Inhalt Welcoming address ... 8 Introduction . 12 Sustainability as a task for higher education institutions .... 12 HOCHN – the research project 12 The objectives of HOCHN ... 12 The HOCHN project structure 12 Fields of action 13 Guides ... 13 HOCHN – the university network ... 14 Next steps ... 14 Acknowledgements ... 15 The underlying understanding of sustainability 18 Background 18 The target group 18 The basic understanding of sustainability in the university context ... 18 The significance of governance for university sustainability 22 Governance: the coordination of those involved, their activities and decisions ... 22 Complex governance at universities . 22 Transparent involvement of different stakeholders 22 Structures for long-term commitment ... 23 "Well intentioned" doesn't necessarily mean "well done" .. 23 Governance-regulating factors ... 23 Prerequisites for successful university sustainability .... 25 Framework conditions 25 Sustainability as a socio-political discourse ... 25 Conflicting sustainability objectives 26 The fields of policy and administration as relevant partners .. 26 Established academic rationales and new mission statements .. 27 University rationales and faculty cultures ... 27 University size .. 27 Regional anchoring and local integration 28 Supporting factors . 28 Sustainability as a topic for creating a positive university profile . 28 Support from the university management .... 29 Acting out of conviction .... 29 Networks for university sustainability .. 29 Sustainability requires resources, sustainability conserves resources ... 29 Personnel and expertise .... 30 4 Sustainability Governance at Higher Education Institutions (beta version) Principles for action .. 30 Communication .... 30 Participation .. 31 Process orientation ... 31 Perseverance and long-term approach . 31 Measures .. 33 Networking . 34 General consultation . 34 Theme-based consultation .... 35 Sustainability coordination 36 Overall management . 38 Sustainability management .. 38 Observation and analysis .. 39 Orientation ... 40 Creating awareness .. 40 Transfer . 41 Operational measures 42 Self-appraisal tool for structures and processes: Governance-regulating factors .. 44 Politics .... 45 Profession ... 46 Organisation . 47 Knowledge .. 48 Visibility . 49 Appendices ... 52 Thematic overview of the six guides . 52 List of figures . 53 List of abbreviations .. 53 List of references ... 54 List of tables .. 54 Internet links .. 55 Imprint .. 56