From Energy Efficiency to Stakeholder Involvement and Beyond? Case Study on the Advancement of Sustainable Development at the University of Bremen

Higher education institutions are called to become change agents for sustainable development in times of climate change and societal and environmental disruption. This case study illustrates the development of sustainability management and related activities at the University of Bremen, Germany. The analysis is based on the model of a systemic development of higher education institutions toward the idea of a University 4.0 based on the works of Clare W. Graves. The first wave of development was focused around managing environmental aspects of sustainability. The second wave allowed for a broader conception of sustainable development, including the sustainable development goals and social responsibility. The adoption of the Eco Management and Audit Scheme of the European Union, the installment of freely available online courses on sustainability and increased networking activities represent pivotal aspects of the development of sustainability management.