“Impact Cup” Awarded for Engagement in the Field of Sustainability

Prof. Gerhard Schembecker, Vice President Finance, presented the Impact Cup on behalf of TU Dortmund University to the Sustainability Commission of the Department of Computer Science. The commission – comprising professors, academic and non-academic staff, and students – has coordinated projects over the past three years that promote sustainable practices in research and teaching. For example, it introduced a sustainability award within the department last year and launched the lecture series “Computer Science and Sustainability.” According to the jury, the commission’s members have firmly embedded the topic of sustainability in the Department of Computer Science through their personal commitment and have created a knowledgeable and reliable point of contact for the department, benefiting the sustainability officers of the other departments and, not least, the TU Dortmund University Sustainability Office.

For FH Dortmund, Chancellor Svenja Stepper presented the Impact Cup to the Procurement Team. This team contributes to the development of sustainable procurement guidelines, advises the university’s staff on these matters, and participates in the collaborative processes for the sustainable development of FH Dortmund. By openly communicating their efforts and measures, the team members create opportunities for engagement. Through their critical approach in the procurement of goods and services, as well as direct exchanges with procurement personnel about possible alternatives, they have provided valuable awareness-raising efforts, according to the jury. The Procurement Team is active in networks at both the state and federal levels to help shape sustainable procurement in the public service sector.

Sustainability in Teaching, Research, and Administration

“The Impact Cup also demonstrates how diverse sustainability engagement can and must be in order for the sustainable transformation at universities to succeed,” said Dr. Henning Moldenhauer, head of the TU Sustainability Office, during the ceremony. “Integrating education for sustainable development into university teaching, sustainability research, and the responsible actions of the university regarding procurement are major challenges for successful change. This year’s award winners are taking important first steps—and doing so as a team effort.”

The awards ceremony, jointly organized and moderated by the staff of the Sustainability Office and the CSR Office, took place at the kostBar on the FH campus. The trophies were designed and built by TU trainees in Technical Product Design 2024: a floating metal watering can above a small green plant symbolizes the kind of sustainability that should continuously grow through collective care.

Sustainability Action Week

Together with the General Student Committees (AStAs) of both universities, the Dortmund Association of Student Affairs, and the CampusForFuture university group, the Sustainability Offices once again hosted a joint Sustainability Week on campus. In numerous lectures, workshops, and at action and information booths, the organizers informed attendees about various aspects of sustainability and provided practical tips for sustainable everyday living from 19 to 22 May.

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