Sustainability is also embedded in the structure of 80 per cent of German universities 

Sustainability is no longer merely an ad hoc, project-based or individual-driven initiative at German universities. Instead, a recent analysis by the CHE Centre for Higher Education shows that sustainability is already structurally embedded at four out of five universities in Germany. Around 70 per cent are members of a relevant organisation, and a quarter of them regularly publish their own sustainability report. 

Sustainability encompasses more than just climate and environmental protection; in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, it also includes, for example, tackling inequality and poverty, ensuring broad access to high-quality education, and working towards peace, justice and strong institutions. 

Widely embedded, but in very different ways 

Sustainability is already structurally embedded at just under 79 per cent of German higher education institutions – a further 16 per cent are currently working on this. Universities are particularly advanced in embedding sustainability, at 88 per cent, as are state-funded higher education institutions in general, at 84 per cent. This is shown by a survey of 282 higher education administrations conducted as part of the CHE University Rankings 2026. 

However, the specific way in which this is implemented varies greatly. Responsibility for the issue often lies with a vice-rector’s office or vice-presidency, with sustainability officers, or within the administration. Around 80 per cent of higher education institutions have a coordination unit or steering group. 

“Sustainability has taken hold at German universities,” says Cort-Denis Hachmeister, author of the DatenCHECK, summarising the findings of the analysis. “Universities are now embedding the issue across the board. The main differences lie in where and how they do this organisationally. Larger universities often have more resources to establish fixed structures,” says Hachmeister. “Smaller universities, on the other hand, can score points with short decision-making paths and tailor-made solutions.” 

Many universities place great emphasis on exchange programmes and networking 

Around 70 per cent of higher education institutions are members of at least one organisation or initiative related to sustainable development or hold the relevant accreditation. 

The most frequently mentioned organisation is the German Association for Sustainability in Higher Education (DG HochN), with just over a quarter of higher education institutions being members. In addition, there are Fairtrade awards, as well as other networks and associations, some of which are regional. The analysis shows that many higher education institutions do not develop their sustainability initiatives in isolation, but rather through collaboration with others. 

Strategies and reports provide direction for the engagement 

The issue has also gained strategic prominence in many places. 41 per cent of higher education institutions have their own sustainability strategy, whilst 32 per cent have a sustainability mission statement. Most commonly, sustainable development is incorporated into the institution’s development plan. 

A quarter of higher education institutions now regularly publish their own sustainability reports. In addition, there are other measures such as climate protection strategies, greenhouse gas inventories and provisions incorporated into constitutions and institutional agreements. 

“There are many paths to achieving sustainability at universities,” says Cort-Denis Hachmeister. “What matters is not that all universities create the same structures, but that they commit to addressing the issue and tailoring their approach to suit their own profile,” says the author of DatenCHECK.  

About the DatenCHECK 

The data is taken from a survey of university administrations conducted as part of the CHE University Ranking 2026. All universities listed in the HRK University Compass were eligible to participate, with the exception of colleges of public administration. Data from 282 German universities was included. The authors of DataCHECK 3/2026: Structural Embedding of Sustainability at German Universities (only available in German) are Cort-Denis Hachmeister and Christopher Oppermann.