The model of sustainability does not describe a static state, but a process and a challenge that can be aptly described with the term Sustainable Development. Sustainability means fulfilling the needs and development prospects of the current population without endangering future generations, thus sustaining a society’s economic basis and livelihood. Sustainability can be considered a principle that can design and achieve a viable and fair handling of social and natural resources. The sustainable design of societal development would require a range of structural transformations for our economy, society and their subsystems.
To support this process, the IZT has integrated empirical analyses into the research cluster Sustainability and Transformation. This includes the expansion of renewable energies and the infrastructure they require, increasing energy and resource efficiency or the substitution of critical resources. Based on this is a focus on education for sustainability using traditional as well as digital media to support shaping skills in various areas.
The research at the IZT also encourages actively designing a sustainable and future-oriented world through technology review that not only aims for social and ecological compatibility, but also increases the ability of users to empower themselves and shape their environment. It also supports the continuous involvement of societal actors in educational, learning and research processes in the context of transdisciplinary research projects.
The micromobility expo 2022 focuses on micromobility in urban areas and is a central hub for knowledge transfer and sharing experiences. The current political and social discussions about the challenges of tomorrow's mobility raise numerous questions. The micromobility expo provides answers and brings together industry, politics, science and end users in Hannover from 19 - 21 May 2022.
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When it comes to digital development cooperation, the USA and the EU usually pursue different approaches - but there are also similarities. In a short study, a team of experts from the US and the IZT, in cooperation with the German Development Institute (DIE), analysed the common principles and outlined the needs of partner countries in the Global South. In a second step, options for action and principles for a value-based transatlantic and global cooperation in the field of digital infrastructure and connectivity were proposed. more...
With its digital geopolitics, the European Union is pursuing a regulatory approach that prioritises data protection and privacy and harmonises innovation and market orientation with the premises of sustainable development. But to what extent is this model also attractive and suitable for the rapidly developing countries of the Global South? The aim of the project commissioned by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Zusammenarbeit is to close existing knowledge gaps by elaborating a policy paper on the positioning of the EU in digital geopolitics and implementing two expert discussions - one at German, one at European level. more...
2021
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
The Sino-German Environmental Partnership Phase II (SGEP) supports China in designing an effective environmental management system, as well as the work of the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) in CCICED (China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development). Within this framework, UBA is preparing a Special Policy Study on "Major Green Technology Innovation and Realisation Mechanisms in the Context of Green Urbanisation". One of the chapters of the CCICED research report is dedicated to digitalisation and sustainability. The IZT is preparing a draft chapter on "The Innovation and impact of 4IR technologies, Digital technologies and New Infrastructure on the implementation of green technologies in the urban green transition". more...
2021
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
Umweltbundesamt
Year after year, we humans exceed the planetary boundaries of the Earth. It is not only our consumption of natural resources that overburdens the regenerative capacity of natural systems, but also man-made damage to the environment. A consortium project is now developing instruments based on sufficiency policy in heat supply, regional development and air pollution control - for a better quality of life and less environmental consumption. more...
Thanks to two new partners, the IZT can now also disseminate its research results on climate-friendly school kitchens in Estonia and Croatia. The aim is to give renewed impulses to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions at school kitchens.
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2020 - 2022
Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz und nukleare Sicherheit (BMU)
The trade show for micromobility, mobility infrastructure and services will be staged on 27 and 28 August as an online event. Deutsche Messe is thus launching a new, digital networking hub for the micromobility industry, offering an alternative to anyone who is not in a position to be an exhibitor or visitor at the micromobility expo this year. more...
The Transformation Roadmap aims to use digitalization for socio-ecological change. The project identifies yet unconsidered interactions between digitalization and sustainability and addresses existing research gaps. more...
2020 - 2023
Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conversation and Nuclear Safety (BMU)
The national air pollution control program describes the measures by which Germany intends to reduce emissions and particulate matter in the long term. However, active public involvement is fundamental to the success of the program. The project commissioned by the UBA discusses how exactly such participation can be structured. more...
On behalf of the Bundesverband Deutscher Anzeigenblätter e.V. (BVDA), the IZT develops a life cycle assessment of advertising journals. On that basis, optimization potentials are identified which can be put into practice in the future with economically justifiable effort. more...
The ongoing digitalization of the transport system poses great challenges for many, for example older people. The EU project DIGNITY therefore supports authorities, policy makers, public and private transport operators in taking into account the mobility needs and requirements of all users. more...
The project members develop long-term political strategies with methods of strategical foresight for converting the transport sector in an environmentally friendly way. In the future, mobility is to take place worldwide without the use of coal, oil and gas - decarbonized - so that global warming remains below 2° Celsius. more...
