A detailed report in German on the event celebrating the EMAS anniversary, including the content of the discussions and Prof. Anders Levermann’s keynote speech, can be found on this page.

Goals relating to the environment, climate protection and sustainability are becoming increasingly important to organizational strategies and management systems – and universities are no different. TU Dresden’s environmental management system has been certified by the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) since 2003, with the aim of continually improving environmental performance.

TU Dresden celebrated 20 years of EMAS certification with an event on June 28. Prof. Roswitha Böhm, Vice-Rector University Culture at TU Dresden, opened the event by outlining the history of environmental management at TU Dresden and the current activities at TUD. For example, the Green Office was established in 2021 and the Environment Commission has been strengthened with the establishment of its own administrative office. Currently, TU Dresden is developing a sustainability strategy with an action plan for the university. Prof. Böhm emphasized the importance of the EMAS-certified environmental management system for this process.

Dr. Andreas Sperl, President of the Saxony Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Industrie- und Handelskammer - IHK) explained the benefits EMAS brings to an organization. These ranged from improving energy efficiency and climate protection to increasing employee satisfaction. TU Dresden is one of 100 EMAS locations in Saxony. Universities are particularly important in this context, as they act as catalysts in society. A basic prerequisite for innovation is collaboration between society, industry and science. As an expression of appreciation and gratitude, Dr. Andreas Sperl presented an anniversary certificate entitled “20 Years of EMAS at TU Dresden” on behalf of IHK.

This event honoring the EMAS environmental management system also marked the end of the “TU it NOW” 2023 Sustainability Week at the TU Dresden.