Sustainability, environment & climate
at the University of Vienna
‘Climate, environment, sustainability’ is a strategic priority at the University of Vienna. The focus is on combining academic findings with concrete action and creating sustainable structures in research, teaching and studying, outreach and university management.
From climate protection to food sustainability, mobility or the responsible use of resources – sustainability is a university-wide mission at the University of Vienna. Our goal is to contribute to solving global questions through research, education and institutional transformation, as well as to open up sustainable perspectives for future generations.
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Operations
The sustainable University – structures, individuals and questions around institutional transformation
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Research
From climate change to urban planning – research at the University of Vienna generates knowledge for sustainable change
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Teaching & Studying
From MOOCs to lecture series – understanding sustainability through an interdisciplinary lens
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Networks & how to contribute
From working groups to networks – together for sustainable development
International Freezer Competition
Join the global Freezer Challenge 2026 and make your lab’s cold storage more efficient and sustainable.
The path towards climate neutrality
The University of Vienna has set itself the goal to become climate-neutral by 2030. Clear structures have been created to reach that goal – the Sustainability Office , functioning as a measure coordinator, a steering committee responsible for defining strategic priorities, and the Sustainability Advisory Board , contributing academic expertise and perspectives from the university community, all play an important part in this mission.
Our focus is on fields of action such as the energy and building sector, mobility, or the use of resources. Monitoring and our roadmap for climate neutrality make our progress visible and help us define the next necessary steps.
Fields of action
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Sustainable laboratories
The University of Vienna is working to make laboratories more energy-efficient, resource-efficient and climate-friendly.
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Food and beverages
Our eating habits have an impact on our climate. The University of Vienna promotes food sustainability with plant-based options.
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Biodiversity
The University promotes biodiversity on its premises and makes diversity visible on the Campus of the University of Vienna.
The Sustainability Office – making our University fit for the future
The Sustainability Office of the University of Vienna serves as a central point of contact and is the liaison office for all interest groups involved with sustainability at the University. It is part of the Facility and Resources Management service unit (RRM) and is closely and directly involved with the Vice-Rectorate for Infrastructure, whose area of responsibility involves sustainability matters.
The Sustainability Office of the University of Vienna on campus.
Sustainability Advisory Board
The Sustainability Advisory Board of the University of Vienna advises the Rectorate on strategic questions regarding climate, environment and sustainability. Representatives from the areas of research and administration, as well as the student body, draw on their expertise in order to clearly define goals, contribute to measures and inspire innovations.
Sustainability Advisory Board 2024
