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Social and environmental responsibility

IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems is committed to meeting its responsibilities to society and the environment.

So the prudent, sustainable use of resources is very important to us.

Focus on sustainable actions

Global challenges such as the climate crisis, social injustice and most recently the coronavirus pandemic have brought the topic of sustainability increasingly into focus. As a university, it is not only important that we play a part in the debate, but that we also actively shape it as well.

Innovative and forward-looking

In view of these circumstances, we see it as our duty to offer forward-looking education, to carry out research that provides solutions to the challenges facing society, to ensure that the university is an equitable, healthy and safe place to work, and to minimise our environmental footprint.

17 Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 1: No poverty, SDG 2: No hunger, SDG 3: Health and well-being, SDG 4: Quality education, SDG 5: Gender equality, SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation, SDG 7: Affordable and renewable energy, SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth, SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, SDG 10: Reduce inequalities, SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities, SDG 12: Sustainable consumption and production, SDG 13: Climate action, SDG 14: Life below water, SDG 15: Life on land, SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions, SDG 17: Partnerships to achieve the goals.

Sustainable Development Goals

Our actions are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and we act as a role model for our stakeholders.

The UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted in 2015. Its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 - which are aimed at the regional, national and international level - also place a duty on universities.

The SDGs are universally applicable and based on a holistic approach to development which gives equal priority to the three dimensions of sustainable development: the economic, social and environmental. They also encompass the protection of human rights, the rule of law, good governance, fundamental freedoms, and safety and security. The 2030 Agenda is therefore relevant to many aspects of university teaching and research.

Overview of our sustainability goals

Our vision, mission and values, in combination with our strategic guidelines, form the basis for the university's strategic objectives, which in turn feed into the operational targets for the next three years. Many of these targets are concerned with aspects of sustainable practice.

Enhancing our environmental and sustainability management activities involves elements such as continuous improvements across all departments, formulating new ideas for shaping the future, and in particular providing staff with ongoing information on our activities. Further details on our staff and our organisational structures can be found in the sections of this report dealing with the university’s management.

Raising awareness

We aim to raise awareness of environmental and sustainability issues among our stakeholders. 

Teaching and research

We aim to integrate aspects of sustainability into our teaching and research in a considered and effective fashion.

Resource deployment

We aim to improve resource efficiency and avoid waste wherever possible. 

Transport and mobility

We aim to promote the use of eco-friendly means of transport and optimise traffic flows.

Sustainable organisation

On this page, we introduce you to all aspects of our sustainable university governance.

New perspectives on teaching and research

Developing and implementing innovative and sustainable solutions, as well as training and education programmes that generate value regionally, nationally and globally.

Social and environmental responsibilities

For us as a university of applied sciences, it is clear that we assume both social and ecological responsibility.

Sustainability Report 2020

The report covers the period from 01.09.2019 to 31.08.2020. We plan to publish a sustainability report every 2 years.

Students bike alongside the Danube

Our Sustainability Report

Our sustainability report published in accordance with the GRI Standards focuses on the 2021/2022 financial year.

Access the 2022 Sustainability Report

2022 Sustainability Report

Our material topics

To prepare the sustainability report, we conducted a materiality matrix to determine the key sustainability issues for our organisation.

In line with its high quality standards, we aim to meet and surpass the expectations of our stakeholders, and especially those of our students. IMC Krems’ high-quality degree programmes give students the best possible preparation for their future careers.

This topic relates to our core operations and therefore exerts a considerable impact.

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Knowledge of sustainable development is necessary in all sectors of the economy in order to bring about fundamental change. This means it is essential that basic knowledge of sustainability is embedded in all degree programmes. Specific degree programmes can also teach in-depth knowledge and skills connected with sustainability.

By firmly anchoring sustainability in our teaching, we are making a significant contribution to raising awareness of and providing knowledge required for sustainable development.

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As a research institution, IMC Krems has a significant, long-term impact on society by generating academic findings. When it comes to research, quality is our number-one priority. Efficiency of research processes also plays an important role here, with a view to minimising the impact of travel and the use of financial resources, equipment and materials.

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Sustainable development calls for new ideas, academic insights and open discourse. Thanks to its research focuses in the field of sustainable development, IMC Krems can help to drive progress on all three of these fronts and contribute to sustainable development.

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Everyone is different. In order to consciously and proactively manage this diversity, we can create frameworks that generate opportunities for everyone. This applies to employees, lecturers and students, and to teaching, research and administration in equal measure.

Barrier-free access is especially important in higher education in order to ensure that education is open to all. This topic is relevant to all of our activities.

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As an educational institution, we are focused on long-term, sustainable success. Financial stability provides the foundation for our commercial activities.

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A variety of operational factors influence levels of employee satisfaction at IMC Krems. Aspects such as training and development, a good work-life balance and flexible working time models play an important role in this respect. This topic relates to employees and teaching staff at IMC Krems.

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Travel to and from the university by students, employees and teaching staff has environmental impacts in the form of emissions, noise and land use. Providing infrastructure that enables reductions in travel, and transitioning to greener alternatives reduces these negative impacts. This aspect is especially relevant in connection with the courses taught by the university.

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