The nRNA
The nachhaltigkeits-Rhein-Nahe-Allianz (nRNA; Rhine-Nahe Alliance for Sustainability) is an alliance between Hochschule Geisenheim University, TH Bingen University of Applied Sciences and EBS University. This project unites the three universities through collaborative efforts regarding all aspects of sustainability.
Organizationally, the nRNA is part of the Department for Strategic University Development and Sustainability at Hochschule Geisenheim University.
OUR GOALS
The nRNA aims to:
- contribute to regional networking
- strengthen awareness for sustainability in the local population by collaborating with local and regional partners, as well as engaging with initiatives from the realm of politics and praxis.
In addition to our pursuit of sustainability, we are united by our regional proximity, our knowledge of strength through cooperation and our ability to see challenges as opportunities.
CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES
The three alliance partners are each very different, both in terms of their focus as well as in their legal forms and the federal states in which they are based. This helps to expand the scope of the project, but does also pose organizational challenges for initiatives such as, for example, arranging specific teaching collaborations.
Please note
Due to construction at the administration building until further notice you will find us here:
Industriestraße 2 (Building 9002)
2nd floor, to the right/north
65366 Geisenheim
More from our Department
Department for Strategic University Development & Sustainability Sustainability Concept (German only)Management – Evaluating our Sustainability Measures
As part of two student theses, a comprehensive life cycle assessment is currently being carried out at TH Bingen University of Applied Sciences. The project examines the impact of converting lighting to LED with reference to the cafeteria buildings at THB and HGU.
The project focuses on assessing CO2 emissions in the various life cycle phases of products and processes using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method. In order to reduce the environmental impact and develop more sustainable solutions, potential optimizations are identified with the aim of developing concrete recommendations for action to reduce the universities' carbon footprints, thereby making an active contribution to climate protection.
Our colleagues from the respective departments at our partner universities will first compare the types of data they currently collect on CO2 emissions from business travel. They will then assess whether it would be useful and practical to standardize the categories used in data collection. If this is the case, this would allow for easier comparison of balances in the future, as well as of potential improvement measures derived from the data.
GOALS
We want to realistically assess our sustainability efforts, create transparency, and make appropriate course corrections where necessary.
All three partner universities are pursuing the primary ecologicalsustainability goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2030.
In order to achieve this, especially given the limited time remaining, it is necessary to:
- consistently implement appropriate measures to reduce emissions, and
- develop and apply control instruments to verify their efficiency.
Sustainability encompasses not only ecological but also social and economic aspects. While our initial assessments are primarily concerned with ecology, social and economic factors will also be included in the future.
Have any suggestions or want to get involved?
Please get in touch: charlotte.rafalski(at)hs-gm.de
TYPES OF ACTIVITIES
The evaluation of the efficiency of various sustainability measures within this nRNA project is currently being primarily carried out in the form of student theses.
Supervision:
- THB: Prof. Dr. Thilo Kupfer (Life cycle assessment and circular economy)
- HGU: Prof. Dr. Moritz Wagner (Sustainable use of resources and life cycle analyses for special crops)
- HGU: Georg Ardissone-Krauss (advisory; Energy- & biomass management)
Additional members of this project group are:
- EBS: Christoph Schneider (Sustainability manager)
- THB: Anika Kirschbaum (Personal assistant to the President)
- HGU: Charlotte Rafalski (nRNA-coordinator)
Other types of activities are also possible. Employees are welcome to participate!
Have any suggestions or want to get involved?
Please get in touch: charlotte.rafalski(at)hs-gm.de
ECOLOGICAL
- SDG 07 ‘Affordable and Clean Energy’
- SDG 12 ‘Responsible Consumption and Production’
- SDG 13 'Climate Action'
- SDG 14 'Life below Water'
- SDG 15 'Life on Land'
SOCIAL
- SDG 17 ‘Partnerships for the Goals’
- Other topics are possible!
ECONOMICAL
- SDG 07 ‘Affordable and Clean Energy’
- Other topics are possible!
Have any suggestions or want to get involved?
Please get in touch: charlotte.rafalski(at)hs-gm.de
Join us!
