Daniela Molzbichler is the Sustainability Officer at Salzburg University of Applied Sciences and has played a key role in developing the sustainability strategy:

What does sustainability mean for a university of applied sciences?

Molzbichler: Teaching, research, and university operations must be designed to align ecological responsibility, social justice, and economic viability with the global goals (SDGs). Students and staff should become active shapers of this transformation.

Why is this topic important for an educational and research institution?

Universities shape the next generation of decision-makers, whether in business, politics or civil society. They are a driver of innovation and serve as a role model. Moreover, lived sustainability makes a university attractive to students and staff. People are increasingly looking for meaningful working and learning environments.

How can we inspire enthusiasm for the topic and prevent the sustainability strategy from becoming overly bureaucratic?

We focus on visible successes – from improved bicycle parking to enhancing campus culture – and combine ecological, social and economic perspectives. Using agile methods, transparent involvement of all stakeholders and clear rules, we shape sustainability dynamically: implement quickly, learn together, act fairly and effectively.

When will you be satisfied with FH Salzburg's achievements in sustainability?

Sustainable development is not a sprint but a marathon: it combines ecological, social and economic responsibility – not as a rigid goal, but as a living process. Complete satisfaction? Hardly possible – and that’s a good thing! Because that’s what drives us: a climate-neutral Salzburg University of Applied Sciences as the next goal, where sustainability is lived, questioned and further developed in everyday life. The best proof of success? When we act more boldly today than yesterday – and even more consistently tomorrow than today.