The "UI GreenMetric World University Ranking" has been carried out annually since 2010 by Universitas Indonesia, the largest state university in Indonesia. A comprehensive, detailed list of criteria evaluates the participating universities in six categories: Settling and Infrastructure, Energy and Climate Change, Waste, Water, Transportation and Education and Research.

Participation in the ranking is voluntary and the results are published publicly at greenmetric.ui.ac.id

A significant trend emerges in the distribution of means of transport: 50.9% of university and technology park employees use the bicycle as their preferred means of transport, followed by 18.9% who choose the car. This was followed by a high preference for local public transport, which was used by 17.8% of respondents. A further 7.6% stated that they use alternative means of transport, while 4.7% walk.

What was also surprising was the willingness of a considerable proportion of participants to switch from their own car to public transport, provided it is attractive and inexpensive. These results illustrate the awareness and willingness to support more environmentally friendly forms of mobility.

In this context, the University of Bremen announces the presentation of a comprehensive mobility concept that is specifically focused on the needs of university members. This concept will be published at the end of February and aims not only to meet individual needs, but also to make a contribution to reducing CO2 emissions through mobility. Another focus is the creation of new covered bicycle parking spaces and the associated opening of the new bicycle workshop, which will be run by students. This project not only promotes sustainable mobility, but also offers a practical opportunity for students to actively participate in shaping their university environment.

Dr. Elke Goltz, lecturer in empirical social research and statistics, provided scientific consulting and conducted the mobility study.

The report with the results of the online survey can be downloaded as a PDF here.

The English language version is available for download under this Link

The German Federal Environment Agency (UBA)  provides a powerful CO2 calculator that surveys a wide range of aspects of daily behavior and generates a personal CO2 footprint. With a quick test, an initial personal ecological balance can be calculated with just a few inputs. Results for the individual categories and comparative values with the German average illustrate the user's own "ecological footprint". In a scenario, the calculator also provides information on how one's own carbon footprint can be quickly improved through appropriate measures.

Another recommended calculator can be found on the website of the Global Footprint Network. Colorful animations give this calculator an additional graphical appeal and the questions also cover some kind of unusual lifestyles.

On May 25, the NUB invites you to the Biodiversity Talk. There, not only the winners will be chosen. There will be interesting reports about biodiversity in the city and on campus and the opportunity to share your own experiences.

Date:

•     25. 05. 2021
•     5 to 6 p.m.

Registration link:   https://uni-bremen.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEqfuqorT0vHNcFEktOu9_n7UH3cSGQhn9a

Participation is open to all, so feel free to forward info to friends and families. We look forward to many discoveries and photos!

The nature conservation group at the University of Bremen will be happy to answer questions at:

E-Mail: 

Website:  https://blogs.uni-bremen.de/nubnaturschutz/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/NatUniBremen

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/nub_naturschutz  

Social Net: Instagram:  @nub_naturschutz,   Twitter:  @BioDivUniBremen

On a stage in the park of Bellevue Palace in Berlin, the German federal president and top representatives and multipliers from all areas of society will discuss forward-looking developments on environmental and sustainability topics in a live stream. In addition to the main stage program, top-class expert forums on current sustainability topics will be organized. Exhibitors from business and technology, research and science, and civil society will digitally present their innovative solutions for a sustainable future. The exhibition offers exciting insights into new, environmentally friendly technologies, products, services and concepts that stand for responsible shaping of the future. All information about the program of the Week of the Environment 2021 and the presentations of the approximately 160 exhibitors can be found at www.woche-der-umwelt.de.

We cordially invite you to participate in the Week of the Environment 2021. Please register here: www.woche-der-umwelt.de/anmeldung. By registering you will always stay informed about all news of the Week of the Environment 2021.

According to the Global Footprint Network report, the world's population currently lives as if it had 1.7 Earths at its disposal. Humankind is thus using nature 1.7 times faster than ecosystems can generate. We are experiencing the manifold consequences for the environment, climate change, species extinction or the increasing loss of vital resources such as drinking water, in all areas of life.

The researchers of the "Global Footprint Network" also determine how large a country's land area would have to be to recover the resources it has consumed. Germany's land area would have to be THREE times as large for this!

The "Earth Overload Day" shifts further forward from year to year. In 1987 the day was still on December 19. By the world-wide consumption and population growth it was calculated in the years 2019 already for 29 July. In 2020 - due to Corona - the date was set for August 22.

It is up to all of us to put an end to the unchecked consumption of resources. For example, if food waste alone were cut in half worldwide, Earth Overshoot Day would be 11 days later. Halving CO2 emissions would push the date back by about 90 days.

Every individual can make a contribution to climate protection. Just buying seasonal foods and durable products made from recycled materials can save a lot of energy and prevent waste. Our potential for environmentally conscious action is enormous!

The EMAS logo, which has been established since 2001, is the distinction that a company or organization has fulfilled the demanding requirements of the European EMAS regulation and that this has been confirmed by an independent environmental auditor.

