Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences is one of the most recycling-paper-friendly higher education institutions in Germany. In the 2021 Papieratlas University Competition organised by the Pro Recyclingpapier (IPR) initiative, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences tied for seventh place with the University of Konstanz. Fifty German universities and higher education institutions took part in the competition.
In 2020, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences used 100 per cent recycled paper bearing the Blue Angel label in its administrative departments. Compared with the previous year, the university has reduced its paper consumption and increased the proportion of recycled paper used in its administrative departments. Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences is thus making a significant contribution to climate and resource protection: compared with virgin fibre paper, its production saves at least 60 per cent in water and energy and generates significantly fewer CO₂ emissions. As a result, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences achieved savings of more than 167,000 litres of water and over 34,000 kilowatt-hours of energy last year. The amount of water saved covers the daily drinking water requirements of 1,385 people. The energy saved is equivalent to the annual energy consumption of nine three-person households.
Since 2016, the Paper Atlas has been tracking paper consumption and the proportion of paper bearing the Blue Angel label at German universities. The competition’s partners are the Federal Ministry for the Environment, the Federal Environment Agency and the German Association of University Institutions. With an average recycled paper rate of 78 per cent, the universities set a new record this year.
All the results of the Paper Atlas can be viewed here: https://hsrw.info/3wd8r
