On October 8th, Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke presented Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences with the title of "Rising Star of the Year" at the Ministry's seat in Berlin. The award was accepted by University President Prof. Dr. Eva-Maria Beck-Meuth.
The university increased its use of "Blue Angel"-certified recycled paper in its administration by 99.50% in a single year, achieving the highest growth among German universities in the 2024 Paper Atlas University Competition of the Pro Recycling Paper Initiative (IPR). This year, 54 universities took part in the competition, with an average recycled paper quota of 69 per cent. The „Blue Angel“ is a well-known German ecolabel.
By using „Blue Angel“ paper, Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences is making a significant contribution to climate and resource protection efforts. The university achieved significant savings in water and energy usage compared to virgin fibre paper. Last year, over 175,000 litres of water and nearly 40,000 kilowatt hours of energy were saved. The water savings are equivalent to the daily requirements of over 1,450 individuals, while the energy saved could meet the annual electricity needs of 11 households comprising three people.
Marc Gebauer, spokesperson for the IPR, praised the commitment: “Aschaffenburg UAS has made impressive progress in using „Blue Angel“ certified products, achieving measurable ecological savings. By making its sustainable paper procurement transparent in the Paper Atlas, the university also encourages other institutions to follow suit.”
„I am very pleased that the university’s efforts to consciously use recycled paper have been recognised with this award in the Paper Atlas competition. This award will motivate us to continue pursuing sustainability with determination.“
Since 2008, the Paper Atlas has been tracking the annual paper consumption and recycled paper quotas in German cities, since 2016 in universities, and since 2018 in counties. Cooperation partners include the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety (BMUV), the Federal Environment Agency (UBA), the German Association of Cities, the German Association of Towns and Municipalities (DStGB), the German County Association (DLT), and the German Association of University Professors and Lecturers (HRK). This year, the Paper Atlas reached increased recycled paper quotas and a new record participation of 244 municipalities and universities.
All results are available for download at https://www.papieratlas.de/ (German only)