According to the Global Footprint Network report, the world's population currently lives as if it possessed 1.7 Earths. People therefore use nature 1.7 times faster than the ecosystems can generate. We are already experiencing the manifold consequences for the environment, such as climate change, species extinction or the increasing loss of vital resources like drinking water.

The researchers of the "Global Footprint Network" also determine how large a country's surface area would be neccessary in order to restore the consumed resources. Germany would need three times more land area!

The "Earth Overshot Day" is shifting forward from year to year. In 1987, the day was still December 19. Due to the global increase in consumption as well as population growth, it already fell to July 29 in 2018 and 2019. This year only due to the extraordinary Corona situation, it was set a few weeks later.

It is up to all of us to stop the unabated consumption of resources. For example, if food waste alone were cut in half across the globe, Earth Overshoot Day would be 11 days later. Cutting CO² emissions in half would push the date back 89 days.

Everybody can make a contribution to climate protection: save energy, leave the car at home more often, buy seasonal food and durable products with recycled materials, and avoid waste.

We only have this ONE earth and its resources are limited!

Prof. Dr. Edenhofer receives the prize for his proposal of a CO² price, which would provide the state as a market actor with an effective instrument for regulating CO² emissions. Prof. Edenhofer is Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and the Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change (MCC). He is considered as one of the world's most influential pioneers in the economics of climate change.

The family siblings Annika and Hugo Sebastian Trappmann are managing directors of the mid-sized "Blechwarenfabrik Limburg". They are being honoured with the German Environmental Award for their particularly sustainability-oriented energy and resource-saving production methods. The high-tech measures established in production are an excellent example of best practice and point the way for many other manufacturing industries.

With his personal commitment and his scientific work, Dr. Martin Sorg has made an impressive contribution to bringing insect mortality into the public focus. Through his analyses, he has substantiated the decline in insects and thus confirmed the warnings of numerous researchers about a dramatic decline in biodiversity. The research results triggered a broad echo in the media and science, which ultimately led to a broad social and political debate on the topic.

Insects play an important role in the ecosystem:

•     they are the prey for countless animal species,
•     they contribute significantly to the fertilisation and dispersal of plants,
•     they dispose of much plant and animal waste.

How can we contribute to the survival of insects and biodiversity in everyday life?

1. Convert green spaces back into natural habitats for insects and small animals!

Most green spaces and lawns in western gardens and cities are 'biological deserts' that show little biodiversity. In principle, many insects only need small areas to survive. However, a natural supply of different grasses and wild plants is a must.

Already the conversion of 10% of lawns into natural green spaces would be a great gain for insect diversity! This renaturation would also save water, fertiliser and pesticides. The federal government has recognised this and is promoting in many municipalities the rededication of high-maintenance green spaces and roadsides into near-natural meadows.

2. Plant native plants in gardens and on balconies!

Insects in our regions prefer native plants. They have developed strong, naturally evolved relationships with our native plants, with which they have lived together for millions of years. Many insects are therefore dependent on native plants as food sources and breeding grounds.

Around 95% of all songbirds feed their offspring on locally occurring insects. Studies have shown that there is a direct link between the decline of certain bird species and the disappearance of local plants and their insect populations. Therefore, native plants also ensure the continued existence of our songbirds. By the way, even on balconies or flat roofs, wonderful flowering wildflowers can be sown. Besides their beautiness they serve as a food source for nectar-sucking insects.

The beauty of a garden is not shown in the immaculateness of its lawn, but in the diversity of its plants and animals. 

3. Do not use pesticides and herbicides!

Who hasn't experienced it: the weeds stubbornly grow exactly where we don't want them to. The ant trail runs right across our patio seating area and we would love to do without the mosquito concert in the evening! Such troublemakers can quickly push our patience to the limit. Then we reach for the spray can and weed killer to finally get rid of the stubborn evil.

However, this 'peace' comes at a high price. While we fight mosquitoes, flies or ants with pesticides, we spread chemicals that also damage the rest of our insect fauna. At the same time, dangerous insect species, such as the malaria-carrying mosquito, are becoming increasingly resistant to the pesticides used.

The 'warfare agents' used are now found in practically all regions of the world. The chemicals are deposited in plants and animals and ultimately end up in our food. The chemicals do not remain in a limited area. In some urban environments, the concentration of pesticides and herbicides is already higher than in the region where the chemicals were applied. The effort to rid our drinking water of these pesticides and 'weed' killers is already now enormous and treatment is becoming increasingly difficult. We are poisoning ourselves - just for a little convenience!

4. Reduce night-time light pollution!

The worldwide nocturnal illumination of our planet can be seen impressively on night flights or satellite photos. Even away from large towns and cities, it is hard to see more than a handful of stars in the sky on a clear dark summer night these days. Why is that?

