The Studierendenwerk Ulm publishes annual information on its measures and objectives relating to energy, emissions, procurement, campus dining services, and student housing. The latest reports and supporting documentation are available on this page.
Our services are provided in accordance with documented quality assurance and hygiene procedures. The applicable standards, certifications, and contact details are linked within the respective service areas.
We provide our services at the higher education institutions in Aalen, Biberach, Heidenheim, Schwäbisch Gmünd, and Ulm. Regional procurement initiatives and cooperative partnerships are identified by their respective origin or partner organizations.

Food and Drink

Life Cycle Assessment

Since the 2024 summer semester, nutritional information has been provided for all meals to help guests make informed and health-conscious food choices.
Since 2024, a vending machine offering exclusively sustainable products has been available at the BurgerBar at Ulm University.
Since the 2022/2023 winter semester, all meals served in the university cafeteria have been analyzed by Eaternity to determine their carbon footprint. The resulting CO₂ values are displayed transparently for guests.
The Scope 3 emissions associated with the food purchased for the operation of the campus dining services amounted to 2,259 tonnes of CO₂ in 2019 (source: Andreas Hintz, Master's thesis, "Greenhouse Gas Emissions of the Campus Dining Services of Studierendenwerk Ulm – Analysis of the Reduction Potential of Scope 3 Emissions through Nudging").
According to calculations by Eaternity, food-related Scope 3 emissions decreased to 770.56 tonnes of CO₂ in 2023. This represents a 65.9% reduction in food-related Scope 3 emissions between 2019 and 2023.
In 2020, Dr. Johannison and students at Ulm University analyzed the environmental impact of all meals in the "Prima Klima" menu line, along with selected other dishes and burgers, as part of a seminar. The recipes were subsequently revised based on the results.
Launch of the “Prima Klima” menu line (focused on regional, seasonal, meat-free meals), 2018

Vegetarian and Vegan

In 2024, all cafeterias operated by Studierendenwerk Ulm received PETA's three-star award in recognition of their vegan-friendly dining options.
The range of vegetarian and vegan meals in the cafeterias has been continuously expanded. By the 2023/2024 winter semester, 75% of all meals offered were vegetarian or vegan.
In 2023, 72.37% of all meals sold were vegetarian or vegan, compared with 45.92% in 2019, 66.27% in 2021, and 68.14% in 2022.
The cafeterias offer vegan muffins, Bircher muesli, and a wider selection of vegan salads. In addition, new vegan snack options are continuously being developed.

Housing

The student residences on Gutenbergstraße, Heidenheimer Straße, Frauensteige, Syrlinstraße, Hauffstraße, and Manfred-Börner-Straße in Ulm, as well as the residence on Neißestraße in Schwäbisch Gmünd, are heated using district heating.
At the student residences on Heidenheimer Straße and Hauffstraße in Ulm, the heating system has been converted from steam to hot water to improve energy efficiency.
Energy-efficient refurbishment of the residential buildings, including facade insulation, replacement of windows and doors, and modernization of the heating systems
Electricity supply contracts using certified green electricity are in place for all student residences, with the exception of the Manfred-Börner-Straße residence in Ulm, where the switch will take place in autumn 2024
Progressive replacement of lighting in the student residences with LED lighting (2023):
- Complete replacement in the underground parking garage of the Kelternweg residence in Ulm.
- Lighting at the Gutenbergstraße residence is being replaced step by step.
- The replacement in the underground parking garage of the Hauffstraße residence was completed by Ulmer Wohnungs- und Siedlungs-GmbH (UWS).
New signs for waste separation were purchased for all student residences in the second quarter of 2021 and installed in the waste collection rooms and waste disposal areas of the student residences on Gutenbergstraße, Heidenheimer Straße, and Frauensteige in Ulm
On 24 July 2021, the City of Ulm opened a prototype mobility hub on Eselsberg, next to the Eselsbergsteige student residence. The hub includes electric vehicle charging stations, car-sharing vehicles, electric cargo bikes, e-scooters, and other mobility services.
Studierendenwerk Ulm contributed to the development of the concept and promoted the initiative among the residents.
Installation of an electric vehicle charging station with four charging points in front of the student residence at Manfred-Börner-Straße 5 in December 2021, enabling parts of Studierendenwerk Ulm’s vehicle fleet to be converted to electric mobility.
Conducting an energy audit of the student residences in accordance with DIN EN 16247-1, as well as an analysis of the feasibility of installing photovoltaic (PV) systems (2022).
Implementation of the measures required under the Energy Supply Short-Term Measures Ordinance (EnSikuMaV) (2022).
The installation of a photovoltaic (PV) system on the roof of the Hauffstraße student residence in Ulm in 2023 enables the use of renewable energy for electricity generation. The installation of a battery storage system allows more than 80% of the electricity generated to be used to meet the building’s electricity demand.
The conversion of the heating system at the Eselsbergsteige student residence in Ulm from natural gas to district heating was commissioned by Fernwärme Ulm GmbH (FUG) in November 2023, with completion planned for 2026
An energy-efficient roof renovation at the Neißestraße student residence in Schwäbisch Gmünd began in November 2023
The process of sending contract documents by email instead of by post was launched in summer 2023 and implemented in November 2023. This change offers significant potential for saving resources.

