This month, Freie Universität received validation according to the European standard EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) for environmental management systems for the third time. This allows the university to start the second certification cycle in September 2024. 

EMAS is an environmental management certification of the European Union and is one of the most important systems worldwide for continuously improving one's own environmental situation and ensuring a sustainable organization. 

Within three days, the departments of Biology/Chemistry/Pharmacy (BCP), Veterinary Medicine and Physics were again audited. For the first time, the departments of Education & Psychology, Philosophy & Humanities, and Political & Social Sciences were also included. In addition, the reviewer also visited the division III Utilities and Engineering, the Botanical Garden and the Executive Office this year.

The environmental reviewer confirmed the successful validation and signed the environmental declaration for this year. This transparently presents the development of environmental performance and the objectives of Freie Universität. 

Since 2004, we have based our environmental management on internationally recognized standards. At that time, we started the certification according to the ISO 14001 standard. In 2013, the gradual integration of occupational health and safety into the management system began. With the introduction of the AGUM management system (occupational, health and environmental protection management system), we are striving for more transparency and improved service for university members. 

We would like to express our sincere thanks to all those who participated! 

Please find the environmental statement here as a pdf (German version only).