14. Participation of the Institution’s Members

The higher education institution explains how it encourages its members to participate in making the institution more sustainable.

At the Environmental Campus, the active participation of university members is seen as a key driver for sustainable development and shaping of the university. For this reason, the co-determination and participation of university members are promoted in a variety of ways and supported. In addition to serving on various committees, university members are involved in a wide range of events and initiatives at the university. The spectrum here ranges from activities and actions of the committees of the environmental campus to cooperation in events such as the annual children's university or the public lecture series.

Student participation

Direct participation in sustainability processes can be realized through a variety of on-site student project opportunities. In addition to the technical training aspects, a large number of students are involved in various organizational areas of the University. The student parliament as the highest legislative co-determination body (Stupa), the general student committee (AStA), the departmental councils of the faculties of environmental economics/environmental law and environmental planning/environmental engineering as well as the individual student representatives can be mentioned as representatives. Student representation in the Trier University Senate also enables active participation in shaping the university as a whole. Students can also get involved in numerous sustainability activities around campus. An important instance in this regard is the "Green Office," which in 2017 was founded and acts as a liaison and networking point with regard to sustainability activities at the Environmental Campus Birkenfeld.

Participation of the university staff

To ensure the inclusion and participation of university employees in the internal decisions and processes of the department, the local staff council of the Umwelt-Campus exists Birkenfeld. It represents the interests of all employees as well as the interests of university officials. (with the exception of the professors). In addition, the campus has diverse sports and recreational events offered, with employee participation possible in all courses and activities offered.

Detailed information on the participation opportunities for university employees and on the activities of the "Green Office" is provided in the current Sustainability Report in the section "Sustainability dialog with stakeholders".


15. Equal Opportunities

The higher education institution explains what targets it has set to promote equal opportunities in relation to health, gender equality, diversity, the integration of people from immigrant families, the inclusion of people with disabilities, work-life balance for employees and students, and commensurate pay for members of the institution (especially when outsourcing is used).

The central task is to prevent disadvantage or discrimination of any kind. In particular, the increase in the proportion of women in all courses of study affected by underrepresentation (especially those related to STEM subjects), occupational groups and qualification levels, as well as the improvement of the compatibility of career or studies and family, have a high priority at the Environmental Campus Birkenfeld at Trier University of Applied Sciences. To ensure these principles, an efficient organizational structure has been developed that enables the promotion of equality at all levels. In this regard, the central Equal Opportunity Officer participates in all social, organizational, and personnel measures that affect female employees at the university and is also the contact person for cases of sexual harassment and bullying. In fulfilling her duties, the central Equal Opportunity Officer is supported by the Committee for Equal Opportunity Issues. In addition, the two at the Umwelt-Campus Environmental Economics/Environmental Law and Environmental Planning/Environmental Engineering each have an Equal Opportunity Officer. All matters concerning equal opportunities are organized and managed by the Equal Opportunities Office of Trier University, which is located at the Environmental Campus.

Offers, among others:
Information materials around the topics of equality, family or care Detailed information about the projects already mentioned as well as about the complete spectrum of the university's gender equality work can be found in the current german sustainability report in the section "Social responsibility" section. In the target agreement of the "audit family-friendly university", concrete targets were agreed in 2017, which were updated at the end of 2019 as part of the confirmation of the certificate. At the end of 2019, further goals were also set. Further information can be found on the homepage of the Equal Opportunities Office.


16. Qualifications

The higher education institution explains which targets and measures it has adopted to foster the qualifications and skills of all its members with respect to sustainable behaviour. Furthermore, it outlines how these will be adapted to cater for demographic developments and future challenges.

