
Security Revisited – Perspectives on Security Through Changing Times
23 September, 2026
Fire safety improvement works at the Martin Opitz Library
30 September, 2026In 2025/26, the Martin Opitz Library participated in the ÖKOPROFIT project (Ecological Project for Integrated Environmental Technology).
The aim is to strengthen companies and municipalities in matters of sustainability through networking, the exchange of experience and advisory support. The project focuses on conserving resources, reducing energy consumption and making processes more efficient in the long term. It is funded by the Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Since the launch of the 14th ÖKOPROFIT introductory project on 17 June 2025, the library has already initiated and implemented a wide range of organisational and technical measures. An internal “Sustainability Working Group” was established to centrally manage and coordinate all activities, accompanied by measures to continuously raise awareness among staff. In addition to networking within the “Green Library” network, the institution maintains regular dialogue with the building management department of the City of Herne (GMH Herne).
At a technical level, the environmental programme includes the gradual replacement of lighting systems, the deactivation of inefficient lighting units and the consistent switching off of electrical equipment to avoid standby losses. These measures are complemented, among other things, by demand-oriented and optimised heating control as well as reduced data storage. Climate-relevant structural and spatial changes will be implemented in 2026/27. In future, sustainability criteria will play an increasingly important role in the procurement of work equipment and materials. In addition, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) “Quality Education” and “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions” serve as guiding principles for the MOB.
Future plans for sustainable electricity and heat use include, among other measures, the installation of a photovoltaic system.
Participation in the ÖKOPROFIT project has been certified and serves as evidence of actively implemented environmental protection measures.
Further information on the project is available on the following websites:
www.oekoprofit.nrw.de
www.wirtschaftsfoerderung-dortmund.de/okoprofit
The official project brochure is available for download here.

