Fachhochschule Dortmund is the first university in North Rhine-Westphalia to focus consistently on sustainability - in all areas: Teaching, research, campus life, operations and social commitment. Our CSR Office bundles ideas and initiatives, from photovoltaics and energy-saving campaigns to social responsibility. The mobile sustainability office "Soffi", participation in working groups or involvement in the next Sustainability Week: everyone can play a part.
With the "Whole Institution Approach", we are anchoring a culture of sustainable thinking and action - for the climate, the environment and the future. Become part of this movement and discover what sustainability means at Fachhochschule Dortmund.
If you want to get involved in social or ecological issues, then take a look at our platform to find the right organization.
CSR-AG
Sustainability Week Plus
Mobility campaign 2026
Photovoltaics
CSR research
Soffi
Follow-up Transfer Day 2025
CoSR
Current projects and events
Certifications and reports
Social sustainability
Ecological sustainability
Participation and information
Archive
Whole Institution Approach
The Whole Institution Approach (WIA) is a holistic approach to the sustainable development of universities. The aim is to integrate sustainability not only into studies, but into all areas of the university. This includes teaching and learning, research, transfer, operations, governance and campus life.
To find these areas more quickly, use the following links.
Study & Teaching
Research
Operation
Governance
Transfer
Campus life
Contact persons
Sebastian Kreimer: "With my work, I want to ensure that we move from knowledge to action. My personal motivation is a future worth living for my children."
Dorothee Albrecht: "Climate protection at a university of applied sciences - yes, it's possible! My wish is to start a conversation and make environmental and climate protection a matter of course. For a sustainable future for the university."
Karen Isabell Müller: "Climate protection is more important than ever and as a university we can make a decisive contribution together. I am delighted to support the UAS in achieving its goal of climate neutrality by 2030."
Laszlo Küster: "Energy management alone does not save kilowatt-hours. Only the implementation of concrete measures leads to measurable reductions in consumption. That saves CO₂ and money."
What does CSR stand for?
The abbreviation CSR stands for “Corporate Social Responsibility” and refers to the responsibility of companies and organizations for their impact on society. This responsibility encompasses environmental, economic, and social aspects. The terms CSR and sustainability are often used interchangeably, but they differ in their focus. CSR is a narrower concept and refers to the specific contribution that companies or organizations make, within their own context, to global sustainability or sustainable development.
Social Responsibility
As a university, we have a special responsibility toward society. Relevant tasks and topics in this regard include:
- the education of students
- the design of our curriculum
- the selection of research projects
- working conditions
- fostering a sense of community among university members
- the university’s impact on the region
- the use of resources
Since January 2024, Fachhochschule Dortmund has been the first public-benefit-oriented university in North Rhine-Westphalia. With this focus, we have set out to continuously advance the sustainable development of the university.
We aim to contribute to transformative change in line with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals in the areas of teaching, research, operations, and knowledge transfer. The CSR Office serves as the support unit that helps others make their sustainable work more visible through presentation in sustainability reports or by assisting with knowledge transfer to society. At the same time, the CSR Office aims to enable all members of the university to participate in and help shape these efforts.
The CSR Office also serves as an implementation unit when it comes to addressing climate protection, environmental, energy, and mobility management.
The Fachhochschule Dortmund is part of the Climate-Neutral State Administration of North Rhine-Westphalia 2030 initiative, and the CSR Office is your point of contact for questions regarding this process.
We travel year-round across the university’s three campuses with our mobile sustainability office, Soffi, to stay in touch with you. Subscribe to our newsletter “Hummelfisch,” reach out to us—we look forward to connecting with you.