Clemens Metz, Managing Director of STW Freiburg

Sustainability – improving efficiency in student cafeterias, creating affordable housing, achieving sustainability goals

This presentation examines the sustainability strategy of the Freiburg Student Union and its progress toward achieving sustainability goals. Student unions are under increasing cost pressure in their catering operations, driven in part by sharp rises in food, energy and labour costs. At the same time, they are expected to offer meals that are affordable, healthy and climate-friendly. The presentation outlines cost-reduction measures such as improving canteen efficiency, optimising operational processes, streamlining procurement and adapting menus, and shows how these measures can support sustainability goals, including reducing food waste and increasing the share of meat-free options.

In the field of student housing construction, rising wages and material costs are major cost drivers. The Freiburg Student Services Organisation demonstrates how urgently needed student accommodation can nevertheless be built at the university locations it manages through sustainable and energy-efficient construction methods, while keeping rents socially acceptable for students.