E – Environmental responsibility

Buildings & Energy

Karl Landsteiner Private University can rely on infrastructure that meets the highest ecological standards. The three building units we use on the Krems campus have been constructed in accordance with ÖGNI/DGNB Gold and klimaaktiv Gold and Platinum certifications. They meet strict criteria for energy efficiency, material selection and indoor climate.

We are delighted that the new U wing on campus achieved the highest rating of 1,000 out of a possible 1,000 points with klima.aktiv.

All buildings are equipped with photovoltaic systems that cover part of our electricity needs. In addition, we purchase only green electricity from the regional energy supplier. Heat is supplied via geothermal energy and heat recovery systems, while LED lighting and KNX controls minimise energy consumption.

In the 2024/25 financial year, our energy consumption was 1,537 MWh – 100% from renewable sources. The first greenhouse gas balance sheet shows that our emissions amount to 233.8 tonnes of CO₂e (Scope 1 and 2) on a site-specific basis and 9.5 tonnes of CO₂e according to the market-based calculation method. Our next step is to survey Scope 3 emissions so that we can then develop a comprehensive transition plan for decarbonisation.

Research & teaching

Sustainability does not end with building technology – it is also part of our research and teaching. Several research areas focus on the influence of environmental factors on our health, for example. Research and teaching are also guided by the United Nations' global sustainability goals. To make this commitment visible, we introduced comprehensive SDG tagging in the past financial year. All research projects and publications are assigned to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in the university's own research portal KRIS. This makes it transparent how our work contributes to the implementation of Agenda 2030. In the past financial year, 57 funded research projects were carried out, 52 of which were directly related to SDG 3 ‘Good Health and Well-being’. Other focal points include SDG 6 ‘Clean Water’, SDG 11 ‘Sustainable Cities and Communities’ and SDG 12 ‘Responsible Consumption and Production’. Our teaching also addresses these topics – from public health and ethics to environmental psychology.

At the same time, we rely on resource-saving processes in our laboratories. As a member of the ‘Green Labs Austria’ network, we follow clear principles: glass instead of disposable plastic, shared use of chemicals, energy-efficient equipment and strict waste separation. The use of substances of concern is reduced to minimal quantities and strictly controlled. All laboratories are subject to comprehensive safety guidelines and regular inspections.

Waste management & circular economy

Circular economy means using resources as efficiently as possible and keeping materials in circulation. In the last financial year, we achieved a recycling rate of 35.5% for our waste. To prevent waste, we use recycled paper, reusable glass bottles and dosing devices for cleaning agents. Our goal is to further increase the recycling rate and minimise the use of critical substances.

Resource-efficient IT operations

For us, digitalisation is a lever for conserving resources. We work as paperlessly as possible, have a clean desk policy and provide teaching materials in digital form. 95% of examinations are conducted electronically, and a weekly online teaching day reduces travel and emissions.

Our IT equipment is used for at least five years and then donated to charitable organisations. In addition, we pay attention to sustainable procurement and energy-efficient hardware. Data protection and IT security are an integral part of this: GDPR-compliant processes and mandatory training ensure that data is handled responsibly.