Engineering to Face Climate Change

The Hamburg University of Technology (TU Hamburg) sets a clear framework for sustainable development in research, teaching, transfer, and campus operations through its strategic focus Engineering to Face Climate Change. In doing so, it combines technological expertise with social responsibility.

Engineers as shapers of a sustainable future

Engineers play a key role in shaping a sustainable society: the solutions they develop directly influence how we use resources, generate energy, and design our cities. For this reason, TU Hamburg not only imparts technical expertise, but also fosters the capacity to take responsibility and actively shape a sustainable future.

Research with impact: from the circular economy to climate-informed engineering

In research, TU Hamburg’s focus areas range from the circular economy and renewable energy to climate-adaptive materials. Flagship initiatives include the Cluster of Excellence BlueMat, DFG Research Training Group Climate-Informed Engineering and the UNU Hub Engineering to Face Climate Change at TU Hamburg, established in 2024. Formats such as the CampusLabs@TUHH bring students, researchers, and practice partners together, making solutions tangible and experienceable on site.

Teaching and campus operations: experiencing, learning, and implementing sustainability

Sustainability topics are firmly embedded across teaching at TU Hamburg. These include more than 30 relevant courses, the certificate programme Technology & Sustainability: SDG Campus, and ECIU challenges that can be credited within the non-technical teaching programme.

In campus operations, TU Hamburg is gradually increasing efficiency through measures such as modern building automation, intelligent lighting systems, and reduced heat consumption, complemented by partnerships with organisations such as Hamburger Energiewerke.

In this way, a vibrant environment is created in which the engineers of tomorrow can develop and apply the skills needed to contribute to a sustainable society.

Sustainability News

14.05.26

World's First Industrial Plant for Nature-Based Plastic Alternative Opens

Began as a start-up at TU Hamburg: The large-scale production facility of the Hamburg company traceless was ceremoniously inaugurated in front of high-ranking guests

16.04.26

Cluster of Excellence BlueMat: From Earth and Water – The Battery of the Future

From smartphones and laptops to electric cars – batteries are now found in numerous everyday devices. However, they carry a risk: if they are damaged or short-circuited, chemical reactions inside can trigger fires or even small explosions.

10.02.26

Kick-off for the BlueMat Excellence Cluster Team

New Minds Driving the Future of Materials Research Forward

15.12.25

Breakthrough in Construction Recycling

Hamburg Establishes Its Own Material Testing Institution

12.12.25

Developing new materials for sustainable technologies using light

Felix Löffler takes up Heisenberg professorship at Hamburg University of Technology

10.12.25

A Bandage for the Post

A four-member, interdisciplinary team is working on an ultra-thin coating that could revolutionise steel construction. This “nano-patch”, made of nickel and copper, significantly extends the service life of structures such as offshore wind farms.

04.12.25

TransiEnt Library – Facing the transformation of the energy system

Transforming energy systems to achieve climate targets involves many questions that can only be answered through a detailed understanding of system physics. I particular, interactions and dynamic behaviour need to be understood.

03.12.25

Cyber-physical 6G mobile communications infrastructure for the mobility of the future

Entering the era of intelligent wireless networks with PIONEER_6G: How can wireless communication become not only faster, but also smarter and more reliable in the future?

26.11.25

From a Life Without Batteries to Self-Thinking Systems

Inaugural lectures by Prof. Dr. Bernd-Christian Renner and Prof. Dr. Olaf Landsiedel

20.11.25

From Fast Shoes and Cumbersome Regulations

3D Printing: Future Lecture Shows Opportunities and Challenges of Additive Manufacturing

20.11.25

Towards more energy-efficient aircraft

TUHH Prof. Frank Thielecke is co-author of the new DGLR paper

06.11.25

Hamburger Horizonte at TU Hamburg

Water as an Interface between Nature and Technology

23.10.25

Strong research for a rapid energy transition

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Volker Lenz gives inaugural lecture

23.10.25

TUHH start-up EveryCarbon receives €2.5 million in funding from SPRIND

Startup revolutionises the use of organic waste

22.10.25

Water as an Energy Carrier

Nanoporous Silicon Generates Electricity from Friction with Water

All News

Sustainability in Research

The Hamburg University of Technology (TU Hamburg) develops innovative solutions for climate protection, resource efficiency, and a sustainable future through its CampusLabs, the Excellence Cluster BlueMat, the UNU Hub, as well as through numerous research projects and spin-offs.

Foto: TUHH

Sustainability in Teaching

Through initiatives such as the SDG Campus, the ECIU University, the non-technical curriculum, and a wide range of courses and degree programmes, TU Hamburg strengthens its students’ sustainability competencies – interdisciplinary, practice-oriented, and research-based.

Foto: Isadora Tast

Sustainability on Campus

TU Hamburg is gradually developing its campus into a more sustainable place to learn and work. Alongside initial structural measures, numerous committed student-led projects in particular contribute to testing new ideas and making change immediately visible on campus.

Foto: Isadora Tast