You would like to get involved in one of the existing projects, or you have a project idea for which you are looking for fellow campaigners?
Please contact: charlotte.rafalski(at)hs-gm.de
We are looking forward to working with you!
n-RNA-TRILOG
When & Where
February 2, 2025
Hochschule Geisenheim University
What & for Whom
In order to comprehensively prepare learners for the challenges of the future in the long term, in a full-day event as part of the nRNA-TRILOG on Education we combined the strengths of:
- Hochschule Geisenheim University,
- Bingen University of Applied Sciences, and
- EBS University.
Under the motto “Sustainably competent – Potentials, Projects, Partnerships”, we provided a platform for interdisciplinary and cross-location cooperation, combining theory and practice, for our teaching staff and administrative staff involved in the field of teaching.
How
To inspire each other, we first presented our innovative teaching methods and interdisciplinary approaches we use to promote sustainable thinking and action both among students and in the context of professional training. We then used that momentum to:
- get to know the colleagues from the three locations better,
- exchange ideas on sustainability-skills-oriented teaching and professional training,
- develop collaboration ideas as well as identify and tackle challenges together.
Result
This resulted in seven great ideas, which we now follow up in two working groups:
- cooperation structures (teaching)
- service learning modules
Are you interested in supporting us?
Please contact: charlotte.rafalski(at)hs-gm.de
When & Where
June 5, 2025
Hochschule Geisenheim University
What & for Whom
In order to establish and strengthen regional interdisciplinary cooperation in the field of research, in a full-day event as part of the nRNA-TRILOG on Research we joined the forces of:
- Hochschule Geisenheim University,
- TH Bingen University of Applied Sciences and
- EBS University.
Under the motto ‘Sustainable Research – Synergies, Strategies, Solutions’, we offered a platform for exchange and initiation of interdisciplinary and cross-location collaboration to all our researchers, including doctoral students and professors, as well as our colleagues working in research administration
How
First, the universities presented their respective research focuses. Subsequently, there was time for attendees to:
- get to know the colleagues from the three locations,
- exchange ideas for research projects,
- lay the foundations for jointly developing third-party funding applications in the future.
an nRNA TRILOG event on any of the three fields of action is also a possibility! A
Are you interested in networking with our alliance partner universities on sustainability issues relating to Governance, Operations or Knowledge Transfer, and supporting us in creating a suitable event?
Perhaps you even have a specific idea relating to sustainability already, but aren't sure which field of action it belongs to?
We would love to work together with you to create an event! Please get in touch: charlotte.rafalski(at)hs-gm.de!
The nRNA-TRILOG event series is a platform for exchange and initiating cooperations between our three universities on varying sustainability topics that relate to theWhole Institution Approach's five fields of action (governance, operations, teaching, research and knowledge transfer).
The two fields of action EDUCATION and RESEARCH are the first. From 2025 onwards, a full-day event will be held on each of these areas every year, alternately at one of the partner universities, to exchange ideas, network and initiate cooperation.
- ECOLOGICAL
- Food
In the spirit of sustainability and to support our common goals for sustainable development, we only offer vegan catering at our events. This decision enables us to minimize the ecological impact of our catering and to make a conscious contribution to climate protection.
- Food
- SOCIAL
In the spirit of equal opportunities, it is important to us to ensure diversity & inclusion so that everyone can participate in our events. This decision enables us to achieve the best possible outcomes for everyone (individually and as a community) and to move closer to the goal of empowerment.- Accessibility
Do you need special support or barrier-free access? We will be happy to provide you with these if you notify us in advance. - Perspectives
At our events, we strive to include all status groups that will be affected by the event and its impact. If we have overlooked your perspective, please let us know! - Family-friendliness
As a family-friendly university, we would like to expand our range of services to support you. With appropriate advance notice, we will be able to organize childcare for a limited number of children.
- Accessibility
- ECONOMICAL
Financial Justice
If our events are subject to a charge, there are 3 price categories:- Cost-covering standard price – medium level
- Supporter price – increased price, which helps to co-finance the reduced price
- Reduced price – our category to enable your participation even if you have a lower income.
You choose the price category that suits you. We trust you.
