What’s It Like to Study in Sustainable Munich?

Sponsored by EU Business School

Famous for Oktoberfest, lederhosen, and quality of life, Munich is also a rising star when it comes to keeping the planet pollution-free, thanks to its growing reputation as a sustainable city.

With sustainability and climate change both major concerns worldwide, Munich has pledged to reduce its carbon footprint and even have 100 percent clean electric energy in just five years’ time.

But what does it mean to live, study and work in a sustainable city? We’ve done some exploring of our own to find out…

It’s easier to get around on two wheels instead of four

Munich may well be home to BMW’s global headquarters, but a growing number of new and improved cycle lanes around the city are making it much easier and accessible to get around on two wheels instead of four. Students only need to pay €12 for six months to hire one of the city’s public bikes.

And if cycling isn’t quite your thing, Munich’s public transport is both incredibly efficient and cost-effective too.

More recycling, less wasting

Gone are the days when reusable coffee cups and water bottles were considered a fad. Nowadays, you’ll see dozens of people, from city workers to students, clutching their morning pick-me-up in their own reusable travel coffee cup.

Don’t forget to pick up your own and be a part of Munich’s unstoppable green movement.

Zero-waste stores and farmer’s markets are easy to come by

Munich promotes ethical production and consumption. It also takes zero-waste and plastic-free packaging very seriously. When it comes to doing your weekly grocery shop, all across the city you’ll find stores that invite you to bring your own containers to stock up on your everyday necessities.

Farmer’s markets are also a great way to bulk-buy and stock up on fresh, in-season produce – just remember to bring your own bags to take your goodies home in.

It’s easy to eat locally and support small businesses

Image credit: daan evers on Unsplash

It’s becoming evident that sustainability and business can go hand-in-hand – with innovation in sustainability driving many revolutionary startups across the city. So, it’s never been easier to support local businesses in Munich. Sustainably-sourced coffee shops, cafés and restaurants can be found in abundance.

They also make for a great study spot when the student library gets a bit too much and you’re in need of a caffeine pick-me-up.

It’s easy to recharge in one of the city’s many parks

Image credit: EU Business School

Green space in any city is valuable space when you need to recharge and relax. City parks are considered to be the ‘key to future city living’ and one of the most sustainable solutions when it comes to combatting climate change. 

In between studying and assignments, it’s easy to find yourself wandering through one of Munich’s many parks. Englischer Garten, in Munich’s city center, is larger than New York City’s Central Park, making it one of the largest parks, not just in Germany, but in the world.

Even business schools are getting involved

Image credit: EU Business School

With more people living in cities than ever before, it’s getting tougher for city infrastructure to keep up – and finding innovative solutions to resolve such issues are becoming critical.

Munich is a city renowned for innovation and invention, and EU Business School – which has its own campus in the heart of Munich – draws on these by inviting guest speakers to share their insights into industry and how students can use their knowledge and training to benefit society.

In 2018, Dr Glenn Frommer, Honorary Chair of the UITP Sustainable Development Commission led a joint six-month research program with 13 students from EU Business School and the International Association of Public Transport (UITP).

Students researched and developed alternative public transportation systems which would comply with the new Paris Agreement which deals with greenhouse gases and emissions mitigation, among other issues.

This is just one example of how you could help make cities like Munich even more sustainable in the future by studying at EU Business School.

Lead image credit: EU Business School