2019 - 2020
Agora Energiewende Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
This foresight project elaborates scenarios of a potential transformation of the transport sector in China. The insights gained will also provide ideas for the transformation of the German mobility system. more...
2019 - 2020
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
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. more...
In a growing number of countries and regions, public libraries drastically increase the number of opening hours by implementing staff-less library services. During the additional opening hours, no staff is present but still, most services can be used by the customers. In a pilot project, the IZT investigated the extent to which the concept can be transferred to Berlin. more...
Social consequences are largely ignored from the analyses of new mobility services. IZT develops three scenarios for largely ignored justice aspects. more...
The project participants develop a travelling exhibition to artificial intelligence which is subject of science year 2019. The main target group of the 8 learning stations are students and trainees. more...
2019
Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF)
The results of a German project about climate-friendly school kitchens will be transferred to the local conditions in Poland in Cooperation with the Polish city network for energy efficiency (PNEC). The aim is to significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions created by the preparation of school lunch. more...
2018 – 2019
Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz und nukleare Sicherheit (BMU)
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. more...
This education project develops didactic material which ensures more sustainabilty in craft trade all around grain: For millers, bakers, confectioners and brewers. more...
The project participants develop a vivid travelling exhibiton with the subject digitalization of craft. Main target group of the 8 learning stations are young people. more...
2018
Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung - BMBF
The IZT uses methods of futures studies to identify relevant resource-political trends in society. Subsequently, scientists assess these trends according to their effect on the world’s climate and resource consumption. The goal of the project is to suggest appropriate resource and climate policy measures to the Umweltbundesamt. more...
IZT evaluates the project “Support of market monitoring” that is part of the German National Action Plan Energy Efficiency (NAPE). In the project, methods for testing the energy efficiency of electrical appliances are optimised. more...
2017 - 2019
Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM)
The use of Glyphosate as a herbicide has become increasingly controversial in the EU. Therefore, the International Union of Railways commissioned the IZT to propose more eco-friendly solutions to keep the European rail network free of plant growth. more...
2017 - 2018
UIC - International Union of Railways, Paris, France
The EU guideline for airborne pollutants was tightened. The Umweltbundesamt commissioned scientists to develop new projections for the emissions of Germany from 2020 to 2035, to determine if the national mitigation measures are sufficient. more...
This project of the Institute for Applied Ecology and the IZT examined energy storage systems in industrial manufacturing. The focus of this ecological and economic review were power storage systems that small and medium sized enterprises (SME) can utilize for fabrication. more...
Apprentices should learn as of 2017 to work as "ResourceScouts", and encourage resource conservation and efficiency within their companies. A training module in accordance to this was developed during this project. more...
2016
Mittelstandsinitiative Energiewende und Klimaschutz
IZT evaluates the German National energy efficiency label for old heating installations. The goal of the labelling is to prompt more owners to replace their old heating installations by new, more efficient facilities. more...
2016 - 2020
Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA)
In the project a systemic model will be developed, in order to assess and to make visible the impacts of resource efficiency measures on greenhouse gas emissions. more...
Scientists analyse all processes from purchase to waste disposal in 24 canteens in elementary schools. Subsequently menus and processes are optimized to maximize CO2 and energy savings. more...
2016 - 2019
German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety ("National Initiative for Climate Protection")
Scientists analyse all processes from purchase to waste disposal in 24 canteens in elementary schools. Subsequently menus and processes are optimized to maximize CO2 and energy savings. more...
2016 - 2019
German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety ("National Initiative for Climate Protection")
IZT evaluates the German National Top-Runner Initiative with the goal of promoting energy efficient products in penetrating markets at an increasing speed. more...
2016 - 2020
Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA)
The network "Education for Resource Efficiency and Resource Conservation" will continue to exist beyond the end of the first project funding phase until 2019. It develops educational materials and organizes network conferences. more...
2015 - 2019
VDI Zentrum für Ressourceneffizienz GmbH (VDI ZRE)
This project aims for an integrated strategy to transform our economic system into a green economy. Economic growth should be accompanied by ecological sustainability and social justice. more...
2015 - 2018
Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF), Förderprogramm: Sozial-ökologische Forschung (SÖF)
IN2RAIL is co-funded by the EU Commission with 18 million Euro. Infrastructure managers such as Deutsche Bahn, Network Rail (UK) and SNCF as well as manufacturers such as Alstom, Bombardier and Siemens cooperate in this project. IN2RAIL is to set the foundations for a resilient, consistent, cost-efficient, high capacity European railway network. more...
