Communications and Marketing
Interview with the new Sustainability Manager Stephanie Lorek
![Nachhaltigkeitsmanagerin_Stephanie_Lorek_mit_Fahrrad](https://www.h-brs.de/sites/default/files/styles/hresize651x434_32/public/2023-09/Stephanie_Lorek_Teaser_News_20230925_142121.jpg.webp?itok=LUIj3S1I&t=9bd5)
You already know the university as an innovation manager. Is the new role a big change for you?
In addition to setting up sustainability management and coordinating the implementation of the strategy, the position of sustainability manager at the university also involves building networks with academic and non-academic partners as well as providing technical and conceptual support for sustainability measures. This follows on from the approach of my previous position as an innovation manager, where I supported institutes in their collaboration with municipal stakeholders and companies.
My new role focusses on relevant groups and divisions within the university. For example, I'm really looking forward to working with Facilities Management and with the students, with whom I had little to no contact in my previous job.
![BIDA Summer School Begruessung Campusgarten StA 20230508 foto juri kuestenmacher 22.JPG](https://www.h-brs.de/sites/default/files/styles/hresize651x433_32/public/2023-05/BIDA%20Summer%20School%20Begruessung%20Campusgarten%20StA%2020230508%20foto%20juri%20kuestenmacher%2022.JPG.webp?itok=gErnEipD&t=e54e)
What are the key messages of the H-BRS sustainability strategy?
The socio-ecological transformation, i.e. the transformation of society, is one of the key challenges of the coming years and decades. As a university, H-BRS sees itself as a pioneer and role model and wants to implement and exemplify sustainability in a holistic manner.
Sustainability has always been a guiding principle for H-BRS. This is now also strategically embedded - from teaching and research to cooperation, digitalisation and campus life. In terms of implementation, this includes, for example, the development towards a sustainable, liveable, climate-neutral and (climate) resilient campus, various sustainability degree programmes and research into the expansion of renewable energies. Projects such as the Summer School also promote student exchange at an international level.
Where do you see the university's particular potential in terms of sustainable development?
The university has very good regional and national networks, for example through the Sustainability Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences in NRW (NAW.NRW), but also with local authorities, civil society institutions, civic groups and companies. These networks and co-operations are to be further expanded. Heat prevention, measures to adapt to the consequences of climate change, biodiversity protection or the need to reduce CO2 - all of this is unfolding
![Vertreterinnen der H-BRS und der HNNE auf dem Waldcampus in Eberswalde](https://www.h-brs.de/sites/default/files/styles/hresize651x434_32/public/2023-08/Header_Treffen_HBRS_HNNE_8_2023.jpg.webp?itok=KNJ2fZq0&t=7a71)
In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges of the task?
The starting position of the university described above and the will of the management and the university community for sustainable development form a very good basis. Of course, there are also challenges associated with such a process. These include the further institutionalisation of the topic through a balanced mix of top-down and bottom-up approaches in order to establish a culture of sustainability or to find suitable exchange spaces for different stakeholder groups. It is also important to adequately integrate the different locations.
Is sustainability also a personal issue for you?
Definitely! The topic has always played a role in my professional career to date.
I also try to implement it as best I can in my personal life by making increasingly conscious consumption decisions. But of course I don't always succeed. For example, we also own a car as a family, although I personally only cycle and use public transport.
„All university members, employees and students, are invited to contribute to the implementation of the sustainability strategy. For example, we want to empower students even more to drive forward the necessary change processes.”
Stephanie Lorek
![Gruppenbild_Stephanie_Lorek_Prof._Michaela_Wirtz_Angelika_Fiedler](https://www.h-brs.de/sites/default/files/styles/hresize312x311_11/public/2023-09/Lorek_Wirtz_Fiedler_Smoothiebike_25_09_23.jpg.webp?itok=9xXWGaXF&t=fae4)
Kontakt
![stephanie-lorek.jpg](https://www.h-brs.de/sites/default/files/styles/hresize72x96_23/public/2023-08/stephanie-lorek.jpg.webp?itok=pS5rMJub&t=6c44)
Location
Sankt Augustin
Room
F 404
Address
Grantham-Allee 20
53757, Sankt Augustin
Contact hours
Montag-Donnerstag
Telephone
+49 2241 865 9832![img_4277-50x70.jpg (DE)](https://www.h-brs.de/sites/default/files/styles/hresize72x96_23/public/person_image/img_4277-50x70.jpg.webp?itok=a9JxTVel&t=9938)
Michaela Wirtz
Vice president transfer, innovation and sustainability, Professor for Chemistry, espec. Instrumental Analysis and Physical Chemistry
Location
Sankt Augustin
Room
E 232
Address
Granthamallee 20
53757 Sankt Augustin
Location
Rheinbach
Room
E 110
Address
Von-Liebig-Str. 20
53359 Rheinbach
![Angelika Fiedler Portraet](https://www.h-brs.de/sites/default/files/styles/hresize72x96_23/public/2024-01/Mail_neu_3441_Angelika.jpg.webp?itok=DEQD5_aF&t=9727)
Angelika Fiedler
Project Manager Marketing and Public Relations "Sustainability Communication", Project Manager H-BRS Sustainability
Location
Sankt Augustin
Room
F 411
Address
Grantham-Allee 20
53757, Sankt Augustin
Telephone
+49 2241 865 9821