FAIR comes
FIRST!

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In our individual areas of activity, we try to make conscious use of nature’s finite resources and protect the environment. Our planning is therefore long-term and service-oriented: ecologically, economically and socially.

Our involvement in larger projects, but also in smaller projects and with other university stakeholders, results in a big picture, namely to act in an environmentally conscious and committed manner as far as we are able.

We present some of our measures and implementations here.

On weekdays, we serve up to 3,500 guests from all over the world in our canteens with an extensive selection of changing, exciting, international and authentic dishes, always with environmental awareness and sustainability in mind.

The focus is on the sustainable nutrition of our guests, environmentally conscious action coupled with new ideas that place social responsibility at the heart of our work.

Fair comes first

It is a matter of course for us to work with fair trade ingredients and thus actively help to shape the Fair University Saar project.

In 2019 and 2022, we received the (special) award from the city of Saarbrücken in the “Fair and Sensible Company” competition for our commitment in this area, which is leading the way nationwide.

Short distances

We strive for short distances, regionality and a low carbon footprint. We still clean and chop the fresh fruit and vegetables ourselves so that the food reaches our guests fresh and direct. The use of food from regional, organic cultivation, fair coffee and tea, sustainably caught fish (MSC-certified) and food from fair trade is consistently implemented as far as possible.

No overproduction

By producing directly into the output, we reduce overproduction.

Nevertheless, food that has been produced in excess but has not yet been served is reused the following day so that no food waste is produced.

Too good for the garbage can

If the portion is too large for the guest, he/she can pack their own leftovers at a repacking station free of charge and take them home.

Reusable instead of disposable

We consistently do without disposable tableware and work with the deposit-free relevo system, an app-based reusable system. Saving waste without effort has already worked for us more than 300,000 times!

If ToGo packaging is used in exceptions, it consists of 90 % “bioplastics” (corn starch, sugar beet, plant fibers) and is therefore compostable; it is subject to a contribution of € 0.25. Our guests can also bring their own packaging containers, which our staff fill with food.

Climate plate

How much_CO2 ends up on our plates?

Around a fifth of all greenhouse gas emissions in Germany are caused by food. With the KlimaTeller, we can significantly reduce these emissions and make an active contribution to climate protection. We label our climate-friendly dishes as KlimaTeller if they produce at least 50% less_CO2 than the average of all dishes. So look out for the logo with the KlimaTeller button in the menu and on the display

In addition:

… our used fat is converted into biofuel.

… the remaining food scraps are collected and converted into new energy in a biogas plant.

… our dishwashing lines work with heat recovery.

… our roll-ups that are no longer needed are recycled into pencil cases or bags.

In autumn 2018, the “Campus Honey” project took shape as a joint initiative of the university, in particular bioscientist Dr. Susanne Meuser (ZHMB) and the Saarland Student Union under the patronage of the university president.

The project is a practical example of sustainability in culture, cultural landscape and agriculture, of environmental awareness and of further education regardless of age or educational background. The beehives are located in the former botanical garden.

Since 2019, a bee training course has been held from April to September, where students and anyone else interested can learn how to handle bees.

The honey produced by the campus bees is sold – while stocks last – at the Studierendenwerk.

In order to make the Saarbrücken campus more bicycle-friendly, the Studierendenwerk has built a covered bicycle parking facility with bicycle garages and e-charging stations in front of the canteen building with the support of the Saarland Ministry of Economic Affairs.

Our “Radhaus” on Mensavorplatz also has a great bike repair station with all the usual tools and air pressure table, another step towards a bike-friendly campus.

In addition to the administration department, the student accommodation department also has cargo e-bikes to enable climate-neutral journeys between the individual locations.

A food bike supplies the campus with vegan and traditional barbecue specialties.

The company was also awarded the silver medal as a “bicycle-friendly employer” in May 21.

Studierendenwerk Saarland has established itself as a pioneer in sustainability at Saarland’s universities. In 2023, this role was further strengthened by the invitation to establish the University Sustainability Council. The committee, which develops and implements a strategy for a more sustainable university system, values the expertise of the Studierendenwerk’s representatives due to their many years of commitment.