Other Areas

Resource savings (paper, toner, printing, delivery, and archiving) through digitalization:
- Around 37% of all BAföG applications were submitted online via the BAföGdigital portal in 2023. Studierendenwerk Ulm is actively involved in the implementation of electronic case files (e-files).
- The notices for the two flat-rate heating cost subsidies are printed only once for students by the Student Financial Aid Office; an additional printed copy for the file is no longer produced.
- Several printed professional publications (Gemeinsames Ministerialblatt, Bundesgesetzblatt, FamRZ (Journal of Family Law), and NJW – Neue Juristische Wochenschrift (New Legal Weekly)) are being discontinued and replaced by digital sources.
- Digitalization projects such as e-invoicing and the electronic leave management system are currently in the testing phase.
- In the Housing Department, the process of sending contract documents by email instead of by post was launched in summer 2023 and implemented in November 2023.
- Expanded digital services are offered at the beginning of each semester.
- Since the summer semester of 2024, news from the cafeterias and dining halls has been provided digitally. A single postcard with links is distributed as a reference.
- Since the summer semester of 2024, the first-year student welcome packs, which previously contained several flyers, have been replaced by a single card with QR codes.
IT Staff Unit:
- Replacing the core switches in the server room contributed to energy savings.
- The introduction of universal SFP modules helped reduce electronic waste and save storage space.
- To extend the replacement cycle for office desktop PCs, it has become standard practice to upgrade older devices with additional memory and, where appropriate, solid-state drives (SSDs), reinstall them, and put them back into service.
- Refurbished devices were purchased in 2023 whenever organizationally appropriate, including ten smartphones, five monitors, and two desktop PCs.
Mobility:
- Three electric bicycles for business use, two compact electric city cars, and one electric car.
- Participation in the City Cycling Campaign (Stadtradeln) in Ulm since 2021.
- In 2023, a framework agreement for the Germany Ticket (Deutschland-Ticket) Job Ticket was concluded with Deutsche Bahn. Since 1 January 2024, Studierendenwerk Ulm has subsidized the Germany Ticket by covering 25% of the monthly cost.
For print orders placed through Onlineprinters, the Communications Department commissioned a CO₂ offset contribution to compensate for emissions through forest conservation projects.
The website was updated to provide accessible access in accordance with Section 10(1) of the Baden-Württemberg State Act on Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (L-BGG) in September 2021.
Introduction of the Umweltbox (provided by Interzero Product Cycle GmbH) for the collection and recycling of ink cartridges, toner cartridges, and small IT components. Compared with a new toner cartridge, a remanufactured toner cartridge uses 47% fewer resources, generates 60% fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and reuses 50% of the materials.
At the invitation of Aalen University, the Managing Director gave a presentation on 25 April 2023 entitled “Sustainability as a Guiding Principle of Financial Management and a Matter of Fairness at Studierendenwerk Ulm.”
At the invitation of the Student Representation (StuVe) of Ulm University, the Managing Director gave a presentation on 6 December 2023 as part of the Additional Key Qualifications (ASQ) course “Sustainability at Ulm University: An Interdisciplinary Perspective”. The presentation was entitled “Sustainability as a Guiding Principle of Financial Management at Studierendenwerk Ulm.”
On 29 May 2024, the Controller gave a presentation as part of the same course entitled “Sustainability Reporting: From the WIN Charter to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) – Conducting a Double Materiality Analysis in the Form of a Quick Check by Students.”

Projects

2026

Plant Swap Event

28.05.2026
Location: Ulm University cafeteria exit
Organizer: BUND Student Group at Ulm University
Poster

University members can exchange seeds, bulbs, cuttings, offshoots, and potted fruit, vegetable, herb, and house plants. In a relaxed atmosphere, the event offers an opportunity to share ideas and experiences about plants, gardening, and the joy of growing things. Information on Fair Trade and leisure activities at the information stands complements the event.