The professional education and qualification of students and employees is one of the elementary importances for the university. The Environmental Campus stands out in this regard with its teaching focused on the topic of sustainability. Every consecutive Bachelor's and Master's degree program and also the part-time and dual training options have a subject-specific reference to sustainability, from technology to computer science to business administration or law. Beyond the well-founded subject-related studies, students and employees at the Environmental Campus Birkenfeld are offered a wide range of opportunities for personal and professional education and training. further education is offered. In addition to the university's internal offer of various language courses, all university employees can, for example, participate in a tandem program or obtain language certificates. In addition, various further training courses are offered via personnel development measures, and the state's didactic further training program is also available to the teaching staff in addition to the university's own. Derived from the strategic goals of Trier University, we identified the following current fields of action as the PE area for the university administration and its affiliated areas, which also take into account the demographic development:
1. leadership development in the area of university administration and its associated areas
2. establishment of a company health management system (BGM)
3. establishment of a company integration management system (BEM)

The Environmental Campus also strives to break down language barriers for foreign students as well as for refugees. For this purpose, "German as a Foreign Language" courses with different levels of difficulty are offered. As part of the refugee project "INTEGRA", preparatory German courses are also offered to prepare refugees for taking the "TestDAF certificate".

Detailed information on the projects already mentioned as well as on the university's continuing education offerings can be found in the german Sustainability Report 2017/2018 in the chapter "Continuing Education and Qualification opportunities" starting on p. 64. Further training objectives are agreed individually as part of personnel development. Further information on personnel development can be found on the german homepage.


Key Performance Indicators to criteria 14 to 16

Key Performance Indicator GRI SRS-403-9: Work-related injuries
The reporting organization shall report the following information:

a. For all employees:
i. The number and rate of fatalities as a result of work-related injury;
ii. The number and rate of high-consequence work-related injuries (excluding fatalities);
iii. The number and rate of recordable work-related injuries;
iv. The main types of work-related injury;
v. The number of hours worked.

b. For all workers who are not employees but whose work and/or workplace is controlled by the organization:
i. The number and rate of fatalities as a result of work-related injury;
ii. The number and rate of high-consequence work-related injuries (excluding fatalities);
iii. The number and rate of recordable work-related injuries;
iv. The main types of work-related injury;
v. The number of hours worked.

You will find the remaining numbers c-g of the indicator SRS 403-9 in the GRI standard and may additionally report them here.


Key Performance Indicator GRI SRS-403-10: Work-related ill health
The reporting organization shall report the following information:

a. For all employees:
i. The number of fatalities as a result of work-related ill health;
ii. The number of cases of recordable work-related ill health;
iii. The main types of work-related ill health.
b. For all workers who are not employees but whose work and/or workplace is controlled by the organization:
i. The number of fatalities as a result of work-related ill health;
ii. The number of cases of recordable work-related ill health;
iii. The main types of work-related ill health.

You will find the remaining numbers c-e of the indicator SRS 403-10 in the GRI standard and may additionally report them here.

Information on the sickness-related absence rate of employees cannot be provided at present. Thanks to the numerous occupational safety measures at the environmental campus, however, the accident rate is at a very low level. Thus, only one reportable accident occurred in 2019.

Key Performance Indicator GRI SRS-403-4: Worker participation on occupational health and safety
The reporting organization shall report the following information for employees and for workers who are not employees but whose work and/or workplace is controlled by the organization:

a. A description of the processes for worker participation and consultation in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the occupational health and safety management system, and for providing access to and communicating relevant information on occupational health and safety to workers.

b. Where formal joint management–worker health and safety committees exist, a description of their responsibilities, meeting frequency, decision-making authority, and whether and, if so, why any workers are not represented by these committees.

As a representative body for all matters concerning occupational safety and health, the Occupational Safety Committee (ASA) of Trier University of Applied Science meets twice a year with the overall goal of improving occupational safety performance throughout the university. Participants of this round are the university management, the representatives of the staff council and the representatives of the severely disabled, the safety officer, the company physician as well as the specialists for occupational safety (part-time) and a safety engineer from TÜV Rheinland.

Key Performance Indicator GRI SRS-404-1: Average hours of training
The reporting organization shall report the following information:

a. Average hours of training that the organization’s employees have undertaken during the reporting period, by:
i. gender;
ii. employee category.

Employees at the Environmental Campus Birkenfeld have access to an extensive range of continuing education opportunities, including foreign languages as well as specialist and interdisciplinary courses.

Further information can be found in the current german Sustainability Report. Quantified information on training and continuing education measured in hours per employee cannot be provided at the present time.

