Sustainability

DLR Sustainability logo
DLR Sustainability logo
Sustainability is an integral part of DLR’s activities.

We are one of the leading research institutions both nationally and in Europe, and Germany's largest national project management organisation and space agency. We aim to contribute to the sustainable development of society through its diverse range of scientific research projects.

Research for sustainability

We are relying on knowledge and action to find solutions. As a non-university research organisation, we are constantly working to generate new insights, with a constant focus on adding value to society. We turn our research findings into concrete technological progress through consistent, dedicated actions..

Sustainable research and work

Our way of working promotes sustainability at an economic, environmental and societal level. Our internal processes are forward-looking and built on continual networking and change, to make the organisation sustainable, future-proof and climate-neutral.

Latest news about sustainability

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Sustainability in action

Sustainable HR processes

DLR wins SAP Customer Adoption Excellence Award 2025

DLR has won this year's SAP Customer Adoption Excellence Award. The award recognises organisations that stand out for their openness to innovation and flexibility in implementing digital solutions.

Participation in the largest initiative for sustainable entrepreneurship

DLR reaffirms its commitment under the UN Global Compact

For the fourth time in a row, DLR has reported on its commitment to greater sustainability within the framework of the United Nations (UN) Global Compact. Our latest declaration under the German Sustainability Code (DNK) underscores our goal of adhering to the principles of the internationally recognised UN pact.

Implementation of new federal canteen guidelines

Eating more sustainably – at seven DLR restaurants

At its sites in Bonn, Braunschweig, Göttingen, Cologne, Lampoldshausen, Oberpfaffenhofen and Stuttgart, DLR operates staff restaurants that support sustainable development. These are based on Germany's updated canteen guidelines for federal government offices, which regulate the running of canteens.

Sustainable planning and construction process

Silver BNB certification for new DLR office building in Cologne

DLR has been awarded silver BNB certification for its new executive and administration building in Cologne. With this award, the German government recognises the sustainable planning and construction process.

Photovoltaics at DLR

Our journey towards a climate-neutral future

DLR is taking an important step towards sustainability: by installing PV systems we are maximising our in-house electrical energy supply and taking a huge step toward our goal of becoming climate neutral by 2035.

Electronics recycling

DLR improves its environmental footprint

DLR has taken another step towards climate neutrality. In 2024 alone, 124 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions were prevented through the recycling of electronic and electrical devices.

'City Cycling' Campaign 2024

How DLR is promoting climate protection and cycling

'City Cycling' (Stadtradeln) is a nationwide initiative in Germany that encourages people to complete their everyday journeys by bicycle for 21 days in a climate-compatible way.

Compensating for business travel

DLR offsets CO₂ emissions through projects in Nepal and Rwanda

For 2022, the amount of carbon dioxide CO₂ emissions to be offset totalled approximately 4247.5 tonnes. Compensation for this was split roughly equally across two projects based in Nepal and Rwanda, run by the climate protection organisation atmosfair.

DLR's own electrical power supply

Photovoltaic systems on buildings and open spaces

The Executive Board of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) has decided to take a major step towards achieving the goal of becoming climate neutral by 2035: Photovoltaic systems are to be installed on roofs, facades and open spaces in order to maximise its electrical self-sufficiency.

Article from DLRmagazine 173: Insights into an important balancing act – Interview with Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla and Klaus Hamacher

Researching sustainably – and research for sustainability

Insight into an exciting balancing act – interview with Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, Chair of the DLR Executive Board, and Klaus Hamacher, the Deputy Chair.

Protecting our natural resources

Biodiversity at DLR's Cologne-Porz site

As part of a 'day of action' in August 2023, DLR managers and the gardening crew sowed a wildflower meadow alongside the main access road.

More about the topic

Research into sustainability

DLR is helping to resolve the challenges faced by society with its research expertise in space, aeronautics, energy, transport, security and digitalisation.

Sustainable research and work

DLR's goal is the transformation towards a climate-neutral society. To help achieve this, it aims to become a climate-neutral research institution.

Vision and mission

DLR's goal is to become climate-neutral by 2035 and to make sustainable thinking a fundamental part of its day-to-day work.

Facts and figures

Sustainability indicators that are particularly important for DLR.

Downloads on the topic

DLR Sustainability Report 2020/2021

4.0 MB | PDF

Click here for all downloads related to sustainability

Contact

Philipp Bergeron

Sustainability Officer and team leader
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Sustainability
Linder Höhe, 51147 Cologne