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The best infrastructure for Bavaria’s brightest minds

Green politicians learn about the Landshut campus on a tour of the university buildings

A new refectory, a modern lecture theatre building and a laboratory module building in planning – in recent years, Landshut University of Applied Sciences and the Free State of Bavaria have invested a lot in the further expansion of the campus and laying the foundations for a successful future.

In August, Green Party politicians and Members of the Bavarian State Parliament Verena Osgyan, Spokesperson for Science and Higher Education Policy, Ursula Sowa, Spokesperson for Building Policy and Rosi Steinberger, as well as Sigi Hagl, a Councillor, were able to see this for themselves. Together with Stefan Christoph, Parliamentary Advisor for Science and Higher Education, they visited the “education and training location” of Landshut. The event was also attended by Dr Manuela Gronostay from the Bavaria State Ministry for Science and Art, Gerhard Kriegereit, Head of the State Building Authority, University President Prof. Dr Fritz Pörnbacher, Chancellor Dr Johann Rist, Energy Management Officer Prof. Dr Diana Hehenberger-Risse and student representatives Katharina Schlecht and Florian Hoffmann.

Modern educational facilities for students

Rist gave a presentation on the construction work that has taken place since 2015. In addition to those already mentioned, these include the “CampusNest” – a dedicated childcare centre not far from the campus. In recent years, the university has also successfully completed the installation of various PV systems. “All in all, we are currently at a total output of approximately 168 kWp,” explained Rist. The politicians were particularly pleased to learn that the university draws 90 per cent of its energy needs from renewable sources.

To ensure that the university can continue to develop and maintain the quality of its teaching and learning, additional building projects are also awaiting realisation. In addition to an expansion of the teaching facilities at the TZ PULS to create the best conditions for the planned degree programme in “Sustainable Industrial Operations and Business”, the conversion of the former refectory into new laboratory space and the construction of a new multi-storey laboratory building are also on the agenda. Another important item is the renovation of the fire safety systems in the older parts of the university.

About the tour of the university buildings by Green politicians: Verena Osgyan and Ursula Sowa are visiting universities and colleges in Bavaria as part of their summer tour to find out about pioneering university building concepts in person. During their discussions with university and college presidents, student representatives and the state building authorities, they aim to gather best practices regarding new teaching methods, open space, climate neutrality, inclusion and integration. Current problems such as renovation backlogs, funding issues and responsibilities are also the focus of the discussions.

Due to the fact that the universities are to be given the opportunity to act as developers themselves in the future under the new Higher Education Act, the members of the state parliament want to get a picture of the existing buildings on site and to exchange views on the current requirements and challenges.

Photos: Landshut University of Applied Sciences

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