Living lab on “Sustainable mobility at universities”
On April 29, 2022 a living lab was held at FAU as part of the spring forum on “About turn: Rethinking mobility” organized by forum 1.5 Mittelfranken. The workshop was organized in cooperation between forum 1.5 and the FAU Green Office and addressed the topic of “Sustainable Mobility at Universities”. Participants from universities (FAU, TH Nuremberg, HS Ansbach), transport companies and mobility providers discussed solutions and priorities for action. The workshop was hosted by PD Dr. Klaus Geiselhart (FAU, Institute of Geography). External lectures were given by Larissa Walker (Verkehrsclub Deutschland, VCD) and Dr. Susann Görlinger (ifeu Heidelberg). A detailed report on the workshop can be found here.
What is a living lab?
A living lab is an experimental space for the development of sustainable and feasible solutions to major social challenges. It brings together stakeholders from research and practice (e.g. civil society, politics, economics, administrations) and gives them a collaborative platform for working on proposals for action for specific problems. The transdisciplinary approach enables results that are based on scientific findings but aim at extramural and social solutions. Problems are met with curiosity and innovation instead of bureaucracy and skepticism.
Background of the living lab
As well as contributing to mobility research, universities cause everyday traffic. Students and employees not only have to come to the university, they also often have to travel between university sites. Logistics, services, and conferences also contribute to traffic. University sustainability strategies also require sustainable mobility concepts for the traffic caused by university operations and suitable connections to transportation networks at different sites.
Objectives and aspirations
In this living lab, we hope to develop first steps towards sustainable university mobility. This includes the disclosure of problems as well as the development of social and sustainable solutions at FAU. Different target groups (e.g. students, teachers, transport companies) are invited to contribute their perspective to joint efforts in solving problems. The event will promote establishing a mobility concept at FAU.
Participants
Almost 25 people participated in the living lab. Various institutions were represented:
- FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg
- Green Office
- G4 Construction and Facility Management
- Representatives from the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Theology, the Faculty of Sciences, and the School of Business, Economics and Society.
- Students
- TH Nürnberg
- HS Ansbach
- State Construction Office Erlangen-Nuremberg
- City of Erlangen
- Verkehrsverbund Großraum Nürnberg (VGN)
- Zweckverband Stadt-Umland-Bahn
- Verkehrsclub Deutschland (VCD)
- ifeu Institute Heidelberg
- Bürgerinitiative Umweltfreundliche Mobilität im Schwabachtal
- Allgemeiner Deutscher Fahrradclub
Outlook for the future
At the end of the living lab, everyone involved decided to stay in touch. Follow-up meetings for the development of specific measures are planned.