Studierendenwerk Ulm provides the event space at the exit of the cafeteria free of charge and sponsors organic Fairtrade coffee and tea. Cookies, as well as dishes and cutlery, are also provided. In addition, Studierendenwerk Ulm covers the printing costs for all posters and flyers and promotes the event on the screens in the cafeteria. Ms. Sun-Weber and Ms. Dikme are responsible for the information stands.

Fair Trade Information Stand and Quiz

08.05.2026
Location: Foyer and Cafeteria at Ulm University
Organizer: Studierendenwerk Ulm

As part of Ulm University's Long Night of Science, Studierendenwerk Ulm organizes a Fair Trade Rally. At various stations throughout the cafeteria, students and families with children can learn about Fair Trade in a fun and interactive way. At the information point, participants can win attractive prizes featuring fairly traded products.

Studierendenwerk Ulm develops and organizes the project. Ms. P. Bosch and Ms. J. Bosch are responsible for the activity stand.

Fair Trade Coffee Tasting

18. und 25.02.2026
Location: Ulm University cafeteria exit
Organizer: Studierendenwerk Ulm

During the lunch break, university members can enjoy free organic fairtrade coffee, sponsored by Fairtrade Deutschland e.V. and served from coffee machines. An information stand featuring materials on Fairtrade provides additional information and complements the event.

Studierendenwerk Ulm develops and organizes the project. Ms. Sun-Weber is responsible for the information stand.

Vegan Week

26. – 29.01.2026
Location: All dining halls and cafeterias with food service
Organizer: Studierendenwerk Ulm

During Vegan Week, all dishes offered in the Prima Klima, Topf und Pfanne, and Sattmacher meal lines are prepared entirely vegan at all cafeterias and dining halls serving meals. At information stands in the dining halls, students and university staff can learn more about vegan nutrition.

Studierendenwerk Ulm develops and organizes the project.

2025

Waffle fundraising event

10.12.2025
Location: Ulm Universtiy Forum
Organizer: Ulm University Sustainability Student Group (HSGN)
Poster

Members of the HSGN sell organic and vegan waffles and crêpes, as well as non-alcoholic fruit punch. Wherever possible, fair-trade ingredients are used. The campaign raises more than €600 in donations, which will benefit the animal welfare projects Lebenshof Tierlieben and Wild Animal Initiative. Information about fair trade, presented at an information table and on a display board, complements the campaign.

Studierendenwerk Ulm provides 300 coffee cups and 100 paper cups free of charge. The campaign is also promoted on the screens in the university cafeteria.

Deadwood Hedge (Benjes Hedge)

22.11.2025
Location: Grounds of the Manfred-Börner-Straße student residence complex in Ulm
Organizer: BUND-Student Group at Ulm University and Studierendenwerk Ulm
Photo

During an on-site inspection on 07.11.2025, suitable locations will be identified, and the implementation process and necessary preparatory work will be coordinated.
Eight members of the BUND Student Group will build a deadwood wall measuring 8.5 m in length, 1.0 m in width, and 1.5 m in height. The structure will be constructed using 24 locally sourced oak posts, which are particularly durable and resistant. The wall will initially be filled with branches from the student residence complex’s green waste. In December 2025, the structure will be supplemented with additional branches from the winter pruning of the Botanical Garden at Ulm University.

Studierendenwerk Ulm is providing the grounds of the student residence complex for the project. It is also providing green waste and tools from the residence complex. In addition, Studierendenwerk Ulm is making a financial contribution towards the material costs of the oak posts.

organic & Regional Week

27. – 30.10.2025
Location: All dining halls and cafeterias with food service
Organizer: Studierendenwerk Ulm
Poster

Every day, one meal prepared with organic and regional ingredients is offered in the canteens and cafeterias with meal service, covering a total of twelve canteens and cafeterias across seven higher education institutions. The campaign is complemented by an information stand hosted by the Organic Model Region Biosphere Reserve Swabian Alb on 27 October and a tasting of Haldina organic lemonades and fruit spritzers from the regional Härtsfelder family brewery hald in Dunstelkingen on 29 October.

The Studierendenwerk Ulm develops the project concept and is responsible for its organization.

Plant Swap Event

28.05.2025
Location: Camppuccino at Ulm Universtiy
Organizer: BUND-Hochschulgruppe der Uni Ulm
Poster

Members of the university community exchange seeds, bulbs, cuttings, offshoots, and potted fruit, vegetable, herb, and house plants. In a relaxed atmosphere, the event provides an opportunity to exchange ideas about plants, gardening, and the enjoyment of greenery.

