CSR in the University Sports

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) means assuming responsibility as a company for the environment, society and sustainable development. This voluntary concept includes not only ecological sustainability, but also economic and social sustainability in particular.

Corporate social responsibility also plays an important role in the world of sports, as it promotes sustainable and socially responsible practices. Many sports organizations have already embraced CSR as a way to give back to communities, promote inclusion and address environmental concerns. Through initiatives such as community service programs, for example, sports teams and athletes support local charities, promote education and healthy lifestyles. In addition, many sports organizations strive to reduce their environmental footprint by implementing environmentally friendly measures in sports facility operations, transportation and waste management. CSR in sports also focuses on promoting diversity and equality, ensuring fair labor practices, and supporting ethical supply chains. By prioritizing CSR, sports organizations can inspire positive change and have a lasting impact on society.

Sport is an important, meaningful component in our society. CSR not only holds benefits for society and the environment in which companies operate. Companies themselves can also benefit from implementing sustainability measures. According to the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, CSR measures strengthen corporate identity. This can lead not only to a higher level of identification with the employer but also, for example, to more intensive customer loyalty through increased appreciation among the company's partners. Potential sponsors also view the company more positively and its attractiveness as an employer increases. As a central institution of the university, the University Sports Center of RWTH Aachen University (HSZ) is aware of its educational mission, its responsibility and its role model function and strives as a continuous mission to promote ecological, economic and social sustainability.

Importance of CSR for the HSZ

The HSZ covers a wide sporting spectrum for students and members of the Aachen universities with a diverse sports and exercise program as well as numerous sporting events throughout the year. Of course, it is important to implement the three aspects of sustainability and to be a role model in this regard. As a link between the university and leisure time, the HSZ has a special responsibility and would also like to make many people aware of sustainability outside of their daily study and work routine.

Sustainability has been an anchored topic at the HSZ for quite some time now. Already in 2019, as a member of the General German University Sports Association (adh), the HSZ worked to establish the topic of sustainability in the umbrella organization. Waste production at events was also reconsidered by using reusable materials. But the social component of sustainability also plays a role at the HSZ. In addition to the promotion and inclusion of people with chronic illnesses in the sports program and in the workplace, we also work with local partners with whom, above all, the health of the community is to be strengthened and improved. Events such as the Ice Hockey Uni-Cup also support charitable organizations such as "Right to Play" and a local organization that changes every year through donations.

Project Never Forget Königshügel Sports Hall as an example of CSR in HSZ

After 61 years we had to say goodbye to the sports hall Königshügel. In order to give a memory to the many experiences and adventures and to create something positive out of the loss of the central sports facility of the Aachen University Sports Center, the parquet floor of the hall will be refurbished into unique mementos. In this way, the hall's striking floor will be given a second life and will find a new place in numerous apartments and homes of all students, relatives and alumni. The project is a collaboration with the sports department of the Aachen universities. With the kind support of the Frauenhofer Institute for Laser Technology, the hall floor pieces are placed on laser-engraved carrier plates. The removal of the floor as well as production take place on a voluntary basis. The complete profit of the action will be donated to the organization "Right to Play". For the first time the Aachen University Sports supported this organization already in 2006 and since 2008 the HSZ is a continuous partner. This campaign not only reuses the valuable wooden floor, but also supports a charitable organization that helps children around the world and teaches them life skills through play. Employees of the HSZ, members of the sports department and members of the Frauenhofer Institute for Laser Technology are also given the opportunity to get involved in this way, partly on a voluntary basis and partly in a professional context, and to give something back to society and the environment. Meaningful activities like these create a sense of connection and remind people of the importance and meaningfulness of their work. This also creates a dialogue in and with society, and various challenges can be identified and solved together.

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