The universities profile is based on two pillars: Economics and the natural environment. With regard to these two core competencies, the Nuertingen-Geislingen University (NGU) has committed itself to the goals of Sustainable Development. The Center for Economics and Environment is a central institution that supports the ongoing implementation of this commitment in teaching, research and regional outreach. Reporting on Sustainable Development has been integrated into NGU´s annual report in 2011. With regard to greening the campus, the NGU is currently being audited according to the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS).

Teaching: As a contribution to education for sustainable development (ESD) we offer a general studies programme that has been priced an Official project of the UN Decade for Education for Sustainable Development in 2008/09, 2010/11 and 2012/13 by the German Commission for UNESCO. Over and above the courses offered in the general studies programme we now want to integrate courses on Sustainable Development into the core curricula of all programmes. Several programmes have established specific modules or in-depth courses in Sustainable Development. Step by step, we want to increase the representation of Sustainable Development topics in other curricula. Until 2015, reference to the goals of Sustainable Development shall be integrated into the description of all modules. Research: The Institute for Applied Research (IAF) and the Center for Economics and Environment conduct research on different aspects of Sustainable Development. Regional Outreach: The HfWU engages in several projects of the state's sustainability strategy. Members of NGU counsel the regional biosphere reserve as well as the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation. NGU students are also involved in community reporting on Sustainable Development. Until 2015 we want to establish an institutional interface between the university and regional actors of Sustainable Development.

Nuertingen-Geislingen University-NGU