Sustainability at the HNEE

HNEE stands for lived sustainability and a sustainability management approach that sets standards. We understand and practise → sustainability as a cross-cutting issue, reflected in research, teaching, administration, and infrastructure. Naturally, this cannot be achieved overnight (see → Sustainability Report). It requires a collaborative, holistic approach from within the organisation in order to create impact externally. We see sustainable development as a process that calls for effective design methods, as well as committed and well-trained individuals who can identify potential allies and multipliers, and work together to initiate effective change. In doing so, we take on a proactive role as a pioneer for sustainability — both in society and within the higher education landscape. 

Our EMAS award-winning environmental management system, sustainable procurement, and sustainable event management are well established and are being continuously improved.

Working groups on sustainable development promote exchange and collaboration across disciplines and drive innovative ideas forward. This lived sustainability extends well beyond everyday campus life.

HNEE works together with the Studierendenwerk Ost:Brandenburg to continuously develop its canteens in line with sustainability principles. In the → Sustainability Canteen Working Group, students and staff collaborate to strengthen environmentally friendly, climate-conscious, and health-promoting food options. As early as 2022, the HNEE canteens were recognised by the NGO ProVeg as “Planetary Health Canteens.” Every day, vegan and vegetarian dishes are on offer, alongside fresh fruit and vegetables and a salad bar. Meat dishes are served only twice a week. Many products — such as coffee, rice, beef, and potatoes — are 100% organic. The canteens also prioritise fair trade and locally sourced foods. One especially popular initiative is the annual “Climate Meal” competition, in which students submit sustainable recipe ideas, with the winning dishes integrated into the regular menu. The reusable cup deposit scheme is also part of the university’s commitment to a resource-conscious dining experience.

HNEE pursues clear sustainability goals in its procurement processes, as defined in its guideline for sustainable procurement. In addition to meeting legal requirements, the university applies further criteria such as resource conservation, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and short transport routes. All procurement activities — whether centralised or decentralised — are guided by a balance between environmental considerations, social responsibility, and economic viability (see → Sustainable procurement at HNEE). One example of good practice is the university’s tender for recycled printer paper, which was recognised by the Federal Environment Agency as a best-practice case.

The → Network for Diversity and Equal Opportunities at HNEE brings together representatives and coordinators to actively contribute to the implementation of the → Gender Equality Concept and the → Anti-Racism Concept. The aim is to foster a respectful, open, and inclusive university environment where diversity is both embraced and promoted. Together with students, employees, and external partners, the network advocates for participation, visibility, and equal opportunities — regardless of gender, background, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation. Its mission is to dismantle barriers, highlight diversity as a strength, and enable full involvement.

HNEE offers comprehensive support for students and staff with family responsibilities — including parent-child rooms on both the city and forest campuses, financial assistance, and flexible working and study arrangements. The university also promotes health and wellbeing through the Healthy University working group (AG Gesunde Hochschule), which develops and implements a range of health promotion measures. Further information is available on the → Family-friendly university and → Healthy university working group pages.