Free University of Berlin (FU Berlin)

About 

Freie Universität Berlin (FU Berlin), founded in 1948, is an internationally oriented research university located in southwestern Berlin. Guided by core values of academic freedom, critical inquiry, and societal responsibility, it aims to advance knowledge through excellence in teaching and interdisciplinary research. The university enrolls approximately 33,500 students and employs about 4,700 staff members, including around 460 professors. It offers over 150 programs across 12 faculties and central institutes, spanning humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, life sciences, and medicine in cooperation with Charité. Key research strengths include molecular biology, quantum physics, sustainability studies, global politics, and interdisciplinary cluster research. Its campus features modern libraries, research centers, and green, villa-style surroundings, supported by extensive international partnerships worldwide.

Sustainability at FU Berlin

FU Berlin advances sustainability as a cross-cutting priority in research, teaching, campus operations, and outreach, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Since 2021, the university has been EMAS-certified, ensuring systematic environmental management, regular audits, and continuous improvement in emissions reduction, energy efficiency, and resource use across all institutional levels. In 2024, FU Berlin published its fourth Sustainability Report and reinforced its biodiversity strategy and climate protection program (2024–2026), strengthening governance and interdisciplinary sustainability integration in teaching and research. Campus operations increasingly focus on measurable impact reduction, including energy savings and biodiversity enhancement, supported by structured sustainability indicators and reporting systems. In research, targeted initiatives such as the My Green Lab certification program (2023–2025) promote low-resource laboratory practices, linking scientific innovation with environmental responsibility. Teaching and community engagement are strengthened through sustainability-focused courses, student initiatives, and participation in European university networks, fostering SDG-oriented education and collaboration across borders.

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