Since the 1990s, there has been a sharp increase in the use of nocturnal light sources both inside and outside of towns and cities. Responsible for this nocturnal light pollution are not only public street lights, but quite significantly also private households and businesses. Everywhere there are nocturnal light sources - far too often exclusively for the decoration of gardens and buildings. For many insects, this means that their natural nocturnal behaviour is affected. Artificial light attracts insects where they easily lose their natural instincts or become pray. The decline of nocturnal insects in Europe is already demonstrably higher than that of comparable diurnal species.

The remedy is to avoid unnecessary light and use shielded light sources with a yellow or reddish colour spectrum. This light is less attractive for insects. The "electric insect killers" often used against mosquitoes in summer are also problematic. They kill mostly harmless insects and should be avoided at all costs. We humans also benefit from darkness at night. Sleep researchers have long confirmed that a naturally dark environment is a prerequisite for good sleep.

5. Avoid chemicals and road salt in nature!

Natural rivers and streams and their riparian zones are populated by a large number of different insect species. They need clean water and are extremely sensitive to chemical cleaners and preservatives, such as those used on cars, patios and building surfaces.

Rain washes the chemical cocktail with the water into the sewage system, where it can only be incompletely cleaned and is eventually discharged into natural surface waters. The heavy metals and many other pollutants such as carcinogenic hydrocarbons, phosphorus and nitrogen thus introduced cause massive damage to the ecosystem. In some countries, tar-based joint sealants are now banned on roads, as is the winter thawing of roads with salt.

By using particularly environmentally friendly detergents or cleaning agents sparingly, an important contribution to environmental protection can be made in every household. Consistently ecologically produced cosmetics and body care products also help reduce water pollution.    

6. Accept insects as useful members of our ecosystem worthy of protection!

Rarely do we have real respect for animals - unless we know them well and live with them. In many countries insects have a bad reputation and people are hardly aware of their importance and many qualities. Prejudices about spiders, for example, are widespread and often reinforced by the media. In most cases, ignorance is simply the reason for the dismissive attitude towards these useful animals. However, this does not have to be the case!

In Japan, for example, insects are far less frowned upon than here.They are an integral part of the culture. Here, insects appear animated in popular films and in quiz shows or are given to children as stuffed animals. This friendly acceptance is also possible in our culture as it's shown by the popular character of Maya the bee.

It is high time to confront the fears and prejudices against insects with more education and information. Interesting and exciting ways to encounter these animals in a different way are, for example, zoos or aquariums. They show the diversity and beauty of insects and their usefulness in our environment. Mobile phone applications such as the app "iNaturalist" can easily help identify specimens and learn more about their respective species.

Whether you think of them as prey animals, waste disposers and helpers for science, or simply admire them for their beauty - insects are really fascinating creatures!

With the aim of developing an evaluation system according to globally uniform standards, 'UI Universitas Indonesia' launched the „UI GreenMetric World University Ranking“ in 2010. A comprehensive and detailed catalogue of criteria records a large number of parameters in the 6 categories Settling and Infrastructure, Energy and Climate Change, Waste, Water, Transportation, Education and Research. The evaluation takes place according to a standardised point system.

Participation in this annual ranking is voluntary and the results are published to the public on the internet. Starting with only 96 participants in 2010, 912 universities and colleges already submitted their data in 2020. In the European region, a total of 256 institutions took part this year, among which the University of Bremen reached 14th place. In a worldwide comparison, Bremen has also achieved an excellent position in the top group with rank 20!

The University of Bremen has been participating in the "UI GreenMetric World University Ranking" since 2012.

You can find all your chances to win on the campaign portal now and - on top - there is already the chance to win a brand new e-bike in the first social media competition of the campaign year.

All the important information for you briefly:

• Start in May: The campaign period this year goes, as usual, from May to August. If you take your bike to work on 20 days or more during this period and record this in the campaign calendar, you will secure your chance to win in the raffles.
• HomeOffice counts: As in the previous year, using your bike around the home office will also be counted this year. Find out more here: Corona-Info
• Great prizes are waiting for you: Among all those who reach the campaign goal of 20 days, numerous prizes in kind and trips will be awarded nationwide. In addition, from April to August there will be great e-bikes from Fischer as additional prizes every month. Find out more here: April monthly prize draw
• New webinar offer: For the first time, Campain webinars on various cycling topics will take place this year. Since Corona, it has become abundantly clear that people in Germany want to cycle more: Cycling prevents lack of exercise, provides a balance in the fresh air and is enormously valuable for body, soul and well-being. However, everyday experience still shows all too often that cycle paths are too narrow, blocked or interrupted by road works.
• This is also shown by the ADFC Bicycle Climate Test, the largest survey on cyclist satisfaction. 230,000 cyclists in 1,024 cities and municipalities in Germany were surveyed. The verdict was mostly not good. Are you curious how your city did? You can find the results and a city ranking in the ADFC Tip at www.adfc.de/fahrradklimatest

Have a good trip and good luck for participating in this year's campaign!