Key Performance Indicator GRI SRS-405-1: Diversity
The reporting organization shall report the following information:

a. Percentage of individuals within the organization’s governance bodies in each of the following diversity categories:
i. Gender;
ii. Age group: under 30 years old, 30-50 years old, over 50 years old;
iii. Other indicators of diversity where relevant (such as minority or vulnerable groups).

b. Percentage of employees per employee category in each of the following diversity categories:
i. Gender;
ii. Age group: under 30 years old, 30-50 years old, over 50 years old;
iii. Other indicators of diversity where relevant (such as minority or vulnerable groups).

The highest controlling body of Trier University of Applied Sciences and thus also of the Environmental Campus Birkenfeld is the university management, in which two women and two men act with decision-making authority during the reporting period. The Equal Opportunity Office coordinates the university's equal opportunity and diversity activities.



Further information can be found in the current german Sustainability Report.

Key Performance Indicator GRI SRS-406-1: Incidents of discrimination
The reporting organization shall report the following information:

a. Total number of incidents of discrimination during the reporting period.

b. Status of the incidents and actions taken with reference to the following:
i. Incident reviewed by the organization;
ii. Remediation plans being implemented;
iii. Remediation plans that have been implemented, with results reviewed through routine internal management review processes;
iv. Incident no longer subject to action.

Further information can be found in the current german Sustainability Report


17. Human Rights

The higher education institution explains which human rights conventions its work is based on and what steps it takes to uphold these in its local, national and international activities, in partnerships and in procurement. It also describes how it is working to raise its members’ awareness of associated issues.

Tolerance and acceptance towards everyone is very important, whether this is the opposite sex, a different origin, or religious affiliation. The Environmental Campus is aware of this relevance and at the same time knows that, for example, the promotion of internationality brings numerous positive synergy effects, such as diversity or increased, multicultural learning and understanding. The Environmental Campus is guided by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted on December 10, 1948 by the General Assembly of the United Nations. Nations and has been continuously developed at UN and EU level since then. One example of commitment in the area of diversity promotion is the "Diversity Reconnect" project, which was launched in cooperation with the non-profit association "BIR inform e.V.". Within the framework of this project, the integration of refugees in the Birkenfeld district was addressed by equipping them with modern chromebooks. The project was supported by dedicated students who helped in particular with the distribution and set-up of the devices as well as with the training of the employees in the local refugee homes. In line with the statement "Language is the key to integration", the Environmental Campus also promotes language acquisition for students and prospective students from abroad by means of a very extensive course and certificate program. This includes, among other things, a buddy program, in which German-speaking students are networked with international students in order to promote a linguistic as well as cultural exchange. Further information can be found in the german Sustainability Report 2017/2018 in the sections "Human rights" (p. 68f) and "Further training and qualification measures" (p. 64ff).


Key Performance Indicators to criteria 17

Key Performance Indicator GRI SRS-412-3: Investment agreements subject to human rights screenings
The reporting organization shall report the following information:

a. Total number and percentage of significant investment agreements and contracts that include human rights clauses or that underwent human rights screening.

b. The definition used for ‘significant investment agreements’.

This criterion is not relevant to the environmental campus as a state university, as there are no investment agreements.

Key Performance Indicator GRI SRS-412-1: Operations subject to human rights reviews
The reporting organization shall report the following information:

a. Total number and percentage of operations that have been subject to human rights reviews or human rights impact assessments, by country.

The environmental campus has only the location in Neubrücke. In addition to guaranteeing all legal requirements, the Environmental Campus has committed itself in its self-commitment to guaranteeing respectful interaction and appreciation towards all university members and furthermore does everything in its power to comply with these standards. The observance of human rights is taken for granted and there are no known violations.

Key Performance Indicator GRI SRS-414-1: New suppliers subject to social screening
The reporting organization shall report the following information:

a. Percentage of new suppliers that were screened using social criteria.

As a matter of principle, new suppliers should also be audited according to social criteria. Concrete information on the percentage of suppliers audited cannot be provided at present because no corresponding records are kept.

