DHBW Heidenheim: New campus sets standards for sustainable education!

DHBW Heidenheim: New campus sets standards for sustainable education!

On May 19, 2025, Finance Minister Dr. Danyal Bayaz and Science Minister Petra Olschowski officially handed over the new building of the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW) in Heidenheim. The new building, which was built on the site of the former Württembergische Cattun Manufactur (WCM), offers around 4,600 square meters of space for teaching, research and innovation.

The new building is characterized by its modern, sustainable architecture and is regionally anchored. An inviting learning environment is created with bright courtyards and numerous outdoor facilities, including seating steps, lounge areas and a water feature. Science Minister Olschowski emphasized the excellent conditions offered here for students, teachers and employees.

Sustainable construction and energy efficiency

The sustainability of the new building project is also reflected in various technical aspects. A photovoltaic system of around 300 square meters was installed on the roof and on the facade of the building, which achieves an output of around 60 kWp. The heating supply is ensured by 64 energy piles and two heat pumps, while the building is passively cooled in summer by releasing heat into the underground. It is certified in silver according to the Sustainable Building Rating System (BNB).

A total of around 39 million euros was budgeted for the construction, with the state of Baden-Württemberg investing around 17.6 million euros. In addition, more than 21.5 million euros were raised through generous donations from regional partners. The close partnership between the private and public sectors is particularly well expressed in this project.

Space and support for students

The new building will support around 800 students from the faculties of technology and economics as well as the offerings of the Future Academy (ZAK). Flexible seminar rooms and modern digital infrastructure offer the opportunity for innovative forms of learning. By creating these new spaces, the DHBW will be strengthened as a motor for the regional development of skilled workers.

Construction work on the new building had already begun in 2024. Thanks to an additional release of 3 million euros from the state government, the project was able to move forward. Overall, the construction costs were estimated at 28.7 million euros, with additional provision for cost risks of around 4.3 million euros. The city and district as well as private companies contributed significantly to the costs with around 20 million euros.

The new building comprises two connected structures: a five-story building with a two-story entrance area for teaching and research areas and a three-story building that opens onto the Future Academy. The groundbreaking ceremony on the WCM site took place in late summer 2021, and the extensive planning work was carried out by Vermögens und Bau Schwäbisch-Gmünd.

Overall, the new building will not only improve the infrastructure of the DHBW Heidenheim, but also sustainably change the framework conditions for innovative education and research in the region.

Further information about the handover of the new building and the history of the building can be found on the website Baden-Württemberg and the DHBW Heidenheim.