The project „PeerSharing“ works on the innovative Online-Platforms, which arrange rental, purchase or exchange of products and services from private people. “PeerSharing” is still a niche product, but holds considerable dynamics. more...
2015 - 2018
Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF), Förderprogramm: Sozial-ökologische Forschung (SÖF)
The project analyzed, evaluated and developed substitution strategies to prevent failure of environmental technologies due to raw material shortages. more...
In cooperation with the Berlin’s Chamber of Crafts a new training concept for training energy consultants was developed, with a focus on interactive learning materials. more...
Again, the IZT evaluated part of the energy research funding of the Federal Government. This time, the subject is not industry, but the building sector. more...
The IZT was commisioned by the operator of the science and technology park Adlershof to analyze the current potential of hybrid energy systems at the Adlershof site. more...
“Successful regional transformation processes. Potential futures for the Ruhr region“. Under this headline, the IZT prepared international impulses for change along the Ruhr. more...
The German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) received recommendations from this research project that can improve the motivational function and the effectiveness of the guiding principle “Sustainable Development”. more...
The ZVEI - German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers renewed its collaboration with the IZT and commissioned an integrated roadmap for its member companies in the automation sector. The following two fields of the future are in focus: industrial biotechnology and recycling of materials as a source of raw materials. The time frame extends to the years 2025+. more...
2013 - 2015
ZVEI - Zentralverband Elektrotechnik und Elektronikindustrie e.V.
IZT evaluated part of BMWi's project funding in the 5th Energy Research Programme in respect of three dimensions, "target performance", "impact" and "efficiency". more...
2013 - 2014
Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi)
Present energy system models are mainly based on techno-economical input parameters whereas social or political factors are neglected. This project explored an approach to include social acceptance in energy system modeling, focusing on electricity transmission grid expansion projects in Germany. more...
2013 – 2016
Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF) - Förderprogramm: Sozial-ökologische Forschung (SÖF)
The European Climate Foundation in Brussels (ECF) wanted an assessment of the extend to which the European Commission's planned decarbonisation is on track. Therefore the IZT organized a Delphi survey among more than 100 experts in the field of energy transition in Europe. more...
The societal trends and challenges most relevant for the conference and conventions industry were investigated. For this purpose the IZT developed a scenario for the year 2030th using various methods of futures research The aim was to offer guidance to meeting planners and other interested actors. more...
This project has the intention to produce an exploratory study about case studies from communities on their measures and activities focussed on demografic change which also have additional positive effects for environmental protection. more...
2012
Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz und Reaktorsicherheit Umweltbundesamt
The survey of residents for the overall project has been extended by the IZT to include questions relating to the use and social impact of new media and their effect on the structure of the physical environment. more...
"Young people dealing with ethical, legal and social questions about predictive genetic diagnostics" is a research programme focused on the ethical, legal and social consequences of gene technology and encouragement of young people's participation in discussion processes in society. more...
By order of NATURE AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION UNION (NABU) the IZT will identifiy 'green' future technologies which promise on the one hand high environmental impacts and for which a particular resource economic relevance can be attested on the other hand. In the following the short-term study aims to provide an overview of companies which offer products based on 'green' future technologies and which are particularly interested in resource conservation. more...
The goal of the project is to describe the state-of-the-art with regards to the user acceptance to integrate electric cars in smart grids. In this context, we will particularly analyse using patterns and incentives that will have an impact on the potential of using electric cars for maintaining a supply guarantee in times of an increasing share of renewable and fluctuating energy sources. more...
It is getting analyzed which institutional and procedural innovations with regard to Sustainable Policies have been created and utilized in selected parliaments. In cooperation with FFU good examples are analyzed and recommendations for improvements developed. more...
2011 - 2012
Office of Technology Assessment at the German Bundestag
The KfW Group has commissioned a study to IZT in order to identify economically important non-fuel minerals and metals that could face severe supply problems. more...
How does resource-efficient and climate-friendly information technology for schools look like? How can students learn important things about "Green IT"? The project “Green IT” commissioned by the German Environment Agency focused on these questions. more...
On behalf of ADAC, the German automobile club, a set of future labs and scenario workshops have been conducted to obtain normative and action-oriented perspectives for everyday life mobility of the future. more...
Together with the project partners IZT will create a value-based environmental sustainability analysis of Nordic companies using the Sustainable Value approach (www.sustainablevalue.com). The analysis will feed into the development of a Nordic value rating and the construction of a Nordic value index. more...
