Environmental tip 3: Getting through the summer sustainably

There is no active cooling in the office buildings of the University of Bern – and for good reason: The building owner, the Canton of Bern, focuses on energy efficiency and sustainability. By dispensing with air conditioning systems, the University of Bern is also contributing to energy efficiency and supporting the canton’s climate goals.

With a few simple tricks, things can still be pleasant:

• Ventilate the rooms well in the morning and then close the windows.
• Use sun protection (blinds, shutters) consequently.
• Switch off additional heat sources such as lamps and devices if possible.

• Start early in the morning while it is still cool.
• Public transport users: Avoid rush hour.
• Take regular breaks.
• Plan important meetings in the morning.
• If possible, use cool places to study and work, such as the Münstergasse Library, the vonRoll Library or work from home.
• Avoid hotspots in the city and frequent shady places such as forests, parks and avenues.
• Use the Bernometer for current temperature measurements or heat warnings.

• Drink tap water – it is sustainable, inexpensive and healthy.
• All refectories and cafeterias at the University of Bern have water stations with free drinking water.
• The University of Bern is a Blue University. It campaigns for tap water to be drunk instead of bottled water and for water supply services to remain in the public sector.