Sustainability Day: Paths to climate neutrality

Review and presentations

On September 26, representatives of Hessian universities and the HMdF came together to discuss how universities can achieve the goal of climate neutrality. Around 70 guests from Hesse's universities and other important institutions, stakeholders, partners and guests from the region accepted the invitation.

The event was initiated by the Green Office of the University of Kassel and organized in cooperation with the Sustainability Network of Hessian Universities (NNHH). A lively panel discussion made it clear that although the path to climate neutrality is challenging, it can be achieved through joint efforts.

8th Hessian Day of Sustainability 2024

Content review and presentations

Impressions

Event for the 8th Hessian Sustainability Day on 26.09.2024

At the 8th Hessian Sustainability Day on 26.09.2024, Hessian universities want to discuss the framework conditions under which_CO2-neutral university operations can succeed and what challenges and obstacles exist on the path to climate neutrality.

The event is being held in cooperation with the Sustainability Network of Hessian Universities (NNHH), which was formed in 2022 to exchange ideas on the topic throughout the state, create synergies, pool research and act as a possible contact point for the HMWK.

At the event, the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen, the Technical University of Darmstadt and the University of Kassel will present exemplary measures and concepts for reducing_{CO2 emissions} and thus their path to climate neutrality.

Venue

UNI:Local
Wilhelmsstraße 21
34117 Kassel

Approach (opens in a new window)

The goal

Climate neutrality of the entire state administration by 2030.

The way

_{CO2 emissions} are to be radically reduced through energy renovation programs, ambitious energy standards, obligations to equip state-owned buildings with PV systems and measures to avoid mobility and procurement emissions.

The framework conditions

Since 2023, the goal of a_CO2-neutral state administration has been enshrined in the Hessian Climate Act. The law provides for a drastic reduction in energy consumption and at the same time for energy requirements to be covered by renewable energy sources wherever possible. Unavoidable emissions are to be offset by emission credits.

The Hessian Higher Education Pact 2021 to 2025 dedicates a separate field of action to the topic of sustainability. Among other things, it stipulates that all Hessian universities develop individual sustainability strategies and achieve a real and sustainable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (_{CO2 equivalents}) of at least 2% per year or at least 10% by 2025.

Program

10:00 - 10:30 a.m. - Arrival and check-in

10:30 a.m. - Welcome and opening

Dr. Oliver Fromm, Chancellor of the University of Kassel

Georg Mösbauer, Nadine Chrubasik, Green Office University of Kassel

10:40 a.m. - Introductory lecture

_CO2-neutral state administration: status quo, framework conditions, measures

Hans-Günter Göddemeyer,_CO2-neutral state administration

11:15 a.m. - Keynote speeches on implementation measures

Intracting to increase energy efficiency

Dirk Schnurr, Energy Efficiency Manager, University of Kassel

THM path to_{CO2 neutrality} using the example of a wastewater heat utilization system

Erik Greß, ECO2 team, Central Hesse University of Applied Sciences

Building blocks & obstacles on the way to net zero - an interim report

Dr.-Ing. David Sauerwein, Consultant for climate-friendly buildings and districts, Technical University of Darmstadt

12:15 - 13:00 - Break with lunch snack

1:00 p.m.

What actually is climate neutrality? About the confusion of terminology

Wiebke Kirchhof, Energy Master Plan, University of Kassel

13:20 - 14:20 - Discussion round

Climate neutrality despite energy consumption, how can this be achieved?

Dr. Oliver Fromm
Chancellor of the University of Kassel

Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Holger Rohn
Sustainability Officer, Mittelhessen University of Applied Sciences

Hans-Günter Göddemeyer
_CO2-neutral state administration, Hessian Ministry of Finance

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Peter Pelz
Vice President for Digitalization, Sustainability and Infrastructure, Technical University of Darmstadt

Prof. Dr. Stefan Lechtenböhmer
Department of Sustainable Technology Design, Kassel Institute for Sustainability, University of Kassel

14:20 - 14:30 - Wrap up of the event

14:30 - 15:30 - Coffee Talk - Space for exchange between the participants

Speakers of the keynote speeches

Dirk Schnurr, Energy Efficiency Manager,
University of Kassel

Intracting to increase
energy efficiency

Dirk Schnurr has been an energy efficiency manager at the University of Kassel since 2017 and is responsible for setting up and coordinating the intracting model, among other things. Prior to this, he had many years of experience as an energy officer for the Schwalm-Eder district.

Dr.-Ing. David Sauerwein, Consultant for climate-friendly buildings and districts,
Darmstadt University of Technology

Building blocks & obstacles on the way to net zero - an interim report

After graduating in Architecture and ClimaDesign, worked as an architect for several years. Then research assistant and doctorate at the Department of Architecture at the TU Darmstadt. Since 2023 consultant for "Climate-friendly buildings and neighborhoods" at Department V - Construction Management and Technical Operations at TU Darmstadt.

Erik Greß, _ECO2 team,
Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen

THM path to_{CO2 neutrality} using the example of a wastewater heat utilization system

Erik Gress, an experienced engineer in the field of energy systems with a focus on building technology, is a long-standing member of the _ECO2 team at the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen. He has played a key role in developing and refining the energy concept for a_CO2-neutral university.

Wiebke Kirchhof, Energy Master Plan,
Green Office of the University of Kassel

What exactly is climate neutrality? About the confusion of terms

Architect and energy consultant, DGNB auditor for buildings and districts (German Sustainable Building Council), specializing in building physics / engineering offices / municipal climate protection management / climate change impact adaptation

Contact us

University of Kassel
Green Office
Nora-Platiel-Strasse 2
34125 Kassel

Georg Mösbauer
Phone: +49 (0)561 804-3811
Nadine Chrubasik
Phone: +49 (0)561 804-2519

Mail: tag-der-nachhaltigkeit@uni-kassel.de