Sustainability is an important guiding factor for the Leibniz Association and its member institutes. As a research organisation, the Leibniz Association contributes to sustainable development in the fields of research and knowledge and technology exchange, as well as through its management and operations. The political frame of reference is provided by the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which guide the Leibniz Association’s actions. When it comes to implementation, the Leibniz Association is guided by the fields of action in the LeNa guidelines, specifically in the areas of sustainability research and sustainable research processes, and the sustainable operation of buildings and infrastructures.

Sustainability Mission Statement

The Sustainability Mission Statement provides a framework for a ‘culture of sustainability’ in the Leibniz Association and its member institutes – a culture that must be established and continuously built on within the various spheres of activity. The mission statement is also intended to encourage the employees of the Leibniz institutes to reflect on their actions and to contribute to the sustainable development of the planet.

Sustainability Steering Group

The Executive Board of the Leibniz Association set up a Sustainability Steering Group in 2022 to develop a comprehensive sustainability concept for the Leibniz Association. The group has been chaired since 2022 by two Executive Board representatives: Prof. Barbara Sturm (Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy) and Stephan Junker (Museum für Naturkunde – Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science), both of whom are members of the Leibniz Association Board.