Committed to Sustainability

Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) contributes to the transition to a sustainable future. We are committed to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aim to work together as a university community towards a sustainable RUB 2030.

Up to Date

Monday, March 16, 2026 | Participate

Digital Cleanup Campaign

Every year, the worldwide Digital Cleanup Day takes place and reminds us that digital activities contribute to global CO2 emissions. All RUB members are also invited to take part in digital cleanup campaigns.

Steady increase

Sustainability ranking

In the current QS Sustainability Ranking 2026, Ruhr University Bochum has successfully held its own in an international comparison: among almost 2,000 participating universities, it ranks 320th and thus remains among the top 16 per cent worldwide. Within Germany, Ruhr University ranks 20th out of 65 participating universities.

Studentin und Student im Gras schauen Blumen an

For students

Sustainability Certificate

Starting in the summer semester of 2023, students at Ruhr University will be able to acquire a sustainability certificate. The interdisciplinary programme is for all regularly enrolled students. A fixed component is the lecture series "Climate Change and Sustainability".

Bücherstapel mit Aufschrift UN Nachhaltigkeitsziele

Stay informed

Sustainable RUB 2030

We regularly inform and report on current research results, projects and activities in the field of sustainability in our dossier "Sustainable till 2030" in our online news portal and in our research magazine Rubin.

Our Path to Sustainability

What is our aim?

Ruhr University Bochum is committed to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and has developed a sustainability strategy. Here you will find answers to your questions about this strategy.

Sustainable RUB 2030

What do we have achieved by now?

A lot is already happening at Ruhr University at student and employee level. Here we report on measures that we have implemented on campus, in various institutions and areas, for example in research or teaching.

Our progress

What can I do?

You are looking for a project, an event, an initiative? Would you like to exchange ideas, contribute your own or join a group of like-minded people? You can find more information here.

Networking and participation

Join us

Studierende die Fahrrad auf dem Campus fahren

Living sustainably on campus

From cycling to campus gardening – this is what sustainable campus life looks like.

Here you will find suggestions and ideas on how you can bring more sustainability into your everyday campus life.

Get inspired

Main Fields of Action

For me as rector of Ruhr University Bochum, sustainability is a basic component of a modern university strategy. This includes sustainability in administration, operations and construction, as well as in research, transfer and teaching.

– Prof. Dr. Martin Paul, Rector of Ruhr University Bochum