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About us
Sustainability Management
Transformations toward sustainability are not only at the heart of our scientific work – they also inspire us to take active measures as an institute.
Environmental and Climate Protection
Our contributions to protecting the environment and the climate
Our goal is to minimize the ecological footprint of our operations while creating social value.
We continually work to reduce electricity and gas consumption and prioritize resource efficiency, such as minimizing the use of paper and water. We promote sustainable employee mobility, ensure environmentally friendly procurement of materials and daily supplies, and advocate for sustainable catering at events.
Reducing Energy and Resource Consumption
We have developed Five-Point Plans for electricity and heat, aiming to lower our energy consumption and contribute to climate protection. Awareness of energy usage also extends to IT and internet resources. Reducing waste and conserving water and paper are additional priorities for our institute.
Promoting Sustainable Mobility
Employee mobility plays a key role in lowering the carbon footprint of our research institute. This includes both travel for work and daily commutes. Our mobility policy prohibits domestic flights and restricts air travel to European destinations that can reasonably be reached by train. In everyday life, we aim to encourage our employees to choose bicycles over cars more often. To support this, we assist our employees in purchasing new bicycles through the "JobRad" program.
Ecological and Fair Procurement
From office supplies to food and furniture, we prioritize sustainable and fairly produced products with recognized certifications such as Fairtrade or Blue Angel. Factors like production methods, regional sourcing, durability, and - where applicable - energy efficiency and recyclability of electronic devices are also important to us. These principles are outlined in our Procurement Policy.
Contact Sustainability Management
Research and Academic Teaching
Research at ISOE
We develop scientific foundations and forward-thinking concepts for social-ecological transformations.
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The legal requirements for occupational health and safety and data protection provide the framework for our sustainability management. These are complemented by our internal guidelines and commitments, which we review annually and adapt as needed. We systematically incorporate the knowledge and expertise of our employees into our sustainability management processes.
ISOE's focus on the goal of sustainability applies not only to our projects and topics, but also to the institute itself, for example with regard to the direct environmental impacts and social aspects associated with our work.
We embody the principle of shared responsibility
Fair working conditions are a given for us. We actively promote diversity and protect the rights of our employees.
This includes gender-independent and fair compensation, a collegial work environment, health initiatives, and much more. We view these elements as part of our social responsibility as both an institute and an employer. The vibrant everyday life at the institute and a respectful interaction with one another also represent an active implementation of social indicators of sustainability in our collaboration.
A respectful, mindful, and productive collaboration within the institute is of utmost importance to us. Engaged and skilled employees are the key to achieving our institutional goals. We aim to live up to the principle of shared responsibility as a team, enabling all employees to take and share responsibility. These and other principles of collaboration are enshrined in our Institute Charter.
Health and Safety in the Workplace
Physical and mental health are essential for workplace motivation and satisfaction, and we actively support our employees in this regard. This includes services such as consultations with occupational safety specialists and medical practitioners, annual meetings of the Occupational Safety Committee, training for first aid and fire safety, and medical advice for work-related travel abroad.
Like many organizations today, ISOE also supports a healthy work-life balance through measures such as flexible working hours, parental leave, and accommodating individual needs. We emphasize not only physical health but also mental well-being.
Gender Equality
Equal treatment of all genders and appreciation of diverse characteristics and backgrounds are integral to ISOE. This is also reflected in leadership positions, which are equally occupied by women and men. The Executive Board, for example, consists of two women and two men. The Scientific Director is female, and the Administrative Director is male. Equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender, is a fundamental principle, including for our student staff members.