Online studies leading the way

Sustainability and Climate Neutrality at IU

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. As innovation leaders in higher education, we’re committed to helping combat global warming.

Climate-neutral since 2020

IU is the first university in the world to operate at climate neutrality: in our teaching and as a company.

We offset our CO2 emissions by supporting three recognised climate protection projects:

1005 MW Wind Project India Orange Renewable Project

Working with the indigenous landowners, this project protects vital rainforests from deforestation in New Ireland, one of the poorest and most isolated areas of Papua New Guinea. It recovers the land‘s rich biodiversity and revitalises its natural carbon stocks.

Lacandón Forest for Life Project

The project reduces the deforestation of the Sierra del Lacandón National Park within the Selva Maya Corridor, which contains the second most extensive tract of continuous tropical rainforest in the Americas after the Amazon. It controls illegal timber extraction and assures sustainable forest management.

Kariba Forest Protection Project

The Kariba Project protects forest areas on the southern shores of Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe from deforestation and erosion, and builds sustainable economic structures such as ecotourism.

Championing green energy

In addition to our climate protection projects, we have developed an action plan to reduce our emissions by switching to sustainable green energy. For us, climate and environmental protection mean using natural resources sparingly, avoiding waste, and protecting air, water, and soil. 

Tree donations for environmental protection

With the help of our students, we are making the world a little greener: in partnership with the Treedom initiative, we are planting trees to compensate for our CO2 emissions. For every online course registration, we plant one tree.

That way, you help both your career – and the planet.

Bee Pasture Sponsorships

In cooperation with the non-profit organisation Bienenweide e.V., we support the mission to protect the habitat of bees and other insects. With every fifth new enrolment at our university, we sponsor one square metre of bee pasture, which is planted with regional seed mixes to provide enough food for dying insect species.

How studying online benefits the environment

Reduced carbon footprint

There’s no need to travel to campus every day, or print out study materials.

Reduced energy compassion

By offering most of our services digitally, we use up less gas and electricity.

Increased access to education

Climate change needs global solutions, so we need globally accessible education.

Personal counselling

Have any questions?

Visit our FAQ page or get in touch with our Study Advisors. You can also find information about the application process under our Become a Student page.