A Real-World Lab Approach to the Carbon Neutral Campus Transition: A Case Study

Abstract

Universities, with their complex systems, influence on local economies and socio-cultural place-making, serve as a framework for the sustainable development (SD) transformation within communities. In support of Germany’s Energy Transition and the goal of climate neutral state governance by 2040, the state of Baden-Wurttemberg selected seven universities to create real-world lab projects addressing various sustainability-related themes. This paper presents a case study of the University of Applied Sciences (HFT) Stuttgart’s EnSign real-world lab, which employs transdisciplinary research methods to find transferable solutions for the transition to a climate neutral inner-city campus. EnSign’s approach includes the development of an iterative, optimization-based, knowledge capture process that is inclusive of both external and internal stakeholders. Goals are to catalyze the campus transition, adjust user behavior, and increase energy efficiency by developing new building operating concepts, public building renovation financing models, stakeholder integration methods, and institutional management structures. A brief review of the supporting policy framework, theoretical foundations, and topical areas of implementation are presented. Initial findings are described with regard to communication strategies, civil society integration, and institutional preparedness for the transition. Conclusions reflect on the relevance for real-world lab experiments.