Research institutions and academic programs
At the University of Cologne, there are a large number of programmes and institutions that deal intensively with the sustainability issues and related fields of action – all over the campus and the Faculties.
In the field of research
Environmental Law Center
The Environmental Law Center offers students opportunities for advanced training. In addition to the already existing specialization and preparatory seminars in comparative environmental law and international environmental law, further events will be offered by the Environmental Law Center in the future, which will promote the interest of students in environmental law.
Institute of Biology and its Didactics: Research project Climate change and green facades
The Institute of Biology and its Didactics provides scientific support for the development of the novel facade greening system as urban adaptation strategies to climate change; it also experimentally investigates the positive effects of this system on the urban climate and the heat-cold insulation of the buildings with regard to their contribution to temperature buffering, air humidity, CO2 reduction, NOx absorption, particulates absorption and the production of oxygen.
Institute of Biology and its Didactics: Modular model garden (MoMo)
Since 2015, the MoMo of the Institute for Biology and its Didactics is located in the middle of Cologne at Clarenbachkanal on the North Campus. It is part of the teaching and learning laboratories of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences of the University of Cologne and was developed as a joint project of the Institute for Biology and its Didactics, the zdi student laboratories and the Cologne International School of Design (KISD). The garden offers prospective biology teachers the opportunity to learn in practice outdoors and to consolidate their knowledge of the local flora and fauna as well as to gain initial experience in dealing with school classes in the garden.
Institute for Sustainability, Business Law and Reporting (INUR)
Founded by the Faculty of Law of the University of Cologne, INUR investigates business law issues related to sustainability in an intradisciplinary legal and interdisciplinary manner linked to the neighbouring disciplines.
Competence Center Fair Trade
The Competence Center Fair Trade is attached to the Global South Studies Center and aims to promote research on Fair Trade in German-speaking countries. It supports interdisciplinary research and teaching, provides a forum and an institutional framework for professional exchange and networking. As part of the GSSC, the Competence Center also promotes cooperation with researchers from the Global South. Beyond that the Competence Center sees itself as a contact point for non-academic institutions and organizations.
Multidisciplinary Environmental Studies in the Humanities (MESH)
MESH is a research hub addressing the social, cultural and ethical dimensions of global change and the related ecological, climatic and health crises. Connecting the expertise of the humanities with the natural and social sciences, MESH fosters research and knowledge exchange across three main research topics: decolonial cultural ecologies, multispecies conviviality and disaster preparedness.
Ecological Rhine Station
The Ecological Rhine Station of the University of Cologne is located on a former ship, south of Cologne City on the left bank of the Rhine. The Rhine is one of the largest rivers in Central Europe and a habitat for fish, mussels, small animals, plankton and unicellular organisms. The running water laboratories on board the Rhine station offer scientists and students of the Zoological Institute excellent conditions to study animals in the Rhine in a naturalistic way and to perceive changes in the Rhine ecosystem in a timely manner.
In the area of teaching
Courses related to Sustainability
The joint catalogue brings together about 250 teaching and learning opportunities related to sustainability from all faculties and institutions of the University of Cologne for the summer semester 2026. It offers students and interested readers a compact overview of sustainability-related courses at the university.
Management, Economics and Social Sciences (Bachelor of Science)
A business-orientated Bachelor's degree with interdisciplinary options, including sustainability management.
Economics: Specialization in Energy and Climate Change (Master of Science)
Economic perspectives on energy policy and climate protection - scientifically sound and relevant to practice.
Sciences Culture and Environment in Africa (Master of Arts)
Understanding Africa's environment and cultural dynamics - research-orientated and with an international focus.
Environmental Sciences (International Master of Science)
A multidisciplinary Master's programme with a focus on global environmental problems and sustainable solutions.
Environmental Sustainability (Joint International Master of Science)
International Master's programme with partner universities - focus on sustainable development, environmental management and policy.
Ecology, Evolution and Environment (Master of Science)
A research-orientated biology master's degree with a focus on biodiversity, climate change and ecological systems.
Earth and Climate Physics (Bachelor of Science)
Physics Bachelor's degree programme in Climate, Atmosphere and Geophysics - with a focus on scientific principles and environmental processes.
Physics of the Earth and Atmosphere (Master of Science)
Understanding the dynamics of the atmosphere, ocean and Earth's interior - a physics-orientated Master's degree with a focus on climate and environmental processes.
Geography (Bachelor of Science)
Analysing the spatial interactions between humans and the environment – with methodological and interdisciplinary training.
Geography (Master of Science)
Advanced Master's degree programme for the study of complex environmental and social processes – with a focus on physical geography or human geography.
Environmental Humanities (Master of Arts)
An interdisciplinary EUniWell Master's programme that examines environmental issues from a humanities perspective.
Online course ‘Sustainability Education’
The online course ‘Sustainability Education’, developed as part of the teff academy in collaboration with the Centre for Teacher Education, imparts knowledge and skills on education for sustainability. In three modules, participants learn about key concepts, didactic approaches and lesson planning. The interactive course is aimed at (prospective) teachers and students.
In the area of transfer
MINT Education Project: Our Forest Climate
With the help of the STEM education project unserWaldKlima, the University of Cologne wants to contribute to the role and significance of forests for climate protection being increasingly addressed in the classroom. The effects of climate change are also becoming ever more present in Germany. Only those who understand the complex mechanisms of climate change can think about ways to protect the climate.
Service Learning - Learning through involvement
To anchor students' social commitment in everyday university life - this is the opportunity offered by Service Learning at the University of Cologne. Over the course of one semester, students in interdisciplinary teams support non-profit organizations and thus create added value for themselves and for others. Thus, university (project) learning is combined with non-profit involvement.
Continuing education: sustainability managers
In cooperation with the IHK, the University of Cologne offers the digital certificate course ‘Sustainability Manager’. In this program, students are trained as sustainability managers together with entrepreneurs/persons from the independent economy/external interested parties at the Professional Center.