Sustainability as a lived philosophy at Hof University of Applied Sciences

Hof University of Applied Sciences is sending out a clear signal: Sustainability is not just a buzzword here, but an integral part of campus life. With the launch of the new website on sustainability and the “Green Tech” philosophy, the university is demonstrating how it takes responsibility and promotes sustainable development – ecologically, socially and economically.

A new website provides information about sustainability initiatives at the university;
Source: Hof University of Applied Sciences;

Hof University of Applied Sciences sees its campus as a place to live, learn, research and transfer knowledge. Sustainability is a principle that is reflected in the everyday life of all university members. Green roofs, a university pond as a wetland biotope and a biodiversity of plants and animals as well as an ISO 14001-certified environmental management system are just a few examples of how the university lives up to its environmental responsibility. And for those with a sweet tooth, there is even honey from the university’s own bees.

With Hof University’s Green Tech philosophy, which is based on a balance between environmental relevance, social compatibility and economic efficiency, living, learning, working and research at Hof University focuses on the goal of a climate and environmentally friendly, socially just and economically future-oriented environment.

The sustainability manager: a face for change

With Anja Grabmeier as Sustainability Manager, the university has gained an expert who not only impresses with her experience, but also with her passion for sustainable development.

“Sustainability is a shared task. I invite all members of the university to submit ideas and suggestions for a more sustainable university.”
Anja Grabmeier

In her role as a research assistant at the Institute for Sustainable Water Systems, she deals intensively with sustainability and contributes this to various projects. Today, she is driving the creation of a comprehensive sustainability strategy, which will be published in the second quarter of 2025, and is committed to anchoring it in all areas of the university.

*The Sustainability Manager at Hof University of Applied Sciences: Anja Grabmeier;*
*Image: Hof University of Applied Sciences;*

Research with vision

Hof University of Applied Sciences conducts intensive research in the fields of hydrogen and energy technology, biopolymers and the circular economy.

You can view current and completed research projects here…

The campus itself is also increasingly becoming a research project. In addition to projects such as the “Swimming Islands” for sustainable plant production, the development and implementation of a concept for a sponge campus and the innovative Center for Water and Energy with pioneering building technology should also be mentioned here.

Part of the community: living sustainability together

Hof University of Applied Sciences sees sustainability as a shared task and pursues an integrative and participatory approach. All university members can play an active role in shaping sustainable development and contribute to campus life. Students can submit suggestions via the student improvement management program “Change it, Stud!” Or get involved in one of the numerous student initiatives. All members of the university can also take part in further training workshops and help develop strategies. At the same time, the university is involved in networks such as the “Zentrum Hochschule & Nachhaltigkeit Bayern” (BayZeN) and the “Zukunftsforum Klimafreundliche Hochschulen” in order to set and maintain impulses beyond its own campus boundaries.