Technical University of Munich Strengthens Sustainability Monitoring and Decarbonisation Efforts

Since the previous reporting period, TUM has reduced its energy-related greenhouse gas emissions by 19.5 percent.

(IN BRIEF) The Technical University of Munich has published its second Sustainable Futures Report, providing an interim update on progress toward its ambition to become a fully sustainable and climate-neutral university. TUM reported a 19.5 percent reduction in energy-related greenhouse gas emissions compared with the previous reporting period. The decrease was linked to lower natural gas consumption, improved building efficiency, technical infrastructure upgrades and the expansion of renewable energy sources. The university has also strengthened sustainability in research and teaching. Half of TUM’s professorships now address sustainability-related topics, while 24 sustainability-focused professorships have been newly established or filled since the previous reporting period. The report also highlights improved sustainability monitoring, including the first recording of commuting-related emissions and expanded data collection on mobility, waste, resource consumption and photovoltaic generation capacity.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH, 7-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The Technical University of Munich has published its second Sustainable Futures Report, presenting an interim assessment of the university’s progress in implementing its sustainability strategy.

The report shows that TUM has made notable progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions linked to purchased energy and university operations.

Compared with the previous reporting period, TUM has reduced its energy-related greenhouse gas emissions by 19.5 percent.

The university has also expanded its sustainability focus in research and teaching.

According to the report, 50 percent of TUM professorships now address sustainability-related topics.

The latest report forms part of TUM’s broader Sustainable Futures Strategy 2030, through which the university aims to become a fully sustainable and climate-neutral institution.

The strategy was developed in cooperation with students and staff and sets out six fields of action.

It also includes around 100 measures intended to embed sustainability more deeply into everyday university life and operations.

Key goals include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding sustainability-related research and ensuring that sustainability is treated as a cross-cutting priority across the institution.

The second TUM Sustainable Futures Report reviews progress made in implementing these measures and highlights developments between 2023 and 2025.

The reported reduction in energy-related greenhouse gas emissions covers emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels in university-owned facilities, as well as emissions associated with purchased electricity and district heating.

TUM said the decrease was achieved through several measures, including lower natural gas consumption, improved operational efficiency in buildings, the modernisation of technical infrastructure and the continued expansion of renewable energy sources.

Alongside operational decarbonisation, TUM has continued to strengthen sustainability expertise in research and education.

Since the previous reporting period, 24 professorships with an explicit sustainability focus have been newly established or filled.

The university also expanded the data basis for its sustainability monitoring during the reporting period.

For the first time, emissions from commuting were recorded.

Data collection was also broadened in areas such as mobility, waste, resource consumption and photovoltaic generation capacity.

As a result, several performance indicators were methodologically refined and can now be measured more precisely.

TUM said the improved monitoring framework will support the more effective planning, management and evaluation of future sustainability measures.

Professor Werner Lang, Vice President for Sustainable Transformation at TUM, said the university has already made significant progress while recognising that substantial work remains ahead.

He said current global developments may at times make these challenges appear even greater.

At the same time, he highlighted the strong sense of community at TUM, collaboration across the university and close exchange with international partners as important sources of motivation.

Professor Lang said the university’s commitment to becoming a climate-friendly and sustainable institution remains firm, adding that the next measures are already being implemented.

TUM said it remains committed to supporting the sustainable transformation of society in scientific, economic, ecological and social terms.

Through its Sustainable Futures Strategy 2030 and its expanded reporting framework, the university is continuing to integrate sustainability into research, teaching, operations and institutional decision-making.

Further information and links

• Sustainability at TUM
• TUM Sustainable Futures Strategy 2030
• TUM Sustainable Futures Report 2026

Media Contacts:

Corporate Communications Center
Anja Lapac
anja.lapac@tum.de
presse@tum.de

Contacts to this article:

Dr. Georg Röder
Technical University of Munich
Sustainability Office
Tel. +49 89 289 22892
georg.roeder@tum.de

SOURCE: Technical University of Munich