The Sustainability Working Group of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Cologne organised the Sustainability Days in 2025 and 2026, bringing together employees, researchers, students and other members of the university community. The events showcased sustainability initiatives, encouraged networking and raised awareness of sustainability in healthcare. The programme featured more than 20 initiatives, as well as discussions, talks, workshops and an exhibition on healthy hospital food.
Project Goals
Changing Awareness & Attitudes & Raising Awareness Across the Organization
Expanding Knowledge & Skills
Generating Ideas & Exchanging Perspectives
Taking Action & Enabling Experiences
Focus Area
Health & Climate Adaptation & Resilience
The Outcome
The Sustainability Days brought together employees, students, researchers and more than 20 sustainability initiatives and organisations. The events fostered interdisciplinary exchange and networking between the university, University Hospital and regional initiatives, while providing participants with new ideas and inspiration for more sustainable practices in their professional and academic lives. Practical activities, including free bicycle and electronics repairs, complemented the programme.
The Impact
The Sustainability Days helped establish sustainability as an integral part of university culture and healthcare while strengthening collaboration among existing initiatives. Following the positive response to the 2025 edition, the Sustainability Days returned in 2026, providing another opportunity to bring people together, showcase sustainability initiatives and promote long-term engagement with sustainability across the campus.