Sustainability Award

The winner is ….

“PowerPerspectives” consists of students who present technical content on the energy transition in a clear, scientifically sound, and neutral manner. Through short videos, they strengthen energy knowledge specifically among young people, while also providing the general public with a realistic understanding of energy issues. Students involved in "PowerPerspectives" gain practical, career-relevant experience and can position themselves as qualified young professionals. This enhances the visibility and appeal of sustainable study programs, as well as of the University of Stuttgart overall.

Why is this sustainable?

Following the principle that every explanation is a step toward a sustainable future, "PowerPerspectives" effectively combines social media, teaching, and peer-to-peer science communication. Over 27,000 views on Instagram alone – the numbers speak for themselves. The fact-based, accessible presentation of knowledge appeals to young people, raises their awareness of climate-relevant issues, and motivates them to pursue technical fields of study – including the Renewable Energy study program at the University of Stuttgart. The project contributes to securing skilled professionals while also providing students with valuable contacts in industry. It also strengthens societal acceptance of renewable energies and promotes climate-friendly solutions.

What the jury says

“PowerPerspectives" makes the Renewable Energy program visible and promotes the successful transfer of technical expertise in society.

What award winner Valentin Eckmann, Renewable Energy student, says

“The award is a valuable acknowledgment of the time and effort we’ve invested in PowerPerspectives and our commitment to taking action from our own perspective. It confirms that our approach works – and motivates us to continue on this path.”

Ideas for the future

Currently, in the winter semester, projects are being carried out on topics such as pumped-storage power plants, onshore and offshore wind energy, and grid infrastructure. Beyond their own university, students have the opportunity to adapt the format at other universities. The potential exists for it to develop into a nationwide best-practice model for energy transition communication and talent development.

The winner is ….

Prof. Peter Radgen from the Institute for Energy Economics and Rational Energy Use (IER) uses research and teaching to practically support the sustainable operation of the University of Stuttgart. Processes and resource use are examined across multiple areas with the goal of achieving savings. The students in his lectures are actively involved in the planning and implementation. This gives them the opportunity to engage intensively with questions of sustainable energy use and supply in theory and practice, and to become fit for their future tasks in the field of energy efficiency.

Why is this sustainable?

Peter Radgen's motto regarding energy efficiency at the University of Stuttgart is "Working step-by-step towards small successes together". Students learn a systematic approach to analysis, planning and implementation in the field of energy efficiency and decarbonization. A cooperation with DEKRA enables students to acquire a personal certification as energy management officers that is valued by companies and organizations alike. Among other things, the high-performance computing center received technical support in implementing the energy management system required across the entire university by mid-2026. Optimization potential was identified for various important areas of consumption at the university – for example, for the lighting of buildings Pfaffenwaldring 7 and 9. In total, this alone has resulted in annual savings of around 8,000 EUR in electricity costs since 2019.

What the jury says

"Prof. Peter Radgen combines sustainable research and teaching with the practical support of the sustainable operation of the University of Stuttgart."

What award winner Prof. Peter Radgen says

"Hopefully, this award will highlight the opportunities and potential of energy efficiency and raise awareness of this topic among university management, staff and students."

Ideas for the future

The measures and activities will continue, both in teaching and for the benefit of the university. The lecture “Analysis and Optimization” will once again highlight efficiency-related topics on campus. Not to be overlooked are the studies on efficiency potentials in the cleanroom of the Center for Applied Quantum Technology, conducted as part of the BWGreenLabs initiative.

The winner is …

The sharing initiative of Department 2 International Affairs began in 2021 as a collaboration between the stuvus Sustainability Unit and Department 2.
Initially, a “sharing platform for Erasmus students” was launched by Saskia Heuer (Technical Biology) and Lenja Hilgenberg (Environmental Engineering) as part of the School for Talents' annual program. It is now organized primarily by the advisors for international students. At the beginning of each semester, students and university staff collect used items that are important for daily life and living. Everything collected—from kitchen utensils to bed linen and towels—is made freely available to newly arriving international students at the International Center.

Why is this sustainable?

The sharing initiative promotes less waste, fewer purchases of low-quality disposable goods, while at the same time raising awareness for second-hand culture. At the same time, the project also encourages students to help each other. From the first day of their stay, international students are made aware of issues related to sustainability and resource-conserving living. In addition, they receive financial relief and can adapt more quickly to everyday life. The sharing initiative offers practical support, allows participants to experience active engagement firsthand, and promotes a responsible and mindful use of resources. And: Apart from personnel costs, no additional financial expenses are incurred.

What the jury says

"The idea and the personal commitment of those responsible are convincing due to their contribution to ecological, social, and economic sustainability at the University of Stuttgart."

What award winner Rebecca Schwenger from the International Office says

“We are very pleased with the award; it is a strong sign of appreciation for our work, our efforts to promote sustainability at the university, and at the same time, for our support of international students. We are confident that the award will help make our upcoming sharing initiatives even better known across the university.”

Ideas for the future

Closer collaboration with student residences or nearby relevant shops is possible, and cooperation with stuvus could be resumed when sufficient capacity is available. The prize money could be used for emergency rations for the first days, as well as for reusable shopping bags and cups with the university logo. Vouchers for second-hand and zero-waste stores could also be an option.

[Image: University of Stuttgart / Division 2]

The winner is …

The non-profit student association Bildung Erneuerbare Energien Stuttgart e. V. is committed to sustainable practices and fostering environmental awareness. Founded in 2011 as Crossing Borders Stuttgart e. V., the association organizes educational projects on renewable energy at schools and conducts technical projects. The theoretical knowledge acquired during studies is thus complemented by practical applications. For the interactive educational workshops, the students develop age-appropriate workshop formats. Each year, they reach hundreds of students this way.

Why is this sustainable?

The association Bildung Erneuerbare Energien Stuttgart ensures a continuous transfer of university knowledge in the field of sustainability in society. Public awareness of sustainable energy systems is promoted through technical projects, educational workshops, and public outreach – with theoretical work further complemented by specific demonstration objects. For example, the solar bench at the University of Stuttgart allows photovoltaic technology to be experienced directly, and a small wind turbine was built from simple materials for the energy trail in the municipality of Schwanfeld.

What the jury says

"Bildung Erneuerbare Energien (BES e. V.) is an outstanding example of sustainable studying and civic engagement, and a flagship of the university."

What award winners Moritz Sauer, David Rottacker, and Felix Mück say

"This award is a recognition of our long-standing commitment and shows that student initiatives like ours can make a real difference. It boosts our visibility and helps us inspire even more people to engage with sustainability. At the same time, it serves as an incentive to further expand our projects and to act as a role model for other university initiatives."

Ideas for the future

Strengthening their presence at the university and actively contributing to making the campus more sustainable are current goals for 2026. In the long term, we aim to expand the network, extend educational projects and initiate more practical projects. The prize money is intended to expand the school workshops, and fund the development of a new workshop on the physical fundamentals of climate change.

[Image: BES e.V.]