History of origins
During the first Eco-Social University Days in 2014, the sustainability process began when the topic of sustainability at the university was addressed in a workshop. After this workshop, an initiative was formed that included members of different status groups and various groups active in the field of sustainability. This initiative was supported by the netzwerk n itinerant coaching programme and developed a draft concept for a green office.
At the second Eco-Social University Days in 2015, a sustainability round table was organised to which various stakeholders, such as the university management, administration, related professors, academics and student representatives were invited. The concept was presented there and received positively, whereupon the university management agreed to finance a green office.
Starting in August 2015, two student assistants were hired, each with 10 hours of work per week, who took on the tasks of the sustainability office under the coordination of Christin Thiel (at the time the assistant to the prorector for studies and teaching). In a turbulent first year, the first OVGU sustainability report was prepared and the process of participatory strategy development was initiated.
In June 2016, the results of the work were presented at the second Sustainability Round Table. The first sustainability report was also presented there as part of the third Eco-Social University Days. The demand for a continuation of the activities was discussed at the round table and the rector asked the Sustainability Office for a list of the resources needed for further strategy development.
In October 2016, the Rector's Office approved the continuation of the Sustainability Office and the advertisement of a two-year academic position to coordinate the Sustainability Office. With an interruption in staffing, the position was filled again for two years at the beginning of 2020 and financed indefinitely via budget funds in 2022. The university management has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by appointing permanent staff to the position of head of the Green Office.