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Responsibility

From Sustainability to Responsibility

As a responsible university, we strive to act in an economically, ecologically, and socially sustainable manner. Our research findings and the actions of our graduates give us a voice in society’s discourse on sustainability.
Studierende im Gebäude LC, Campus WU

Competence Center for Sustainability Transformation and Responsibility

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations came into effect on January 1, 2016. They are intended to ensure sustainable economic, social, and ecological development worldwide. At the beginning of 2019, WU’s Competence Center for Sustainability was renamed the Competence Center for Sustainability Transformation and Responsibility (STaR) and its focus was widened.

The interdisciplinary center was created as a platform for research, teaching, and social commitment on sustainable transformation. By holding public events and acting as a knowledge hub, it helps connect the WU community with external stakeholders.

STaR events in 2019

  • 1st STaR Research Conference on Responsible Innovation
  • ‘WU matters. WU talks.’ The UN Sustainable Development Goals: Why should they be your business?
  • Diversity and inclusion in a global business environment
  • ChangEDucation: 6th WU Sustainability Day
  • Skilled migrants in Austria: Needed but unwelcome?

Cooperation with UNIDO

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and WU plan to work together more closely in the future. On September 17, the Director General of UNIDO and WU’s rector both signed a cooperation agreement.

Rector Edeltraud Hanappi-Egger and Director General of UNIDO Li Yong
Li Yong und Edeltraud Hanappi-Egger

To achieve inclusive and sustainable industrial development, we also need to develop and research digitalization and the tools, technologies, and innovations that companies of all sizes, start-ups, and other organizations need to improve the impact of their initiatives. The cooperation agreement with UNIDO creates a space for innovation that will facilitate transformative learning processes.

“Building bridges between science and society is very important to WU; we achieve this goal primarily through cooperation with selected partners in business, society, and politics. The economic knowledge generated at WU helps to shape the development of social systems. Our cooperation with UNIDO and its affiliated institutions allows us to carry out important projects together and receive valuable practical feedback for our scientific research.”
Rector Edeltraud Hanappi-Egger

Protecting the environment is everyone’s business

At WU, environmental sustainability is an important prerequisite for all of our academic activities. Sustainability was also a key premise in the planning and construction of Campus WU. In its daily operations, WU takes care to use resources sparingly and efficiently and to reduce the amount of materials used. Operational procedures and processes are aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the emissions, waste, and wastewater we produce.

Climate-neutral campus

In 2019, we laid the groundwork for making Campus WU climate neutral. CO2 emissions cannot be completely avoided in day-to-day operations: Waste, heating, cooling, and electricity consumption at WU generate 1,100 tons of carbon emissions annually. WU offsets exactly this amount of CO2 by supporting two projects in Austria and one international climate conservation project.

WU supports the introduction of clay ovens in Rwanda
Tonofen

WU supports climate conservation projects

300
tons CO2 compensation
  • We are helping the charitable labor market initiative Förderung von Arbeit und Beschäftigung switch entirely to LED lighting systems.
300
tons CO2 compensation
  • The association Caritas4you is being equipped with eBikes, so employees no longer have to drive to the assisted living facilities they support by car.
500
tons CO2 compensation
  • We are supporting the introduction of efficient cooking units (clay ovens) in Rwanda. These ovens are manufactured in a local brick factory, and not only help create jobs but also contribute to the conservation of eastern Rwanda’s unique vegetation and biodiversity by reducing wood consumption. They also improve families’ quality of life by reducing carbon emissions and smoke pollution by more than 60% as compared to conventional open fires.
“WU is a responsible university, which is why it is particularly important to us to compensate for the unavoidable CO2 emissions resulting from our daily operations. We’re proud that we are able to compensate for 100% of these emissions, making WU Austria’s first climate-neutral campus.”
Harald Badinger, Vice-Rector for Financial Affairs and University Development

Creating awareness for energy use

WU has installed an energy monitor to increase awareness of our consumption of energy and resources among students, faculty, and staff. The new WU Energy Screen in the entrance area of the Teaching Center provides a real-time visualization of data on the use of electricity, heat, and water for all buildings on campus.

Energiemonitor an der WU

Sustainability in everyday working life

Everyone can do their part to help protect the climate, for example by avoiding unnecessary garbage. The initiative “Bring your own box” focuses on packaging materials and single-use plastics and provides an incentive to bring reusable lunch boxes. Employees and students who have their lunch packed in their own reusable box at one of the on-campus restaurants can have their “Bring your own box” pass stamped. When filled with 8 stamps, the pass can be exchanged for a reusable coffee-to-go cup.

Visible biodiversity

In addition to its striking modern architecture, Campus WU also offers beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens. The 8 descriptive signs along our new nature trail show the diversity of the plantings on campus and encourage employees, students, and visitors to engage with nature and the environment.

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An Attractive Employer