Universities in Berlin: 8.2 billion euros for urgently needed renovations!

Universities in Berlin: 8.2 billion euros for urgently needed renovations!

On March 24, 2025, the University Rectors' Conference, the Federal Association of University Chancellors and the Association of University Chancellors published a joint statement emphasizing the urgent need to increase innovation dynamics in Germany. In this view, universities are key innovation drivers that contribute significantly to the country's innovation turnaround. On the occasion of this declaration, reference was also made to the recently adopted amendments to the Basic Law by the Bundestag and Bundesrat, which are intended to improve the resources for science-led innovation processes.

According to the institutions mentioned in the declaration, a free and strong science is crucial for economic growth, social cohesion and defense capability. In order to achieve this, it is essential to build functional, high-performance, secure and modern infrastructure at universities. These include essential facilities such as research and development laboratories, libraries, data centers and suitable teaching and learning spaces.

Urgency of renovation and modernization

The declaration also takes into account the significant construction, renovation and modernization backlog at German universities, which is financially worth three-digit billions. In order to resolve this traffic jam, the signatory institutions are calling for a long-term federal-state program to gradually eliminate the grievances. Further demands include the provision of additional funds for construction and climate-friendly renovation without the need for complex applications and the acceleration of planning and approval processes.

In a similar context, the State Conference of Berlin Rectors and Presidents of Berlin Universities (LKRP) has presented a comprehensive renovation and construction strategy that is intended to be incorporated into the development of a state university location development plan. Around 8.2 billion euros have been earmarked for the implementation of this strategy, which underlines the urgency of creating planning security for the renovation and operation of university buildings and infrastructure. The strategy also aims to support the requirements of climate protection and sustainable construction.

Financial needs and challenges

The repair needs of Berlin universities increased from 3.2 billion euros in 2018 to 5.1 billion euros in the second quarter of 2022. In order to adequately reduce this need, additional construction logistics compensation measures are required. The total costs for implementing the restructuring strategy, which is designed to last 25 years, require an annual budget corridor of at least 300 million euros. A delay in the implementation period by ten years could increase costs by at least 35 percent.

This central renovation and construction strategy was created by the technical departments of the universities in collaboration with the company “rheform”. A presentation on the strategy is available online, giving interested parties the opportunity to receive further information on the planned implementation and specific measures.