students can also stop by the Swap Shop to pick up items for free (PICK UP):

• Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
• Friday, February 20, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• Monday, March 30, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM
• Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• DROP-OFF dates at the end of the semester will be announced shortly.

22 April is Earth Day, a day of action that has drawn attention to problematic man-made environmental changes and called for action since 1970.

On this year¡¯s Earth Day, a wide range of exciting sustainability-focused actions will take place across the campuses of Osnabr¨¹ck University of Applied Sciences (and beyond). The actions are aimed at students and staff (in teaching, research and support services), and some are also open to the wider public. view programme (accessible from April 01)

The day of action is organised by the ¡°Equal Opportunities and Sustainability¡± department at Osnabr¨¹ck UAS and brought to life thanks to the contributions of other stakeholders from Osnabr¨¹ck UAS as well as stakeholders from Osnabr¨¹ck University (Universit?t Osnabr¨¹ck), Osnabr¨¹ck Student Services (Studierendenwerk) and the Osnabr¨¹ck University Sports Centre (Zentrum f¨¹r Hochschulsport). 

Come along, gather information, find inspiration and get involved ¨C together, we can make a difference!

We look forward to a diverse and inspiring day of activities with you!

Important: Some activities require advance registration. Please note the deadlines!