On this page, we present a summary of the current sustainability initiatives and existing structures at htw saar. Our approach is based on the proposed areas of action outlined by the German Society for Sustainability at Universities (DGhochN).
Sustainability is integrated into htw saar through legal requirements, strategic documents, and organizational structures. It is a cross-cutting task in teaching and continuing education, research and knowledge transfer, operations, and organization.
- “Sustainable development” has been a legal obligation for universities in Saarland since 2024 (§3 SHSG)
- In April 2024, appointment of a Vice President for Sustainability within the Office of Academic Affairs, International Relations, and Sustainability
- Since November 2024: Position of Sustainability Officer
- Teaching Mission Statement: “We empower our students to act sustainably and to take on responsibility in society.”
- Code of Conduct: “Sustainability, environmental and climate protection, and resource efficiency are important goals for us, for which all university members take responsibility.”
- Sustainability goals and measures in the university development plan, faculty development plans, and the target and management agreements with the state
- First Sustainability Report of htw saar published in May 2026 (pdf, 1.4 MB)
- AStA Department of Sustainability and Social Justice
- Member of DG HochN
- Inter-university steering group Fairtrade Universities Saar
Sustainability is integrated into teaching in terms of pedagogy (competency frameworks, formats), structure and organization (at the degree program and module levels), and discipline (subject-specific focuses).
- Transformative competencies are included in the htw saar Future Skills model and are thus part of the conceptual basis for curriculum development
- Programs
- Diverse formats that promote transformative learning:
- Service Learning (in various forms, such as “Balu und Du” (Social Sciences) or project work with non-profit organizations (Economics),
- Participatory workshops with citizen involvement (Architecture, Social Sciences),
- Curriculum and future workshops for curriculum development (all faculties)
- Subject-specific topics are integrated into curricula, e.g.,
- migration and participation in the social sciences,
- Sustainable mobility and renewable energy in engineering,
- Climate change adaptation and sustainable urban development in the Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering
- Sustainability management and business ethics in the economic sciences.
- Cooperation agreement with the Forum for Responsibility Foundation: New seminar as a required elective module, building on the “Sustainability Colloquium” for early-career researchers
- Awards: multiple state prizes for university teaching for teaching/learning formats related to sustainability: Participatory Village Development; ACEEPT Project Week; Nurse Aide Training Program (Myanmar); Service Learning, Illingen Youth Center
htw saar is a research-intensive university of applied sciences. Economic and social issues are brought to htw saar by cooperation partners and are thus directly reflected in externally funded projects. The right to award doctoral degrees will open up new opportunities in the future for the academic training of young researchers.
- The Saarland is once again undergoing profound structural change; htw saar shapes the economic, social, and technological transformation of the region through its regional roots, international networks, and close collaboration with businesses, policymakers, and civil society
- A wide range of specialized topics across four faculties: e.g., resource-efficient technologies, sustainable materials, social innovations, and future-proof solutions for business and society
- Interdisciplinary collaborations, e.g., cross-faculty centers of excellence with a focus on sustainability
- Future – Transportation – Society (FTS),
- Climate Impact Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management (KoK2)
- Fluid Machinery, Simulation, and Measurement Technology (KoS)
- International research collaborations: INTERREG (Greater Green+)
- Large-scale research projects supported by the Saarland Transformation Fund:
- The Third Mission is understood as a two-way transfer between the university and society:
- Integration into the Alt-Saarbrücken neighborhood (participation in the Alt-Saarbrücken Education Landscape Roundtable; cooperation with the neighborhood office, e.g., Summer Streets, Parking Day, Alt-Sommer Music Festival)
- Collaborations in the region (companies, local authorities)
- Research institutes (affiliated and associated institutes), including IZES, ZEMA
We provide space for diversity and individual backgrounds. External certifications confirm our commitment to counseling, service, and continuing education.
As a campus-based university, we create a vibrant social space. Interaction, dialogue, and studying and working together on campus are essential to our learning culture. At the same time, this presents us with environmental challenges regarding building maintenance and the mobility of our university community.
- Campus Development and New Construction Building 12: State-owned properties; the Alt-Saarbrücken campus will be largely rebuilt in the coming years—in accordance with higher energy standards; Building 12 will be constructed to BNB Silver standard
- Waste separation throughout public areas
- Energy conservation, especially during the 2022 energy crisis
- Lighting will be converted to energy-efficient LED bulbs
- Implementation of the procurement policy: Printer and copy paper with blue Eng certification provided
- Awards: Fairtrade certification (fair-trade food in committees, cafeteria, events)
- Student Services partner: Fairtrade, reusable tableware, vegetarian menus
- The mobility strategy is under development with the following priorities:
- Commuting (carpooling platform)
- Vehicle fleet (corporate carsharing)
- Bicycle traffic (bicycle-friendly employer)
- Electric bicycles available for loan