The Studierendenwerk Ulm provides the Camppuccino free of charge and sponsors organic Fairtrade coffee and tea. Cookies, as well as crockery and cutlery, are also provided. Ms. Röger and Ms. Schuler serve coffee and tea.

Fairtrade coffee break

11.04.2025
Location: Foyer Building B at THU
Organizer: Fairtrade University Steering Group from THU

As part of the THU University Day, the Fairtrade University Steering Group organizes this event. Upon arrival, participants can enjoy Fairtrade coffee or tea in a relaxed atmosphere. In addition, information stands provide information about Fairtrade and sustainability.

The Studierendenwerk Ulm provides a wide range of information materials on Fairtrade and sustainability. Ms. Sun supervises the information stand.

PAN Week

11. – 13.02.2025
Location: All dining halls and cafeterias with food service
Organizer: PAN University Ulm Student Group and Studierendenwerk Ulm
Cafeteria special menu (Example from Ulm University)

Each day, a healthy meal selected to help prevent certain diseases is offered in the dining halls and cafeterias with food service. This initiative covers 12 dining halls and cafeterias across seven higher education institutions.

Studierendenwerk Ulm offers one PAN meal each day in all dining halls and cafeterias with food service.

2024

2023

Fairtrade event

07. – 09.11.2023
Location: All dining halls and cafeterias with food service
Organizer: Studierendenwerk Ulm
Cafeteria Special Menu (Example from THU)

Studierendenwerk Ulm offers one meal made with Fairtrade ingredients each day in all dining halls and cafeterias with food service. This initiative covers 12 dining halls and cafeterias across seven higher education institutions.
Information booths are set up in front of the dining halls at Ulm University, Technische Hochschule Ulm (THU), and the Mensaria at DHBW Heidenheim. Students and university staff receive information about Fairtrade and sustainability. They are also invited to take part in a quiz, with Fairtrade products awarded as prizes for correct answers. The Fairtrade University Steering Group at Technische Hochschule Ulm actively supports the campaign at its university.

Studierendenwerk Ulm developed and organized the project. Ms. Sun manages the information booths and the quiz.

PAN Week

26. – 29.06.2023
Location: 10 dining halls and cafeterias with food service
Organizer: PAN University Ulm Student Group and Studierendenwerk Ulm

menu of the dining hall (Example from Ulm University), Poster

Each day, a healthy meal selected to help prevent certain diseases is offered in the dining halls and cafeterias with food service. This initiative covers 10 dining halls and cafeterias across seven higher education institutions. At the same time, the PAN student group distributes flyers on healthy nutrition in front of the dining hall at Ulm University to raise awareness of healthy eating among students and university staff.
The campaign contributed to the PAN student group's recognition for its commitment and educational work in the field of nutrition, leading to the award of the Ulm University Special Prize for Outstanding Student Engagement 2023. The award ceremony took place during Dies Academicus at Ulm University on 2 February 2024.

Studierendenwerk Ulm offers one PAN meal each day in all dining halls and cafeterias with food service.

2022

sustainability days 2022 at biberach university of applied sciences

18.10. – 20.10.2022
Location: All Building B at Biberach University of Applied Sciences (HBC)
Organizer: CAMPUS ZUKUNFT Project Office and the HBC Department of University Communications and Marketing
Program

A diverse program focusing on sustainable transformation, climate neutrality, nature conservation, and many other topics highlights “the ecological, social, and economic challenges that shape our time and shows that it is in our hands to make the right decisions now for a more sustainable future.” A wide range of formats—including exhibitions, information stands, workshops, lectures, panel discussions, and film screenings—offers an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
Studierendenwerk Ulm provides a variety of information materials in the foyer on topics such as nutrition and climate, reusable tableware, Fairtrade, the WIN Charter, and other sustainability initiatives to raise awareness and inform visitors about these issues.
On 19 October 2022, the Mensaria cafeteria offered the Fairtrade meal “Asian Rice Pan.” Ms. Lin Sun hosted an interactive sustainability quiz, encouraging conversations and discussions about sustainability.

sustainability information booth

23.09. – 20.10.2022
Location: Dining halls at the seven universities
Organizer: Studierendenwerk Ulm

As part of the 2022 Baden-Württemberg Sustainability and Energy Transition Days, Studierendenwerk Ulm presented sustainability information in the dining halls at Ulm University, Technische Hochschule Ulm (THU), Schwäbisch Gmünd University of Education, Schwäbisch Gmünd University of Design (HfG), Aalen University, Biberach University of Applied Sciences, and DHBW Heidenheim.
A variety of information materials on topics such as nutrition and climate, reusable tableware, Fairtrade, the WIN Charter, and other sustainability initiatives helped raise awareness and provide information about these important issues.

