Shaping a sustainable future
Sustainability affects universities in various ways. On the one hand, they can address this topic in research and teaching and act as multipliers. However, on the other hand, they are responsible for their own greenhouse gas emissions.
"Sustainability is not a topic for the future, but a shared responsibility in the here and now. As Zeppelin University, we aim to lead by example and are striving for climate neutrality by 2035. To achieve this, we need everyone: students, staff, and faculty. Contribute your ideas and help us make ZU a more sustainable place."
Prof Dr Anja Achtziger | President (acting chairwoman)
As a sphere of ideas, universities are ideal places to tackle these issues and translate them into practical solutions.
At Zeppelin University (ZU), the Sustainability Manager coordinates sustainability projects and is responsible for the reporting. The student Green Office (Zukunftsbüro) serves as the hub for student engagement.
Discover the sustainability measures we implement, our library's sustainability initiatives, and related research projects here:
Sustainability report
Please click or tap “Start Pageflow” to start the interactive sustainability report.
You can download our guidelines on sustainability here:
Sustainability measures at Zeppelin University
Premises and energy
Green electricity
Since January 2019, Zeppelin University has been using green electricity sourced entirely from renewable energy.
Local Heating Network Fallenbrunnen
Our ZF Campus is connected to the local heating network in the Fallenbrunnen district. The required energy is generated in a combined heat and power plant, producing electricity and heat simultaneously for greater efficiency.
Energy management system
In December 2022, we introduced a certified energy management system in accordance with ISO 50001, partially funded by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry for the Environment, Climate Protection, and the Energy Sector. An energy consultant supports us and prepares for the regular external audits of the ZU energy management system.
Lighting
The lighting systems were gradually converted to LED lamps. Corridor lighting is controlled by motion detectors to save energy.
ZU’s intelligent ZF Campus of ZU
ZF Campus of ZU. Photo: ZU/Nicolas Piepenstock
On the ZF Campus of ZU, the ventilation and heating (via a local heating network) in the new part of the building are controlled automatically. Speaking of ventilation: The windows were replaced in 2018, significantly improving ZU’s energy balance.
In the old part of the ZF Campus, office heating is controlled based on usage, automatically lowering the temperature when an office is unoccupied. In the new building, we use building core activation, which enables a low flow temperature for the heating systems. The building core temperature is maintained at a constant level year-round, reducing the need for radiators in winter. The ventilation systems across the entire ZF Campus recover heat.
Photovoltaic system ZF Campus of ZU
In November 2023, a photovoltaic system with an output of approx. 25 kWp was installed on the roof above the Graf Soden Forum on the ZF Campus of ZU.
Photovoltaic system SeeCampus
Since 2024, we have been leasing a photovoltaic system with an output of 32 kWp from our landlord on the SeeCampus.
Mobility
Electromobility
In 2018, two small electric cars were acquired for the IT and site management departments, which frequently commute between the two campuses. ZU's small vehicle fleet is mostly electrified, with two exceptions (one diesel and one hybrid vehicle). ZU students and employees can register for FRIZZ car-sharing, an external provider offering electric cars for rent at both locations.
Cargo bike
In 2023, ZU purchased a cargo bike with financial support from the Zeppelin University Society (ZUG). The bike is available to all employees and is intended to facilitate commuting between the two ZU locations. Further information can be found on our intranet ZUniverse.
Sustainable travel policy
Zeppelin University's travel policy mandates the use of public transport for business trips. Flying is not permitted within a flight exclusion zone that includes Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and parts of other neighboring countries that are easily accessible by train.
Canteen and procurement
Canteen and catering
The canteen always offers a vegan/vegetarian option in addition to a meat option each day. By pre-ordering meals, we produce only the required number of meals, minimizing food waste. Ingredients (vegetables, meat, baked goods, and cakes) are largely sourced regionally. Most beverages are purchased from regional producers and come in returnable bottles. ZU is a certified Fairtrade University, meaning several products, such as coffee and chocolate bars, are Fairtrade-certified.
Multi-use instead of single-use
We only offer food from the canteen for on-site consumption. For several years, coffee has only been available in cups or you bring your own mug. We purchase mineral water and soft drinks in returnable bottles mostly regionally from the Allgäu region.
Recycling paper
In August 2020, the management decided to switch to recycled paper with Blue Angel certification. We also take part in the annual Paper Atlas, which is a national university competition for sustainable paper procurement. In 2024, Zeppelin University achieved 5th place among all universities which is a top ranking. In 2022, ZU was already awarded ‘Rising Star of the Year’.
Sharing is caring
We use our furniture and IT equipment as long as possible. Sharing economy is nothing new for our library. After all, the shared use of media is a living example of sustainable action.
Activities and events
Clean Up Days
Together with our neighbours in the Fallenbrunnen district, the Swiss International School and the Regional Innovation and Transfer Centre (RITZ), we have already held our own Clean Up Day in Fallenbrunnen twice. In one hour, we collected 170 and 240 kg of rubbish, respectively. We would like to thank Zeppelin Rental, Zeppelin Systems, Sonett and the city of Friedrichshafen for their support.
City cycling
Zeppelin University takes part in City Cycling every year. This competition aims to collect as many kilometers by bike as possible over a 21-day period. In this nationwide campaign, teams compete within one city. Despite strong competition from schools and large companies, the ZU team has already ranked among the top 10 in Friedrichshafen.
European Mobility Week
We regularly take part in the annual European Mobility Week in Friedrichshafen in September with various activities. Examples from the past comprise a test day for e-bikes and e-scooters or a panel discussion on the future of mobility and on public transport.
Is something still missing or would you like to get involved? ZU’s Sustainability Manager would be delighted to hear from you and will be happy to put you in touch with existing sustainability projects.
Contact
| Phone: | +49 7541 6009-1115 |
| Room: | SMH Kolon | 3.07 |