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.
(Status: November 8, 2017)
As Senckenberg's research focuses on the Earth system and its interrelationships, we have continued to collect comprehensive knowledge of the effects of man-made global change on the world's biodiversity, ecosystems, and mankind, as well as the competence to communicate this knowledge to the public. But of course, we are also working on acting more sustainably ourselves – the first steps have already been taken in this regard.
Throughout Senckenberg, a sustainability officer coordinates and bundles the activities, and compiles sustainability reports (most recently 2020, only in german) based on the overarching sustainability guidelines adopted in 2017. At several locations, working groups of committed employees have formed to address the topic together.
An energy audit was carried out at all locations. The majority of the sites are now supplied with green electricity, or the switch is planned. At several locations, district heating is already used for heating. A self-commitment for all employees to refrain from flights less than 1000 km is in progress, the possibility of compensating unavoidable flights is currently being examined. Whenever vehicles need to be replaced in the sites' fleets and the purpose of use permits, electric cars or hybrid vehicles are chosen. Sustainability requirements for the procurement of products and services were integrated into the procurement regulations.