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
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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The energy and building sector
The University of Vienna is working to reduce energy consumption, increase the use of renewable energy, and implement a sustainable building strategy.
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Mobility
Whether commuting to campus or traveling on business, transportation accounted for about 53 percent of the University of Vienna’s recorded greenhouse gas emissions in 2025.
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Laboratories
The University of Vienna is testing measures to reduce energy consumption and material use in laboratories.
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Food and beverages
Our eating habits have a significant impact on the climate. The University of Vienna promotes plant-based options in its dining services.
The Sustainability Office
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
