The University of Technology Nuremberg has published its Climate Action Plan, sending a clear early signal of its commitment to sustainable development. The plan establishes a strategic foundation for systematically pursuing climate neutrality by 2040.
In line with its commitment to innovation, UTN sees sustainability as an essential part of its development from the very beginning. The Climate Action Plan was developed between May 2024 and June 2025 and now provides a framework for implementing, advancing, and embedding climate action across the university.
UTN is in a unique position. As no existing buildings need to be retrofitted, strategic decisions can be made from the ground up with climate protection in mind. This applies to campus infrastructure, operations, IT systems, and mobility, among other areas. In this way, UTN is moving step by step toward its goal of greenhouse gas neutrality by 2040—following an approach that is both ambitious and realistic.
New Impetus for Climate-Neutral Development
“UTN sees itself as a learning organisation with a special responsibility to contribute to overcoming current ecological and social challenges. With the UTN Climate Action Plan, we are taking another important step on our path to becoming a sustainable and climate-neutral university. Our Plan builds on existing measures, but also aims to provide new impetus for more efficient processes, resource-saving practices and a fundamental rethink in research, teaching and administration”, says Founding President Prof. Dr. Michael Huth.
The concept was supported by the external consulting firm plant values. The starting point was UTN’s greenhouse gas balance (GHG balance) in 2023. Based on this analysis, concrete measures were identified through a series of internal workshops and structured into seven areas of action: procurement, operations, IT, campus infrastructure, renewable energy, land management, and mobility. A first visible sign: a worm box has already been set up on campus to convert organic waste into valuable compost.
Climate Action as Part of the Sustainability Strategy
The Climate Action Plan is a central part of UTN’s emerging sustainability strategy. Climate action is positioned within the ecological pillar, complementing the social and governance dimensions. Together, these elements form a cohesive and integrated sustainability framework.
To ensure effective implementation, the Climate Action Plan is being embedded into UTN’s organizational structures as an ongoing process. This includes clear responsibilities, regular evaluations, and annual GHG accounting. The goal is to create effective structures that make climate protection a living part of UTN.
PDF-Download Climate Action Plan, long version
PDF-Download Climate Action Plan, short version
The University of Technology Nuremberg has published its Climate Action Plan, sending a clear early signal of its commitment to sustainable development. The plan establishes a strategic foundation for systematically pursuing climate neutrality by 2040.
In line with its commitment to innovation, UTN sees sustainability as an essential part of its development from the very beginning. The Climate Action Plan was developed between May 2024 and June 2025 and now provides a framework for implementing, advancing, and embedding climate action across the university.
UTN is in a unique position. As no existing buildings need to be retrofitted, strategic decisions can be made from the ground up with climate protection in mind. This applies to campus infrastructure, operations, IT systems, and mobility, among other areas. In this way, UTN is moving step by step toward its goal of greenhouse gas neutrality by 2040—following an approach that is both ambitious and realistic.
New Impetus for Climate-Neutral Development
“UTN sees itself as a learning organisation with a special responsibility to contribute to overcoming current ecological and social challenges. With the UTN Climate Action Plan, we are taking another important step on our path to becoming a sustainable and climate-neutral university. Our Plan builds on existing measures, but also aims to provide new impetus for more efficient processes, resource-saving practices and a fundamental rethink in research, teaching and administration”, says Founding President Prof. Dr. Michael Huth.
The concept was supported by the external consulting firm plant values. The starting point was UTN’s greenhouse gas balance (GHG balance) in 2023. Based on this analysis, concrete measures were identified through a series of internal workshops and structured into seven areas of action: procurement, operations, IT, campus infrastructure, renewable energy, land management, and mobility. A first visible sign: a worm box has already been set up on campus to convert organic waste into valuable compost.
Climate Action as Part of the Sustainability Strategy
The Climate Action Plan is a central part of UTN’s emerging sustainability strategy. Climate action is positioned within the ecological pillar, complementing the social and governance dimensions. Together, these elements form a cohesive and integrated sustainability framework.
To ensure effective implementation, the Climate Action Plan is being embedded into UTN’s organizational structures as an ongoing process. This includes clear responsibilities, regular evaluations, and annual GHG accounting. The goal is to create effective structures that make climate protection a living part of UTN.
PDF-Download Climate Action Plan, long version
PDF-Download Climate Action Plan, short version