# JKU Linz

Canonical URL: [JKU Linz](https://plantbaseduniversities.org/jku-linz)

Campaign last updated: 2026-10-23T08:28:25.045Z

City: JKU Linz

## We are turning JKU Linz fully plant-based\!

Join the student-led movement demanding a sustainable, 100% plant-based food system at the Johannes Kepler University Linz. It's time for our menus to match our climate goals.

Signatures displayed: 294. Current signature goal: 1,000. Counts can change.

## What is the problem?

### Our climate is collapsing, driven by industrial animal farming. 

Food systems are responsible for around a third of global greenhouse gas emissions. Meat and dairy are the dominant drivers, taking up 83% of global farmland while providing just 18% of our calories ([Poore & Nemecek, 2018](https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aaq0216)). An open letter signed by over 650 academics and 200 environmental experts recently confirmed the urgent need to shift away from animal agriculture. Every meal served at the JKU Mensa, the Teichwerk, and Ch@t is a choice between continuing down a path of climate destruction or transforming our food system to a fairer, plant-based model.

## What can we do?

### Hold the "Mensa 2030" initiative to its word. 

The Austrian Mensas (ÖMBG) recently announced its "Mensa 2030" concept, promising to "take responsibility and actively shape change". We can hold them to these promises. Universities serve millions of meals and have immense power to drive systemic change. Plant-based dishes are fundamentally cheaper to produce and carry a fraction of the ecological footprint, making them the most logical solution to provide affordable, sustainable student meals. By transitioning to a 100% plant-based menu, JKU Linz can make sustainable dining the inclusive default, lifting the burden of climate action off the shoulders of individual students.

## Is that even possible?

Yes, it is\! The University of Graz is already 100% plant-based. Across Europe and the UK, student unions at universities like Stirling, Cambridge, and UCL have voted for a fully plant-based catering as well. And JKU Linz can join them and become a pioneer for climate-friendly dining in Upper Austria\!

Change begins with bold decisions, and the time for climate leadership is now\!   
Please help us by signing our petition\!

## Petition

To the Rectorate of JKU Linz and the Management of the JKU Mensa

The Vision of a 100% Plant-Based JKU Linz

As a leading institution for research and innovation, Johannes Kepler University Linz symbolizes future progress for Upper Austria and beyond. However, its current catering practices do not fully reflect its scientific principles or its "[Mission 2030](https://www.jku.at/en/campus/the-jku-campus/sustainability/mission-2030/)" climate goals.

In Europe, food alone is responsible for 30% of total greenhouse gas emissions, with meat and dairy production making up most of that percentage ([Petrovic, 2015](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211601X15001315)).

Switching to a plant-based diet can help reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70% ([Springmann, 2016](https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1523119113)).

Animal-based foods occupy 83% of the world's farmlands but only provide 18% of our calories ([Poore & Nemecek, 2018](https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aaq0216)).

With up to 1,500 meals served daily, the university has the institutional power to make climate-friendly, affordable dining the default. By embracing this campaign, JKU Linz has the opportunity to lead by example, joining pioneers like the University of Graz and setting a powerful precedent for institutions worldwide. Change begins with bold decisions, and the time to act is now.

We are working with JKU Linz to transition to 100% plant-based catering as quickly as possible. This vision of a sustainable future can only be realized with your support. Please help us by filling out this petition.

## Get involved and follow updates

[Visit the campaign page](https://plantbaseduniversities.org/jku-linz) to join the team or sign the petition, and read the latest campaign timeline.

Contact: plantbasedunijku@gmail.com

[Campaign Instagram](https://instagram.com/plantbaseduni_jku)