Roadmap Climate 2030

In April 2024, the University Executive Board adopted a revised climate strategy and is currently developing a “Climate Roadmap 2030” in a participative process with the faculties and the central administration. This roadmap includes measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as to manage unavoidable emissions in a responsible and, in some cases, innovative manner.

A central component of the strategy is a co-creative approach that promotes the transition toward a vibrant culture of sustainability at the University of Bern.

The Climate Roadmap 2030 will be adopted and published at the end of the year. However, sub-projects have been underway since 2025. These include the Call Engaged UniBE, the Ideas Competition and the GreenLabs Network UniBE. In line with the Climate Roadmap 2030, several projects are already being launched to develop an ambitious University Environmental Strategy 2040.

In accordance with the Cantonal Personnel Ordinance of the Canton of Bern, unavoidable emissions caused by air travel must be compensated through climate protection projects. This is done by purchasing CO₂ credits from eligible projects in an amount equivalent to the emissions generated.

The climate protection projects selected are guided by international regulations, in particular the Paris Agreement and UNFCCC guidelines. The University ensures that the emission reductions are measurable, additional, permanent, and verifiable, and are transparently monitored by independent third parties.

In addition, the goal is for the projects to have a connection to the University of Bern whenever possible, for example in terms of content or region. The selection of suitable projects is carried out by an internal selection committee.