During this past spring break, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Freiburg, Germany, as part of ASI 162, a UD Discover Program course focused on career exploration and building meaningful networking connections. Throughout the semester, we’ve discussed how our interests and values can align with careers and this trip brought these conversations to life through the lens of sustainability.
Over the course of the week, we explored what it truly means for a city to prioritize sustainability. From urban design and transportation to food systems, fashion and corporate responsibility, Freiburg serves as a living example of how sustainability can be integrated into everyday life.
One of the first things that stood out was how the city uniquely manages food waste. During a walking tour, our class learned about a food-sharing initiative where unsold items like bread and pretzels are placed in public containers for anyone to take. This simple yet impactful system helps reduce waste while also increasing access to food safely.
Freiburg has also made intentional efforts to reduce car usage and prioritize more sustainable forms of transportation. While it once resembled many other European cities with cars dominating the streets, it has since transformed into a bike-friendly city.
The introduction of bike paths, and more recently, bike streets, has shifted the culture towards cycling. On these streets, bikes have priority and cars are limited to speeds of 30 km/h, reinforcing the city’s commitment to safer and more sustainable mobility.
The design of the city itself reflects a people-focused approach. Most residents are able to access a grocery store within a 15-minute walk or bike ride, making daily life both convenient and sustainable. The city’s unique “starfish” layout allows nature to extend into urban areas, improving airflow and helping reduce the heat island effect.
Freiburg has also embraced a solar-powered approach, incorporating panels wherever possible. The Freiburg City Hall is a net-positive plus energy building, meaning it produces more energy over the course of a year than it consumes via the solar panels on the building facade.
A highlight of the trip was visiting the Vauban District, a former French military base that has been transformed into a model sustainable neighborhood. The design of Vauban intentionally discourages car ownership. Residential areas are structured with “U”-shaped layouts that prevent parking, encouraging residents to walk, bike or use public transportation. Those who choose to own cars must pay for access to a centralized parking structure.
The Vauban District emphasizes community-centered living. Many housing complexes include shared spaces like kitchens and living areas, fostering a sense of connection among residents. The neighborhood is filled with green spaces, community gardens and gathering areas, including an outdoor oven, playgrounds and even outdoor kindergarten classrooms. Every aspect of the district reflects thoughtful planning that balances environmental responsibility with quality of life.
On this trip, sustainability was also explored through the lens of fashion. We learned that sustainable fashion considers not only the materials used, but also the full lifecycle of a product.
At Zündstoff Fair & Organic, we saw how clothing brands are prioritizing ethical production and environmentally friendly materials. At Kleiderei Freiburg, a secondhand clothing store, we were introduced to a circular clothing model. At Kleiderei, members can rotate through clothing items, swapping pieces in and out rather than constantly buying new ones. This approach challenges the fast fashion mindset and promotes more sustainable consumption habits.
Another impactful experience was visiting Sick AG, a global sensor technology company headquartered in Waldkirch, Germany. Guided by the principle of “using technology for good,” the company integrates sustainability into its operations through a strong ESG framework aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. With over 11,800 employees, Sick AG operates as a network organization that prioritizes both innovation and responsibility.
Sick AG’s environmental efforts include reducing emissions across its operations and supply chain, as well as designing campuses that support biodiversity through green spaces and natural habitats.
Sick AG also encourages sustainable commuting options like biking and public transportation. Beyond environmental initiatives, Sick AG uses AI and automated robots to reduce repetitive, tedious tasks in order to improve employee well-being. The company’s commitment to lifelong learning, ethical governance and human rights further demonstrates how sustainability extends beyond the environment to include social and organizational impact.
Overall, this experience in Freiburg challenged me to think about sustainability in a more holistic way. It is not just about individual choices, but about systems, design, and collective community action. Seeing these concepts applied in a real-world setting made it clear that sustainable living is not only possible but practical when communities, businesses and governments work together. This trip reinforced the idea that sustainability can be embedded into all aspects of life.
Freiburg is not just a “green city,” but a model for what the future can look like when sustainability is prioritized.