This study presents innovative processes and technologies of the circular economy. The case studies come from a range of industries that are of particular importance to Hesse and demonstrate the broad applicability of the technologies presented. The case studies are split into five main groups, each containing a few innovative and sustainable projects by various institutions and firms. They also offer insights into the economic and ecological advantages of the projects and provide the readers with a thorough understanding of the processes.

In an interview with Sinan Reçber of the Berlin daily Der Tagesspiegel, Rodrigo Vidaurre and Benedict Bueb of Ecologic Institute discussed what measures can be taken in various sectors to lessen the impact of droughts in Germany. In addition to water-sensitive urban development, which increasingly relies on nature-based solutions to store water during dry periods, this includes the cultivation of drought-resistant agricultural varieties as well as the rewetting of peatlands.

Preparations are currently underway for negotiations on a global plastics treaty. The treaty is intended to respond to the increasing plastic pollution, especially of the oceans, which requires international cooperation along the value chain and thus binding rules at the international level. The timetable for the negotiations is extremely ambitious, with a draft to be available as early as the end of 2024. In her editorial, Heidi Stockhaus highlights the global dimension of the problem and points to the responsibility of Germany and the EU to help the negotiation process succeed.

The Berlin Energy Transition Act obliges district administrations to both set up an energy management system and appoint energy officers for their property areas. But what does this mean in concrete terms for the implementation of the energy transition in the districts? What are the tasks and what influence do the energy officers have? Where are the pitfalls, and where is there a need for action and improvement? We discussed these questions with our guests in the twelfth edition of Wandelwecker.

On 4 July 2022, around 30 experts discussed political strategies for a regionalization of the food system, achieving as many positive sustainability effects as possible and avoiding negative impacts. The discussion was based on an input paper by the project team, the core statements of which were presented in two short presentations by the main author, Gerolf Hanke (Oeko-Institut).

Niether, Wiebke et al. 2022: Funding climate-friendly soil management – key issues. Impacts on soil health. Factsheet. German Environment Agency: Dessau-Roßlau.

Siemons, Anne et al. 2022: Funding climate-friendly soil management – key issues. Jurisdictional vs. project-based approaches. Factsheet. German Environment Agency: Dessau-Roßlau.

McDonald, Hugh et al. 2022: Funding climate-friendly soil management – key issues. Additionality. Factsheet. German Environment Agency: Dessau-Roßlau.

McDonald, Hugh et al. 2022: Funding climate-friendly soil management – key issues. Setting Baselines. Factsheet. German Environment Agency: Dessau-Roßlau.

Siemons, Anne et al. 2022: Funding climate-friendly soil management – key issues. Carbon leakage. Factsheet. German Environment Agency: Dessau-Roßlau.

Scheid, Aaron et al. 2022: Funding climate-friendly soil management – key issues. Impacts on biodiversity. Factsheet. German Environment Agency: Dessau-Roßlau.

Siemons, Anne et al. 2022: Funding climate-friendly soil management – key issues. Social impacts. Factsheet. German Environment Agency: Dessau-Roßlau.

Siemons, Anne et al. 2022: Funding climate-friendly soil management – key issues. Preventing double counting. Factsheet. German Environment Agency: Dessau-Roßlau.

McDonald, Hugh et al. 2022: Funding climate-friendly soil management – key issues. Ex ante vs. ex post crediting. Factsheet. German Environment Agency: Dessau-Roßlau.

This info film shows in seven minutes how to use the Clearingstelle EEG|KWKG's database. How to make a request, what types of procedures there are and how a procedure is carried out at the Clearingstelle EEG|KWKG. The film was produced by Ecologic Institute.