about us
Sustainability -our claim
As Studierendenwerk Paderborn, we bear responsibility for over 22,000 students. Acting sustainably is a matter of course for us. In all our areas - from housing and daycare centres to canteens and student financing - we pay attention to the conscious use of resources.
We are continuously working to reduce our ecological footprint: through defossilised energy, less waste and sustainable procurement. Together with everyone involved, we are shaping a socially, ecologically and economically fair future on our campuses.
Sustainability in our catering establishments
Ecological
- Since 2025: QR code to replace receipts at checkouts
- Since 2025: Ventilation optimisation of the canteens on the Warburger Str. campus.
- Since 2025: Organic certification of the Bona Vista coffee bar
- January 2025: Waste workshop for catering employees Campus Warburger Str.
- Since 2024: cleaning products with an eco-label
- Since 2023: discounted meals for late diners
- Since 2022: Cooperation with Foodsharing (ecological & social)
- Since 2021: Vytal reusable containers
- Since 2018: reusable deposit cups
- Since 2015: Vegan speciality counter
- Since 2006: No tuna due to bycatch
- Since 2004: Fair-trade organic coffee
Social
- Since 2023: Lemonades & beers from the inclusive Josefs brewery
- Since 2011: Maintenance of table linen in the inclusive company „Die Brücke“
Organic certification
With our catering facilities in Paderborn, Hamm and Lippstadt, we offer our guests the opportunity to enjoy balanced and varied out-of-home catering every day. We always focus on transparent processes and the processing of high-quality products!
For this reason, Bona Vista on the Paderborn University campus is certified organic. We offer organic coffee beans, organic espresso beans, organic drinking chocolates and organic teas. In addition, all the bread rolls on offer are organic.
Because we value quality and enjoyment!
Regionality of our products
The quality and origin of our food is our top priority.
Fresh products
Many of our meat products come from the regional butcher's shop Sander in Augustdorf - fresh, high-quality and local.
Drinks
We also focus on regionality when it comes to beverages:
- Mineral water from Bad Driburg
- Lemonades from Bad Lippspringe (Josefs), produced in an inclusive company and with fair trade ingredients
In this way, we support local businesses and at the same time ensure short delivery routes and greater sustainability.
Sustainability that tastes good
Under the motto „Sustainability that tastes good“, you get a 50 % discount on lunch as a student in the FORUM every day during the lecture period from 14:00-15:00 and on Fridays from 13:30-14:30.
This is not only a great offer for late diners, but also helps us to avoid food waste.
Important: The discount is only valid while stocks last!
Foodsharing Saving food together
Studierendenwerk Paderborn actively supports the voluntary food sharing initiative. Every day shortly before closing time, food savers collect leftover baked goods from the Bona Vista coffee bar and all leftover food from the FORUM, Mansa Academica and the Atrium and Basilica canteens. This food is then passed on to private individuals and people in need via „Fairteiler“, drop-off points or in cooperation with social organisations such as KIM.
Catering customers are also informed that surplus food can be collected by Foodsharing.
Foodsharing sees itself as a complement to the food banks and rescues food where they are unable to do so. More than 180 food savers are now involved in Paderborn - part of a movement that is active throughout Germany and in many European countries.
Take-away Systems
Sustainability is also playing an increasingly important role in snack catering - whether fair, CO₂-reduced or regional. Studierendenwerk Paderborn consistently pursues this approach and also focuses on environmentally friendly solutions in the take-away area.
In its search for innovative reusable concepts, the Studierendenwerk opted for three sustainable take-away systems.
Vytal - Reusable in the canteen
Plastic waste with to-go food? It doesn't have to be! With Vytal, you can use a digital, deposit-free, reusable system that is simple, sustainable and free. In fact, Paderborn Student Union was the first student union in Germany to introduce Vytal in its catering facilities. So you can enjoy your food - without disposable packaging and without a guilty conscience.
Bring me back - Coffee to go, but sustainable
Coffee breaks are essential on campus - but not at the expense of the environment. In the past, over two thirds of all hot drinks were sold in paper cups. Since the Studierendenwerk introduced its own deposit cup in 2017 and significantly increased the price of disposable cups, their consumption has fallen by 72 %.
The next step followed in 2018: during the European Week for Waste Reduction, paper cups were completely removed from the range - with a consistently positive response. Since 17 November 2018, there have been no more disposable cups on the Paderborn University campus. You can now only get your coffee in a returnable cup or in your own cup.
Our „Bring me back“ cup shows: Sustainability works - and tastes good.
Fun fact: Every reusable cup saves around 21 g of CO₂ compared to a disposable paper cup.
LogiCup - Lightweight, suitable for vending machines and sustainable
The LogiCup is our reusable cup made from robust polypropylene (PP), manufactured by LOGICYCLE GmbH. It is durable, conserves resources and is significantly more sustainable than disposable cups - as confirmed by a study by HSHL, which clearly recommends doing away with paper cups.
If you get your coffee from the vending machine in the canteen, you can easily use the LogiCup for 1 € deposit use. Returns are conveniently made via barcode return machines. You will find dispensing and return machines in the cafeteria or directly nearby - both on the Hamm and Lippstadt campuses.
Sustainability in the area of social and intercultural affairs
Ecological
- Since 2025: Participation of the MS-Kunigunde daycare centre in World Cleanup Day
- Since 2025: Use of recycled printing paper and recycled letter paper
- Since 2024: Collecting paper printed on one side as colouring paper for daycare centres
- Since 2023: Exchange market Treasury in the canteen foyer
- Since 2023: Introduction of the BAföG e-file
- Since 2021: BAföG video consultation hour
Social
- Since 2025: Construction of seasonal raised beds at the Uni-Zwerge daycare centre
Economical
- Since 2023: Action Free tables - Financial support for students in emergency situations
Canteen flea market Browse the campus
The Mensa flea markets have been an integral part of campus life since 2024. They bring students together and at the same time set an example for sustainable consumption. After all, many things that are no longer needed are a real treasure for others - and every item that is passed on saves resources and avoids waste.
Sustainability in the area of facility management
Ecological
- Since 2025: Information campaign on waste separation (with ASP)
- Since 2024: Public e-charging station on Mersinweg
- Since 2022: Shutdown of CHP units in two residential complexes
- Since 2021: Reduction in flow and hot water temperatures
- Since 2020: PV systems on the roofs
- Since 2019: All residential complexes supplied with green electricity
Social
- Since 2024: Tutor project in two residential complexes
Economical
- Since 2023: Conversion of almost all residential complexes to warm rent
E-charging station aM mersinweg 4
There is a public e-charging station right in the car park of our administration building - easily accessible and ideal for anyone travelling electrically.
AddressMersinweg 4, 33100 Paderborn
The costs depend on the charging app or charge card used. In the E.ON Drive Comfort App you can view the current tariffs in advance. Additional charges may apply when paying by QR code and credit card.
The price that is displayed before the charging process always applies.
Your contact person
Sustainability & occupational safety
Sustainability manager
Attila Braun
Room: 4.04 (Mersinweg 2)
Deutsch 
English (UK)