Green infrastructure on the campus

CampusGrün, a team from the Bochum Botanical Gardens, is responsible for maintaining the approximately 27 hectares of vegetation on the campus and the outdoor areas of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum. The team consists of eight employees: a foreman, five gardeners from different disciplines and two helpers.

Administrative department 5 - Building and Real Estate, in cooperation with the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology and the Botanical Garden's CampusGrün.

Unfortunately, many guidelines in the area of nature conservation and monument protection must be observed. In addition, management and maintenance costs must also be taken into account, and capacities are limited. Furthermore, CampusGrün does not have its own budget with which it could implement such measures independently. However, it strives to make the campus as green as possible.

A biodiverse green roof with retention elements is planned for the NA and GC buildings currently under construction. The roof areas of the G row are also to be intensively greened and planted with numerous shrubs and trees.

There are two green flat roof areas at building NDEF on level 03 and at Querforum West (QFW), which have been equipped with soil substrate, drainage and plants . Some new RUB buildings, such as ZESS or PRODI, also have extensive green roofs with various sedum species.

During dry periods, CampusGrün primarily uses collected rainwater, which is collected in special IBC containers. These containers are loaded and the water is distributed to the affected areas in a targeted and appropriate quantity. In addition, RUB extinguishing water is used for hygienic reasons. Some areas have already been planted with drought-resistant plants that require less water. However, irrigation will be an increasing challenge in future due to the university's cost-cutting measures.

CampusGrün mows and removes plants for various reasons. Areas are often affected where plants have been planted using the wrong or inadequate species, which can lead to them dying off. The large number of vegetation areas and the understaffing of the team also make timely maintenance difficult, which can also cause plant losses. It may be necessary to remove plants during construction work ; however, these are usually replanted later.

CampusGrün distinguishes between intensive and extensive maintenance for lawns. Intensively maintained areas, such as lawns or sports fields, are mowed regularly as they are used for recreation. Extensive areas, which serve biodiversity , are maintained less frequently but are mowed at least once a year in order to maintain their ecological function. CampusGrün carefully and expertly decides which areas are to be maintained and how.

Yes, the Sustainability Office regularly offers planting events , which are announced in advance via the website and Instagram. Internships at the Bochum Botanical Garden and CampusGrün are also possible.

Yes, definitely! Together with the Botanical Garden, CampusGrün works continuously to promote important core issues such as ecological sustainability, water and resource conservation as well as social and economic sustainability. We are in close contact with the RUB in order to obtain better means and resources that will primarily facilitate maintenance, improve the quality of life on campus and intensively promote biodiversity . RUB's sustainability strategy also aims to noticeably increase the quality of life and biodiversity on campus.