Advancing Sustainability in Higher Education
From the SDG Campus to Campus Connected
Launched in 2020, the SDG Campus project reflects RWTH Aachen University’s commitment—alongside our partner institutions—to making the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) both visible and actionable in higher education. The SDG Campus introduces students to sustainability through a practical, interdisciplinary lens, bridging the gap between global theory and local action.
At the core of this project is a digital learning platform—also called SDG Campus—which offers specialized courses aligned with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Since its debut in October 2022, these resources have been accessible to students across all eight partner universities. For instance, the “Life Below Water” course explores the critical role of SDG 14 in ecological preservation, while an RWTH-led course on SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) allows students to examine another vital water-related challenge. Our course catalog continues to expand and evolve, reflecting the dynamic nature of sustainability challenges.
From 2022 to 2025, the project emphasized building a cross-university community of instructors who tested innovative educational formats. Through close collaboration between TU Hamburg, HafenCity University Hamburg, RWTH Aachen University, TU Dresden, Leibniz University Hannover, the University of Stuttgart, TU Munich, and the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, valuable synergies have emerged, helping drive a sustainable transformation in teaching and learning.
Moving Forward with Artificial Intelligence
The follow-up project “Campus Connected – Sharing Innovation Education” builds on the insights and frameworks established by SDG Campus. Running from October 2025 through 2029, Campus Connect will further develop the digital teaching platform and expand its capacity for cross-university knowledge sharing.
Artificial intelligence is central to the “Development of AI-supported online learning formats” work package, led by RWTH Aachen University. We are developing innovative approaches for integrating AI into digital instruction, supported by a modern technical infrastructure that enables the sharing of AI-powered learning opportunities across institutions. The ongoing evolution of SDG Campus exemplifies this effort, as the platform is designed to scale for a wider range of universities in the future.
Another aim of the project is to design and implement interactive, project-based learning formats that students from multiple universities can use together. These formats complement online learning and help create the feel of a nationwide campus network. Additionally, Campus Connected is working to establish the legal and structural framework for certificates and micro-credentials, making degree programs more flexible and expanding access to continuing and higher education.
Where is our shared road leading us?
With Campus Connected, RWTH Aachen University continues its commitment to advancing sustainability in higher education. The project strengthens dialogue among instructors, researchers, and students, fosters knowledge sharing across universities, and embeds the SDGs into the curriculum for the long term. Through close partnerships nationwide, a vibrant network is emerging—highlighting innovative approaches to sustainability education and promoting them in the spirit of responsible, forward-thinking university development.