2002 – Copernicus Charta

Already in 2002 the UDE signed the COPERNICUS-Charta, a self-commitment towards a sustainable development. The UDE set as its goal the support of its students and employees, putting to practice the 10th Principle of Action of the Charta.

2004 – Formation of the SuDe Group

In the years 2004-2007 the Sustainable Development Group (SuDeGroup) concentrated the University´s interdisciplinary competences in the field of research for sustainable development.

2005 – Foundation of the Initiative for Sustainability

As union of different actors in the field of sustainable development the Initiative for Sustainability (Initiative für Nachhaltigkeit, IfN) came into being in 2005. Until today the Initiative spreads the topic of sustainable development of the UDE via events and campaigns. In 2010 it became an incorporated association.

2006 – Certificate Ökoprofit

2007-2009 – Carrying out of a work-, health- and environment-protection system

2008 – Introduction of an office for Diversity Management

With the introduction of the office for Diversity Management and under the overall control of Prof. Dr. Ute Klammer the UDE, since 2008, holds a pioneering role in the German university landscape.

2010 – Certificate Family-friendly University

The UDE set as its goal the improvement of the family friendlyness for students and employees. Because of this it was awarded as university suitable for families in 2014.

2010 – Foundation of the Initiative für Nachhaltigkeit e.V.

2010 – Foundation of the FAHR RAD UDE

To get more students and employees of the university riding their bikes, in 2010 the Initiative FAHR RAD UDE was founded. Questions concerning bicycles are being answered by its coordinators.

2010-2012 - BENA – discover sustainability

In the years 2010-2012 the project BENA – discover sustainability was acquired and carried out by the Initiative für Nachhaltigkeit e.V. (Initiative für Nachhaltigkeit, IfN). The project aimed at making visible sustainable developments in the fields of research, teaching and administration. Due to the engagement the project BENA 2011/2012 was awarded official project of the UN Decade.

2011 – First representative of Sustainability of the UDE

From 2011-2013 Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schreiber was the first representative of Sustainability of the UDE. In 2013 he was replaced by Prof. Dr. André Niemann.

2013 –  Introduction of the Sustainability Process at the UDE

In 2013 the Sustainability Process at the UDE was introduced via a decision made by the rectorate. As first university in North Rhine-Westfalia the UDE will carry out a sustainability process in the fields of research, teaching and administration from 2014-2019. Prof. Dr. André Niemann takes over the management of the process.

2014 – Certificate Family-friendly University