The Sustainability Working Group of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Cologne, together with other stakeholders and sustainability initiatives, is organizing a two-day open-air event on the biomedical campus entitled "Days of Sustainability 2025". The event will take place on July 2 and 3, 2025 and is aimed at all employees of the University Hospital and the Faculty of Medicine, scientists from the affiliated research institutes and students.

With the Sustainability Days, we want to present the diversity of sustainability initiatives on campus and in the region, promote exchange and networking and provide information on important sustainability topics. The programme includes more than 20 initiatives and organizations, a panel discussion on climate change and health, an inspiring lecture on plastic pollution in the oceans and practical workshops. The offer is complemented by stands on the grounds on various sustainability topics, an exhibition on healthy and sustainable nutrition in the hospital and the opportunity to repair bicycles and electrical appliances free of charge. Through encounters, dialogue and exciting program items, we want to raise awareness of the role of sustainability in healthcare, motivate active engagement and strengthen our cohesion.

Despite the summer heat, wind and brief thunderstorms, we can look back with great satisfaction on two successful days of events: on July 2 and 3, 2025, the Days of Sustainability took place on the biomedical campus of the University of Cologne - initiated by the Sustainability Working Group of the Faculty of Medicine in cooperation with numerous committed stakeholders and initiatives. The first day of the event took place in cooperation with the Mobility Days 2025 and placed a special focus on sustainable mobility concepts.

The aim of the entire event was to make the diversity of sustainable projects on campus and in the region visible, promote exchange and provide information on key sustainability topics. Over 20 initiatives and organizations presented their work and invited people to join in and discuss. The varied program ranged from a panel discussion on the links between climate change and health to a moving presentation on plastic pollution in the oceans and practical workshops. In addition to information stands and hands-on activities on the topic of sustainability, visitors were also able to have their bikes repaired and coded free of charge on site. The offer was supplemented by free repair options for electrical appliances. The open atmosphere and the great interest shown by participants contributed significantly to the success of the event.

We would like to thank all participants and guests for two inspiring days that showed how much commitment, knowledge and motivation there is for sustainable development in healthcare.