Studierendenwerk Ulm developed and organized the project.

Fairtrade event

31.05. – 02.06.2022
Location: All dining halls and cafeterias with food service
Organizer: Studierendenwerk Ulm
Cafeteria Special Menu (Example from THU)

As part of the “Sustainability Weeks @ Universities Baden-Württemberg 2022”, Studierendenwerk Ulm offered one meal made with Fairtrade ingredients each day in all dining halls and cafeterias with food service. This initiative covered 11 dining halls and cafeterias across seven higher education institutions.

Information booths were set up in front of the dining halls at Technische Hochschule Ulm (THU), Aalen University, Ulm University, and the Mensaria at Schwäbisch Gmünd University of Education. Students and university staff received information about Fairtrade and sustainability. They were also invited to take part in a quiz, with Fairtrade products awarded as prizes for correct answers. The Fairtrade University Steering Group at Technische Hochschule Ulm actively supported the campaign at its university.

The event was also featured in detail in "coffee news", published by Fairtrade Deutschland e.V. here

Studierendenwerk Ulm developed and organized the project. Ms. Sun and Ms. Schwell managed the information booths and the quiz.

Climate WIN BW (Baden-Württemberg)

The WIN Charter was, from 2014 onward, the only sustainability management system in Germany specifically designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The updated Climate WIN BW supports companies in documenting their measures related to energy, emissions, and other sustainability topics.

2025 Klima WIN BW Nachhaltigkeitsbericht Studierendenwerk Ulm
2024 Klima WIN BW Nachhaltigkeitsbericht Studierendenwerk Ulm
2023 WIN-Charta Nachhaltigkeitsbericht Studierendenwerk Ulm
2022 WIN-Charta Nachhaltigkeitsbericht Studierendenwerk Ulm
2021 WIN-Charta Nachhaltigkeitsbericht Studierendenwerk Ulm
2021 WIN-Charta Zielkonzept Studierendenwerk Ulm

The following 12 guiding principles describe our understanding of sustainability:

Climate and Environment

Principle 01 (Mandatory)
Climate Protection: "We set climate protection targets and report on our progress. We use renewable energy sources and continuously improve energy efficiency."

Principle 02
Climate Change Adaptation: "We implement measures to adapt to the impacts of climate change."

Principle 03
Resource Management and Circular Economy: "We reduce the use of natural resources and pursue the goal of a circular economy."

Principle 04
Biodiversity: "We actively promote the protection and preservation of biodiversity."

Principle 05
Product Responsibility: "We take responsibility for our services and products by assessing the sustainability of our value chain and product life cycle and ensuring transparency throughout the process."

Social Responsibility

Principle 06
Human Rights and Supply Chain: "We respect and protect human rights and workers’ rights, promote equal opportunities, and prevent all forms of discrimination and exploitation throughout our value chain."

Principle 07
Employee Rights and Well-being: "We respect, protect, and promote the well-being and interests of our employees."

Principle 08
Stakeholders:"We consider and respect the interests of all stakeholders in our processes and decision-making."

Economic Success and Governance

Principle 09
Business Success and Employment: "We ensure the long-term success of our organization and provide employment opportunities within the region."

Principle 10
Regional Value Creation: "We create added value for the region in which we operate."

Principle 11
Transparency: "We are an open and transparent organization, prevent corruption, and report transparently on financial decisions."

Principle 12
Incentives for Transformation: "We foster a culture of sustainable thinking and action at every level of the organization. We actively engage our employees and all other stakeholders in a continuous process of improving our sustainability performance."

Studierendenwerk

Sustainability

Food and Drink

Housing

Other Areas

Projects

2026

Plant Swap Event

Fair Trade Information Stand and Quiz

Fair Trade Coffee Tasting

Vegan Week

2025

Waffle fundraising event

Deadwood Hedge (Benjes Hedge)

organic & Regional Week

Plant Swap Event

Fairtrade coffee break

PAN Week

2024

Fairtrade event

PAN Week

2023

Fairtrade event

PAN Week

2022

sustainability days 2022 at biberach university of applied sciences

sustainability information booth

Fairtrade event

Climate WIN BW (Baden-Württemberg)

Sustainability of Universities

Useful Links