Senckenberg comprises both internationally active research institutes with natural history collections, and natural history museums in Frankfurt, Dresden and Görlitz. By conducting research in the field of geobiodiversity, and by transferring knowledge, we are committed to sustainable action in our research, in the conservation of our collections, and in our interaction with nature. We communicate our research results to a broad public through our natural history museums, a diverse exhibition portfolio, courses, popular scientific lectures, and publications in various media. In dialogue with society, business and politics, we contribute to the sustainable development of the earth. From our scientific results and the undeniable facts on global change, we have an obligation to point out the decline of, and threats to, biodiversity and the need for a more careful use of resources.
Guidelines
Guidelines
Our understanding of sustainability primarily aims at the long-term preservation of natural resources in the interest of present and future generations. The sustainability guidelines of the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung do not reflect the status quo, but are to be understood as a vision of effective sustainability management in which the three sustainability dimensions of environmental protection, economic performance, and social responsibility are combined in such a way that decisions are permanently viable under all three aspects.
(Status: November 8, 2017)
Our guidelines in detail
Wherever possible, we are committed to carrying out our research mission in accordance with the goal of achieving the broadest possible sustainability.
Our scientific work is based on guidelines of good scientific practice and is characterized by the idea of sustainability.
As a research institution dedicated to the exploration and preservation of animate and inanimate nature, we are aware of our function as a role model for our visitors, our supporters, and the general public. We are committed to live up to this in all areas of our organization, with regard to sustainable and careful use of our resources.
Sustainability is a high priority for us. As an employer, we listen to our staff and encourage them to develop and implement sustainability measures because we firmly believe that sustainability only has a real chance if it is developed “bottom-up” and endorsed by everyone.
When it comes to resource utilization, we do not only think to the organization’s own limits, but beyond. We strive to act as sustainably as possible, from procurement to final disposal or possible recycling.
We are aware of the fact that sustainability has an economic component. We believe that a sustainable solution does not always have to be the most expensive one. Through our creativity we develop alternative solutions whenever possible. In particular, the resource consumption of our constantly growing collections requires a compromise between research mission and ecological sustainability.
We also strive for the highest level of sustainability with regard to our most valuable resource, our employees. We pursue a long-term, needs-based, and future-oriented personnel planning, through which we keep fluctuation as low as possible. In line with the concept of sustainability, we support our employees in their professional development so that they are able to meet future challenges in the workplace and remain with Senckenberg for as long as possible. We promote a disabled and family-friendly work culture and health-friendly working conditions.
At Senckenberg, we view previous wrong decisions, especially in regard to sustainability, as an opportunity to shape the future a little better. In order to improve ourselves, we continuously scrutinize our processes and structures.
Our internal and external communication is clear and transparent. We maintain open communication that includes all institutes and research stations. This creates a sense of unity which enables us to build up a holistic expertise.
CO₂ balance
CO₂ balance for the entirety of Senckenberg
The loss of biodiversity and climate change are among the greatest challenges of our time. Numerous known and unknown species are becoming extinct because their habitats are being destroyed. One of the main contributing factors is the continuous increase in greenhouse gas emissions worldwide since the beginning of industrialization.
This has led to an uneven race between new discoveries and the destruction of species. Biodiversity and functioning ecosystems are a prerequisite for us humans as well. Maintaining these conditions is one of the core objectives of the Senckenberg Society for Nature Research. In achieving these goals, we not only rely on our research results being heard, but also want to lead by example and minimize our own CO₂e footprint.
Side note: What exactly is CO₂e?
CO₂ equivalents (CO₂e) are a unit used to measure the impact of various greenhouse gases (GHGs) on the climate. By converting different types of emissions into the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂), these impacts can be compared.
With the help of a CO₂e guideline developed in-house, we want to enable the systematic recording of all climate-relevant organizational activities, which makes annual emissions transparent and paves the way for Senckenberg to achieve climate neutrality.
Calculating our CO₂e footprint enables us to quantify and understand our contribution. Transparency regarding environmental impact and emissions is of great importance to the scientific community. Calculating our CO₂e footprint and publishing data should help to promote integrity and credibility for the transformation into a sustainable organization.
Fig.: Excerpt from the CO₂e balance sheet 2022: Greenhouse gas emissions in tons (t)
Understanding our own environmental impact enables us to develop targeted measures to improve our research practices. This can include, for example, introducing energy-efficient laboratory technologies, using renewable energies, and reducing waste streams.
Researching and developing solutions to climate change and other environmental problems requires a deep understanding of our own CO₂e emissions. By reducing our own CO₂e footprint, we can make an active contribution to global climate protection.
In summary, determining the CO₂e footprint is crucial for a research institution to understand its environmental impact, meet scientific standards, secure funding, improve research, and contribute to solving global environmental problems.
A CO₂e balance sheet was created for the first time for the year 2022. The aim is to update this every three years. The detailed report is available for download here.
With the help of a CO₂e guideline developed in-house, the aim is to enable the systematic recording of all climate-relevant organizational activities across the entire organization, which will make annual emissions transparent and pave the way for Senckenberg to achieve climate neutrality. However, this guideline is neither complete nor final; rather, it should be understood as a “work in progress.”
Background
As one of 14 selected Leibniz institutions, Senckenberg participated in the Leibniz pilot project “Climate-Neutral Research Operations.” The Leibniz Association has set itself the goal of becoming climate neutral by 2035. As part of the pilot project, the sustainability team led by the sustainability officer determined emissions and developed guidelines for basic data collection and the preparation of a CO₂e balance sheet.
Much of the data, such as electricity and water consumption, was already being collected centrally by the administration in Frankfurt, but not all of it. A significant portion of Senckenberg’s CO₂e footprint consists of emissions generated by commuting to work and mobile working. An Senckenberg-wide online survey was conducted to collect this data. The amount and frequency of hardware and software use also has an impact on the CO₂e footprint and was therefore also determined as part of the survey.
The data obtained from the survey formed an important part of the creation of guidelines for basic data collection and the preparation of an SGN-wide CO₂e balance sheet.
