Sustainability as a Guiding Principle in Teaching, Research and Knowledge Transfer

The Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE) is one of Germany’s most prominent universities in the field of sustainability. As early as 1992, HNEE strategically integrated sustainability into all areas of the institution – as a central guiding principle for teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and university operations.
With its consistently sustainable profile, HNEE acts as a driving force for forward-thinking education and societal transformation – at regional, national, and international levels. The university views sustainability not merely as a cross-cutting issue, but as a comprehensive principle that informs and shapes thinking and action across all domains.

HNEE has received multiple awards for its pioneering commitment:

• In 2024, it was awarded the German Sustainability Award (DNP) as a role model among sustainable educational institutions.
• In 2023, it received the "National Award – Education for Sustainable Development" in the category Learning Environments – presented by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the German Commission for UNESCO as part of the BNE 2030 programme.
• Since 2009, HNEE has been validated under the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) and was honoured with the EMAS Award in 2010 and 2017.
• Since 2014, the university has been operating on a climate-neutral basis and uses 100 % green electricity at all of its locations.

With more than 100 ongoing research projects, HNEE is one of the most research-active universities of applied sciences in Germany. Its research is problem-solution-oriented, transdisciplinary, and focuses on real-world solutions for sustainable development. This is particularly evident in the Biosphere Reserves Institute, a UNESCO Category 2 Institute that serves as an international hub for sustainable development in biosphere reserves. Through numerous international projects, HNEE contributes significantly to global transformation processes.

Students at HNEE benefit from a unique, future-oriented range of degree programmes:

• All undergraduate students complete the interdisciplinary introductory module “Introduction to Sustainable Development”, which anchors sustainability as a core educational element.
• The Eberswalde Study Model promotes an integrated development of key competencies for sustainable development, in combination with subject-specific, methodological, and social skills.
• Small learning groups, a strong practical focus, and early involvement in real-life projects create an inspiring learning environment with excellent conditions for academic success.

 

Contacts

► Uta Steinhardt, Vice-President for Studies and Teaching | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
► Manuela Pelz, Head of Centre for International Affairs | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

► Website of Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development