Sustainability Report 2023

On campus, Bielefeld University attaches great importance to sustainable, resource-saving catering with increasingly healthy, plant-based, ecologically produced, regional and seasonal products. As catering at Bielefeld University is largely shaped by the cooperation with the Studierendenwerk [Association for Student Affairs], a regular exchange is sought here in order to represent the interests of university members.

The University's sustainability mission statement stipulates that the above-mentioned criteria are to be increasingly applied in the procurement and purchasing of services by the University. For example, when catering for events, it is possible to influence the sustainable design of the offer. A seasonal, regional, vegetarian and vegan selection at the buffet, plant-based milk for coffee, drinks from the region or tap water in carafes directly improve the ecological footprint of an event. This can be requested directly from the caterer. The use of reusable containers should also be encouraged. The university would like to make developments transparent and accelerate them by providing information.

In order to reduce the number of plastic bottles on campus, three drinking water dispensers are now available, which can also be used to refill your own drinking bottle. Annual tests ensure the high quality of drinking water at the university.

Restlos boxes

Since the winter semester 2022/23, the Restlos e.V. association has been handing out so-called Restlos boxes. Almost every Tuesday during term time, pre-ordered fruit and vegetable boxes as well as vegan bags with products that have been rejected by wholesalers and retailers, mainly due to external blemishes, can be collected. The revenue from the sale is used to fund social projects.

In the summer semester 2023, a total of 868 leftover boxes and 251 vegan bags were handed out. This saved a total of around 4,900 kg of food.

Further information on the sustainability portal.