Key Performance Indicator GRI SRS-414-2: Social impacts in the supply chain
The reporting organization shall report the following information:

a. Number of suppliers assessed for social impacts.

b. Number of suppliers identified as having significant actual and potential negative social impacts.

c. Significant actual and potential negative social impacts identified in the supply chain.

d. Percentage of suppliers identified as having significant actual and potential negative social impacts with which improvements were agreed upon as a result of assessment.

e. Percentage of suppliers identified as having significant actual and potential negative social impacts with which relationships were terminated as a result of assessment, and why.

When selecting suppliers, regular attention is paid to social aspects. For example, when procuring cloth bags and fruit bags, the Fairtrade (Cotton) label was chosen. in order to avoid negative social and environmental impacts in the supply chain. Concrete information on the percentage of suppliers audited cannot be provided at present, because no corresponding records are kept. Certification as a "Fair Trade University" is currently being sought and is currently being developed (cmp. 2020 goals in the current german sustainability report).


18. Common Good

The higher education institution explains how it contributes towards the common good as defined in the UN SDG in its key operating regions (regional, national, international).

The environmental campus is actively involved in its regional environment and promotes regional development with the help of numerous research projects and public welfare-oriented activities. The scientific cooperations, among others in the field of national park research or the optimization of regional material flows, can be mentioned as examples. In addition, the Environmental Campus cooperates with the Stefan-Morsch-Foundation, which is Germany's first bone marrow and stem cell donor registry leads. An important aspect of promoting the common good is supporting pre-university teaching. For this reason, numerous activities are undertaken at the environmental campus to raise awareness of sustainable development among relevant student groups and, where appropriate, to motivate them to pursue higher education. However, the educational offers are not exclusively limited to the school sector, such as the MINT-Coach-App, the "KinderUni", the school holiday courses or the project "Schools for Sustainability (S.U.N.)",but also address other groups. An example of this is the "Upcycling Center Neunkirchen" project, in which the university cooperates with companies and disadvantaged social groups. Detailed information about the projects already mentioned as well as about the pre-university educational offerings of the university can be read in the current german sustainability report in the chapter "Social Responsibility".


Key Performance Indicators to criteria 18

Key Performance Indicator GRI SRS-201-1: Direct economic value generated and distributed
The reporting organization shall report the following information:

a. Direct economic value generated and distributed (EVG&D) on an accruals basis, including the basic components for the organization’s global operations as listed below. If data are presented on a cash basis, report the justification for this decision in addition to reporting the following basic components:
i. Direct economic value generated: revenues;
ii. Economic value distributed: operating costs, employee wages and benefits, payments to providers of capital, payments to government by country, and community investments;
iii. Economic value retained: ‘direct economic value generated’ less ‘economic value distributed’.

b. Where significant, report EVG&D separately at country, regional, or market levels, and the criteria used for defining significance.

The university, as an educational institution, is not profit-oriented, therefore this information is not available in detail for the environmental campus. The allocated financial resources are published in the budget of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. Further information is available in the annual report of Trier University of Applied Science. A breakdown of the university's acquired third-party funding income can be found in the current german sustainability report  in the chapter "Research in the sustainability focus".


19. Social Influence

The higher education institution explains how it influences major decisions by policymakers and within society.

It discloses the main ways in which external social stakeholders influence the higher education institution’s decisions. Furthermore, the higher education institution accounts for the origins and use of external funds.

For the Environmental Campus, long-term CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) commitment means not only promoting sustainability in teaching, but also networking and intensifying cooperation with numerous university-external actors and organizations. In the regional context in particular, cooperative networks must be formed in order to link teaching with economic and social aspects in the best possible way. A central element in the sense of regional networking is the continuous exchange that takes place between teachers, researchers, employees and students on the basis of theses, (research) projects, and the exchange of ideas. projects or also through technology transfer. Many professors are also involved in scientific and social activities beyond the university. For example, a regional ScientistsForFuture group was formed at the Environmental Campus. In addition, the professors are active in the following institutions and functions: the Climate Protection Advisory Board, the Demography Advisory Board and the Nature Conservation Advisory Board of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate, on the boards of trustees of the Federal Working Group for Environmentally Conscious Management (B.A.U.M.) and the StefanMorsch Foundation, in the University Teachers' Association of Rhineland-Palatinate and in the University of Applied Sciences.) and the StefanMorsch Foundation, in the Association of University Teachers, as a scholarship representative of various study foundations, as an expert in commissions of inquiry and expert committees at federal and state level, as an expert for various research funding agencies and accreditation organizations.

