Background and Objective

The German government's sustainability action programme shows that this issue is already being implemented on a mandatory basis in federal institutions. However, consistent implementation requires not only a legal framework but also expertise, time resources and self-motivation on the part of employees. In addition, there are many areas in departmental research (and in the public sector as a whole) that cannot be covered by this programme. Therefore, an initiative from within departmental research is needed to close this gap and move forward in a sustainable manner. This involves analysing and further developing areas of activity in ecology and economics, social affairs and health, as well as animal welfare (e.g. canteens, catering) and other dimensions to be discussed, such as culture and ethics.

Target Group

(1) All Thünen employees as well as BIMA, canteens and suppliers, possibly research partners. (interested persons who would like to contribute to the working group are always welcome. A Webex group and cloud folder are available for communication. In addition, a regular meeting (online via Webex) is currently held on the last Monday of every month from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Anyone who would like to participate can contact Tatjana Döbeling or Thomas Schmidt).

(2) In future, other departmental research institutions, ministries, all public sector institutions.

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Approach

Intrinsically motivated Thünen employees work on various topics related to sustainable working environments and coordinate their efforts with the Team  Working Environment´ (Sustainability Division, as part of the Thünen strategy process). The working group's approach is flexible and geared towards current practical issues, and generally follows this structure:

i. Collect topics
ii. Find mentors
iii. Implement measures
iv. Develop a medium-term strategy, then discuss internally and externally
v. Promote exchange

Our Research Questions

How can the German government's sustainability action programme be pursued ambitiously and sustainably at the Thünen Institute?

Are these measures and methods of implementation transferable to other public institutions?

Are there any conflicting goals on the path to greater sustainability and climate neutrality?

Preliminary Results

Previous results:
- Business trips examined
- Plant exchange established
- Newsletter published
- Ideas contributed to the Working Environment team (Strategy Process 2025)
- regular exchange on the process of developing measures between institutes and central department established

Expected results:
- Increase resource efficiency
- Realise savings