The research and teaching are based on eco-efficiency and consistency as the main instruments for achieving sustainability. Life-Long Learning; a stronger focus on future issues of the 21st Century such as the shift towards alternative energy, climate change, use of resources; Interdisciplinary study; range of compulsory elective modules and elective modules; student projects are an integral part of the course including seminars for academic work; interdisciplinary modules; students are involved in ongoing research projects.

The international degree course "Environmental and Resource Management" (Bachelor's degree and Master's degree) was successfully established in 1998; foreign students are integrated; PhD programme has also been established.

Good equipment with modern technical machinery, systems and similar; well-equipped laboratories are available for chemical, physical and biological environmental analyses; equipment halls; intensive measuring stations with extensive measuring technology.

The content covers the following key areas: environmental system analysis to clarify the interdependencies of abiotic and biotic systems in terms of space and time taking into account socio-economic factors, and derivation of action strategies for the sustainable use of said systems; ensuring the availability of water in terms of quantity and quality; development of energy-efficient processes and procedures that require little raw material, in particular in the field of environmental engineering and the recovery of secondary raw materials; investigation and use of special effects, e.g. at interfaces and in biofilms