Influencing politics also happens with regard to the further development of the Higher Education Act of Rhineland-Palatinate, which forms the framework for teaching, research and further education at the Environmental Campus Birkenfeld of Trier University. In the context of the current revision of the Higher Education Act, one of our concerns is to include an obligation for universities in the direction of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). During a parliamentary evening of the state parliament on May 15, 2019, organized by RENN.west, the sustainability officer Prof. Dr. Klaus Helling was able to present these and other demands for the further development of the state's sustainability policy.

The Environmental Campus Birkenfeld is a research-strong university and raised approximately 9.9 million euros in third-party funding in 2019, which is almost double the previous year (5.17 million euros). Important third-party funding sources include the EU, federal and state ministries, foundations and companies. The use of third-party funds for the intended purpose is ensured by the university's budget department and by providing proof of use to the third-party donors.
Detailed information about the partners of the Umwelt-Campus Birkenfeld as well as about the Exchange formats (conferences, meetings, lectures, readings) can be found in the german Sustainability Report 2017/2018 in the chapter "Social Influence" from p. 78. Unmatched Information on research and the use of third-party funds is provided in the current Sustainability Report 2019/2020 in the chapter "Research with a sustainability focus".


Key Performance Indicators to criteria 19

Key Performance Indicator GRI SRS-415-1: Political contributions
The reporting organization shall report the following information:

a. Total monetary value of financial and in-kind political contributions made directly and indirectly by the organization by country and recipient/beneficiary.

b. If applicable, how the monetary value of in-kind contributions was estimated.

The Environmental Campus, as a state educational institution, does not make monetary payments to political parties and is politically independent.


20. Conduct that Complies with the Law and Policy

The higher education institution explains which standards, processes and measures are in place to prevent unlawful conduct and corruption.

In particular, it describes how violations of the rules which apply to academic work are prevented, detected and sanctioned.

As a state university, the Environmental Campus ensures compliance with all required federal and state laws, e.g., in the areas of data privacy, building, and fire protection or occupational safety. In addition, the university has made a voluntary commitment to open and respectful cooperation. In order to take into account the scientific responsibility of the university, the Senate of Trier University of Applied Science adopted binding guidelines on July 13, 2016, to ensure good scientific practice and to deal with allegations of scientific misconduct. Indications of scientific misconduct can be brought to the attention of the responsible persons of trust (ombudspersons). An independent commission ensures that suspected cases are investigated in accordance with recognized standards.
No violations were identified during the reporting period.


Key Performance Indicators to criteria 20

Key Performance Indicator GRI SRS-205-1: Operations assesed for risks related to corruption
The reporting organization shall report the following information:

a. Total number and percentage of operations assessed for risks related to corruption.

b. Significant risks related to corruption identified through the risk assessment.

There are no significant corruption risks at the Birkenfeld Environmental Campus of Trier University of Applied Science.

Key Performance Indicator GRI SRS-205-3: Incidents of corruption
The reporting organization shall report the following information:

a. Total number and nature of confirmed incidents of corruption.

b. Total number of confirmed incidents in which employees were dismissed or disciplined for corruption.

c. Total number of confirmed incidents when contracts with business partners were terminated or not renewed due to violations related to corruption.

d. Public legal cases regarding corruption brought against the organization or its employees during the reporting period and the outcomes of such cases.

There were no known incidents during the reporting period.

Key Performance Indicator GRI SRS-419-1: Non-compliance with laws and regulations
The reporting organization shall report the following information:

a. Significant fines and non-monetary sanctions for non-compliance with laws and/or regulations in the social and economic area in terms of:
i. total monetary value of significant fines;
ii. total number of non-monetary sanctions;
iii. cases brought through dispute resolution mechanisms.

b. If the organization has not identified any non-compliance with laws and/or regulations, a brief statement of this fact is sufficient.

c. The context against which significant fines and non-monetary sanctions were incurred.

There were no known violations of the law during the reporting period.