The Technical University of Munich (TUM) has published its second sustainability report, providing an interim assessment of its progress. The university has made particular progress in reducing emissions from purchased energy. TUM has also advanced its sustainability efforts in research and teaching: 50 percent of its professorships now address sustainability-related topics.
Astrid Eckert / TUM Through its Sustainable Futures Strategy 2030, TUM aims to become a fully sustainable and climate-neutral university. Developed in collaboration with students and staff, the strategy defines six action fields and around 100 measures designed to integrate sustainability into everyday university operations. Key objectives include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding sustainability-related research, and systematically embedding sustainability as a cross-cutting priority throughout the institution.
Steady progress in energy-related decarbonization
The second TUM Sustainable Futures Report outlines progress in implementing these measures and highlights developments between 2023 and 2025. Compared with the previous reporting period (2021-2022), TUM reduced its energy-related greenhouse gas emissions by 19.5 percent. These emissions include those generated by the combustion of fossil fuels in university-owned facilities as well as emissions associated with purchased electricity and district heating. The reduction was driven by a combination of lower natural gas consumption, greater operational efficiency in buildings, modernization of technical infrastructure, and the continued expansion of renewable energy sources.
TUM is also continuing to strengthen its sustainability expertise in both research and teaching. Since the previous reporting period, 24 professorships with an explicit focus on sustainability have been newly established or filled.
Expanded reporting framework and improved data quality
During the reporting period, TUM significantly expanded the data foundation of its sustainability monitoring. For the first time, emissions from commuting were recorded, while data collection was broadened in areas including mobility, waste, resource consumption, and photovoltaic generation capacity. As a result, numerous performance indicators were refined methodologically and can now be measured with greater precision. This enhanced monitoring framework will enable the university to design and manage future sustainability measures more effectively.
Prof. Werner Lang , Vice President for Sustainable Transformation, says: "We have already made significant progress, while recognizing that substantial work still lies ahead. Given current global developments, these challenges may at times seem even greater than before. At the same time, the strong sense of community, the excellent collaboration across the university, and our close exchange with international partners continue to motivate us to keep moving forward. Our commitment to advancing TUM's transformation into a climate-friendly and sustainable university remains unwavering, and the next measures are already being implemented."
Sustainability
We are committed to the sustainable transformation of society in scientific, economic, ecological, and social terms. Get to know our sustainability strategy.
Andreas Heddergott / TUM 