The European Directive on Emissions from Non-Road Mobile Machinery (97/68/EC) includes the Stage III B exhaust emission values for railway application which will come into force from 2011 onwards. These values are a challenge to operators, manufacturers and suppliers and new solutions for clean exhaust emissions have to be found. The four years project is build on the basis of several application sub-projects that will enable the industry to evaluate the different solutions to be applied to rail systems in real operating conditions. more...
The scope of the project „e-fit: continuous vocational training in the renewable energy field“ is to design eLearning scenarios for vocational education and training. Target learning situations are vocational preparation as well as further education. Target learners are craftsmen, architects, engineers, trainees and company employees. Each eLearning scenario treats one single renewable energy technology. more...
2009-2012
Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF)
Europäischer Sozialfond
In the years 2005-2008, the environmental communication project powerado had achieved an extraordinary response. Approximately 58,000 multiplicators, children and young people, as well as other parties interested in renewable energies, could be reached with the project and its modules. more...
2009 - 2012
BMU Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz und Reaktorsicherheit
The attitudes of young people towards sustainable development are ambivalent: a decreasing interest in environmental topics is juxtaposed with a high awareness of major societal themes. Ten recommendations for better communication with young people were developed in the project. more...
The ultimate objective of the EFONET project is to assess the contribution that current knowledge on energy foresight methods and on their practical application can provide to energy policy making - specifically in the framework of the transition towards a sustainable and low carbon energy system. more...
The "Integrated Technology Roadmap Automation 2020+" continues the roadmapping activities started in 2005 for the "Automation Association" of "the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers e.V. (ZVEI)". Based on socio-economic trends orientation knowledge is provided for future needs of automation in the future markets of energy, water and sewage as well as megacities. more...
2007 - 2010
German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association (ZVEI)
For buildings, there is still an energy reduction potential of up to 30 %, which can be materialized partly by behavioral changes among residents. The BewareE project aimed at stimulating this change of attitude and at enhancing the implementation of "energy services" in cooperation with housing organizations and companies. more...
2007 - 2010
EACI Executive Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation (EIE/07/242/SI2.467624 – BewareE)
Over the past ten years, many energy suppliers have provided photovoltaic installations free of charge to numerous schools. A number of installations have also been financed by state and federal funds or by foundations. In Berlin alone, for example, there are a total of 100 such schools. more...
2007 - 2009
Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz und Reaktorsicherheit
The acceptance and support of a wide range of strata of the population and of decision-makers is urgently needed for the continued expansion of renewable energies towards being the primary means for energy and electricity provision. Addressing the accumulated questions, strategies will be developed in a series of workshops involving the relevant decision-makers, as to how the acceptance of renewable energy technologies can be funded and how their use on a regional and local level can be intensified. more...
2005 - 2008
German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety
The project is co-ordinated by the European Institute for Energy Research (EIfER - University of Karlsruhe) and the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI - Hyderabad). A inter-disciplinary consortium of German and Indian research institutions as well as of regional and local Indian authorities has been established. The aim of SHAKTI is to conjointly formulate and implement integrated projects and fostering solutions for sustainable development of Hyderabad as a mega city of tomorrow. more...
Megacities of tomorrow have a crucial role to play in transition towards global sustainable development. One of the key issues they have to address to implement sustainability is to solve the energy question: Secure energy supply, equitable access to energy resources and ecologically friendly energy production and use are fundamental prerequisites for sustainabledevelopment of the world and of Megacities in particular. more...
In this project the newly developed Sustainable Value approach was applied to German companies on a large scale and tested in practice for the first time. more...
2006 - 2008
German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
This work is an attempt to map and compare the publicly funded research efforts carried out by the EC and Member States in the EU and those undertaken in the US and in Japan. more...
Das Projekt sollte die Umweltperformance der europäischen Bahnen steigern, indem bei der Beschaffung neuer Züge und Lokomotiven ökologische Anforderungen stärker berücksichtigt werden sollten. more...
2003 - 2005
UIC - Union Internationale des Chemins de fer / Internationaler Eisenbahnverband
Das IZT schätzte erstmals systematisch die Emissionen von vier Luftschadstoffen für zukünftige Jahre ab. Denn Schwefeldioxid, Stickoxide, Ammoniak und flüchtige Kohlenwasserstoffe sind verantwortlich für Sommersmog und für die Versauerung und Überdüngung von Böden und Gewässern. more...
The DECENT study was designed and carried out to identify the main barriers and success factors to the implementation of DG projects within the EU and to formulate a number of related recommendations to EU and Member State policy makers to enhance the feasibility of DG projects within the internal energy market. more...