Sustainability at RWTH International Academy gGmbH
Together for a livable future
We believe in education as a driver of change. As the official academy for further education of RWTH Aachen University, we ensure that knowledge transfer is not only academically excellent, but also ecologically responsible.
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time – and we are convinced that education must be part of the solution.
Our vision: education meets responsibility
As an institution, we want to actively promote ecological, economic, and social sustainability – in concrete and measurable ways.
As part of RWTH Aachen University, we align ourselves with RWTH's sustainability strategy and the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
RWTH Aachen University's sustainability strategy and associated roadmap comprises goals, measures and indicators for the areas of governance, studies and teaching, research, and operations. In addition, the other cross-cutting tasks of the University and the associated strategies, which focus primarily on the social sector, were also taken into account.
RWTH's sustainability strategy
Our goals: thinking sustainability in a structured way
Our sustainability strategy is divided into four key areas of action:
Teaching & Education
We don't just want to teach sustainability, we want to integrate sustainable skills into the content and structure of our educational programs.
Some of our programs, such as the German Engineering College, are 100% online. Thanks to our Digital Education Center, we can continue to guarantee excellent teaching without any loss of quality.
Operations & Resources
A sustainable educational operation starts in everyday life: we rely on digital processes, paperless communication, and more climate-friendly working models (4-day week, mobile office).
Through emission reduction, resource efficiency, and sustainable procurement, we continuously aim to reduce our ecological footprint.
Research & Network
We strengthen the exchange on sustainability topics across science, industry, and society – both locally and internationally.
Our goal is to actively promote research and knowledge transfer on climate, digitalization, and sustainable development, and to initiate new partnerships for change.
Knowledge & Transparency
Additionally, we use our internal Q-Wiki as a central digital knowledge base. This allows us to share information transparently, avoid redundant documents, and promote sustainable knowledge management.
This not only strengthens our internal collaboration, but also creates a solid foundation for continuous improvement and a culture of shared responsibility.
Sustainability in practice: exemplary courses
Certificate Course: Chief Sustainability Manager
In this practical course, specialists and executives develop a deep understanding of how to implement holistic sustainability strategies in manufacturing companies. They learn to identify key levers along the entire value chain – from the provision of resources and production processes to the use and disposal of products.
Current legal requirements, such as the Supply Chain Act and the Carbon Border Protection Mechanism, form the regulatory framework of the course. Participants develop customized roadmaps for economically viable sustainability management and gain insights into best practices from industry.
Summer School: Sustainable Buildings and Green Cities
In this English-language Summer School, international students explore the fundamentals of sustainable urban and building concepts. At the building level, modern simulation tools are used to optimize energy flows, while at the district level, sustainable supply systems are analyzed.
A highlight of the program is working with a real-world application from the “SmartQuart” project, an innovative real-world laboratory. Participants simulate a campus building for a complete year, analyze CO₂ emissions and costs, and learn practical methods for energy optimization.
Digital teaching as a key to sustainability
Our digital infrastructure is an important building block on the path to greater sustainability. Through the consistent use of digital formats, we reduce emissions, save resources, and at the same time enable flexible and barrier-free continuing education.
The Digital Education Center at RWTH International Academy is responsible for the development, support, and evaluation of our digital programs – from didactic design to technical implementation. This enables us to ensure the highest quality standards in the virtual space as well.
Do you have questions or suggestions, or would you like to work with us on sustainable solutions?
Sustainability is not a one-time goal, but an ongoing process that we shape as an educational institution with responsibility and foresight. With concrete measures, innovative programs, and strong partnerships, we contribute to a sustainable society.
But real change can only be achieved together. Whether as a participant, employee, partner institution, or lecturer – we invite you to get actively involved, share ideas, and provide sustainable impulses.
- Contact us at: info@academy.rwth-aachen.de or visit our Digital Education Center and discover our sustainable education formats.