On Thursday, we visited the Autostadt in Wolfsburg, a visitor attraction next to the Volkswagen factory focused on automobiles. The students explored the “Level Green – the concept of sustainability” exhibition, which examines various dimensions of sustainability and uses architecture to display the content in an interactive and playful way. Topics include environmental sustainability in construction and planning, and future challenges in the economy and society.

The students also explored the large exhibition of the Autostadt on their own and participated in a guided tour focused on the topics of the Erasmus+ mobility. The tour provided an overview of the history and future of mobility, including traditional combustion engines and emerging carbon-neutral technologies.

The Autostadt moreover showcased Volkswagen’s efforts towards environmental sustainability, including the production of electric vehicles and other initiatives for reducing the environmental impact of automobile manufacturing. The tour offered insights into the production processes at Volkswagen, one of the world’s largest automobile manufacturers. This helped students understand the practical aspects of sustainable production and how they align with the SDGs.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The SDGs are integrated, meaning that action in one area will affect outcomes in others, and that development must balance social, economic, and environmental sustainability. The goals include ending poverty, hunger, and discrimination against women and girls, and are designed to promote sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, and partnerships for the goals. The creativity, know-how, technology, and financial resources from all of society are necessary to achieve the SDGs in every context. Many of these SDGs may be observed in a conscientious production process.

There are many ways to contribute to achieving the SDGs by every single person. Here are some examples:

• Educate yourself and others: Learn about the SDGs and share your knowledge with others. You can also encourage your friends and family, to take action to support the goals.
• Volunteer: Volunteer your time and skills to organizations that are working to achieve the SDGs. You can find opportunities to volunteer locally or internationally.
• Donate: Donate money to organizations that are working to achieve the SDGs. You can also donate goods or services.
• Advocate: Advocate for policies and practices that support the SDGs. You can write to politicians, or participate in public demonstrations, or use social media to raise awareness about the goals.
• Make sustainable choices: Make choices that support the SDGs in your daily life. For example, you can reduce your energy consumption, recycle, use public transportation, and support local businesses.

Every action counts, no matter how small. By working together, we can achieve the SDGs and create a better world for everyone.

Overall, the visit provided students with a hands-on, interactive way to explore and understand complex topics. They were able to make connections between what they learned in the classroom and real-world applications, making the learning experience more engaging and effective. The Autostadt is an excellent resource for students looking to expand their knowledge and understanding of the automotive industry and sustainability.