The new 5G mobile networks is to be introduced from 2020. An EU project that has just started is testing in field trials whether 5G offers an uninterruptible network connection with a high data rate. The IZT is responsible for technology and sustainability assessment in the use cases.

The use of the controversial herbicide glyphosate is currently only permitted in the EU until 2022. Therefore, the International Union of Railways has commissioned the IZT to test and optimize more environmentally friendly methods in order to keep the European rail network free of plant growth.

The IZT project on climate-friendly school kitchens in Poland presents its results on 13 June 2019 in Krakow. Everyone who is interested in nutrition issues in educational institutions is invited. The conference language is Polish. The most important topics are: Compilation of menus, energy efficiency and waste reduction.

In anticipation of the renewal of the German law on electronic devices (ElektroG), the IZT is examining how large quantities of smartphones, tablets etc. can be recycled at high grade. Focal points of the investigation are critical metals and flame-retardant plastics.

The results of a IZT-led project about climate-friendly school canteens in Germany is being transferred to the local conditions in Poland. The Polish city network for energy efficiency supports the IZT as a local partner. The aim is to significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions created by the preparation of school food.

The IZT-led Project "KEEKS - climate-friendly school kitchens" received UN's Climate Action Award "Momentum for Change" 11th of december 2018 at the Katowice Climate Change Conference. IZT's Head of Research Dr. Michael Scharp partcipated in the ceremony.

The United Nations Climate Change Secetariat (UNFCCC) has announced the awardees of the 2018 Climate Action Award "Momentum for Change". Among the winners is the project "KEEKS - climate-friendly school kitchens", which is coordinated by the IZT. The project comes to the conclusion: Dedicated school kitchen teams can save a considerable amount of climate-relevant emissions.