Publications

Publication:Report
 
Cover of a report titled 'Transformation towards sustainable, resilient infrastructures - Concepts, systematization, sustainability assessment, case studies'. It's the 55th publication of 2024 in the 'TEXTE' series, intended for the German Environment Agency. Below the title are the names of the authors from various institutions including the Leibniz Institute for Ecological Spatial Development, Ecologic Institute, and the Brandenburg University of Technology.
This final report provides an analysis of the innovation and dissemination processes of infrastructure solutions that aim to increase sustainability and resilience. The research was conducted as part of the TRAFIS II project.

Transformation hin zu nachhaltigen, resilienten Infrastrukturen

Begriffe, Systematisierung, Nachhaltigkeitsbewertung, Fallstudien

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the 'TEXTE' series report number 17/2024 titled 'Transformation regionaler Infrastrukturen für einen sozial-ökologischen Strukturwandel', translating to 'Transformation of regional infrastructures for a socio-ecological structural change'. The report provides conceptual approaches to structural change and challenges for socio-ecological transformations in three lignite mining regions. The authors from various German research institutions are listed.
This report analyzes the challenges and opportunities arising from the phase-out of coal in Germany, with a specific focus on the three major coalfields: the Central German, Rhenish and Lusatian coalfields. It offers a detailed insight into the challenges and strategic approaches and emphasizes the need to develop regional infrastructures in a targeted and sustainable manner in order to meet the economic, social and ecological challenges of the three major German coalfields. Innovative technical solutions and a stronger integration of different infrastructure sectors can support the transition from a fossil fuel-based economy to a sustainable and resilient regional development.

Transformation regionaler Infrastrukturen für einen sozial-ökologischen Strukturwandel

Konzeptionelle Ansätze des Strukturwandels und Herausforderungen

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the 'TEXTE' series document number 135/2023 titled 'Verbreitungswege nachhaltiger Infrastrukturlösungen – Drei Beispiele auf kommunaler und regionaler Ebene', which translates to 'Dissemination paths of sustainable infrastructure solutions – Three examples at the municipal and regional level'. The authors from institutions such as the Leibniz Institute for Ecological Urban and Regional Development and Ecologic Institute are listed.
This report analyzes how innovative, sustainable infrastructure solutions can be successfully disseminated through specific mechanisms and under certain conditions. It emphasizes the importance of cooperative networks and suitable framework conditions for the dissemination of innovations at municipal and regional level.

Verbreitungswege nachhaltiger Infrastrukturlösungen

Drei Beispiele auf kommunaler und regionaler Ebene

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Publication:Article
 
Cover of the scientific Water journal, issue 2023, 15.
In this article, some of the several economic benefits entailed by digital solutions are estimated with a focus on leakage reduction in water distribution networks, reduction of combined sewer overflows and on the improvement of hydropower generation and operation. The benefits are calculated for each EU Member State and the UK, and then aggregated at the EU scale. Benefits were quantified in EUR 5.0, 0.14 and 1.7 billion per year (EUR 13.2 per person per year, on average), respectively, excluding environmental and social benefits, which may play a non-negligible role.

Digitalisation of the European Water Sector to Foster the Green and Digital Transitions

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Publication:Article
 
1st page of the article "Making Urban Water Management Tangible for the Public by Means of Digital Solutions"
This article written by Dr. Ulf Stein and Benedict Bueb from Ecologic Institute together with researchers of the French National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRAE) presents insights of two case studies, in Paris and Berlin, which investigated the potential of two mobile applications to make urban water management visible to the public and thus increase awareness about certain water management aspects.

Making Urban Water Management Tangible for the Public by Means of Digital Solutions

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Publication:Policy Brief
 
Cover of the policy brief "Digitalisation in the water sector recommendations for policy developments at EU Level"
This policy brief prepared by Dr. Ulf Stein and Benedict Bueb from Ecologic Institute together with other European experts was published by the European Commission. It provides an overview of current gaps in the EU legislative framework that hinder the realization of the benefits of digitalisation in the water sector and offers concrete recommendations on how to overcome them.

Digitalisation in the Water Sector

Recommendations for Policy Developments at EU Level

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the publication "Datengovernance und -regulierung für ein nachhaltiges Berlin. Übergeordnete Erkenntnisse und Empfehlungen"
This paper describes important findings from the project "Data Governance and Regulation for a Sustainable Berlin" and formulates – in addition to the application field-specific papers – overarching recommendations.

Datengovernance und -regulierung für ein nachhaltiges Berlin

Übergeordnete Erkenntnisse und Empfehlungen

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Publication:Report
 
cover of the publication "Nachhaltige Datenregulierung für die Kreislaufwirtschaft in Berlin. Hintergründe und Policy-Empfehlungen"
This paper examines the concept of an "extended" digital product passport from a socio-ecological perspective using the example of batteries for electric vehicles. It evaluates different approaches to data regulation and formulates policy recommendations for decision makers in Berlin. It is based on preliminary work from the project, in which in particular three ideal types of data regulation and a methodology for their scenario-based evaluation were developed.

Nachhaltige Datenregulierung für die Kreislaufwirtschaft in Berlin

Hintergründe und Policy-Empfehlungen

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the publication "Handlungsempfehlungen der SINTEG-Schaufenster zur Anpassung des Rechtsrahmens. Bericht für die Fachöffentlichkeit"
In the "Smart Energy Showcase" programme (SINTEG), more than 300 research institutes and companies in five model regions developed solutions for a future energy system that will be entirely based on renewable energies. The participants not only developed new technologies, processes and market mechanisms, they also proposed changes to the legal framework that would allow those solutions to be scaled up. Commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economics and Energy that initiated SINTEG, Ecologic Institute just published a systematic overview of the issues addressed in these proposals for regulatory change. Moreover, the report discusses the proposals in the context of the ongoing national energy policy debate.

Handlungsempfehlungen der SINTEG-Schaufenster zur Anpassung des Rechtsrahmens

Bericht für die Fachöffentlichkeit

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Publication:Report
 
Publication's cover
This report documents the project work and results of the R&D project "Information Platform for the restoration of rivers", which was jointly carried out by Ecologic Institute, Planungsbüro Zumbroich and the Institute of Aquatic Ecology and Fish Biology, Jena (IGF Jena) from 2017 to 2020. The aim of the project was to create an online information platform about river restoration (Part I of the project report) and the analysis of German restoration projects in regard to their monitoring (Part II of the project report). The report is available for download.

Renaturierung von Fließgewässern: ein Blick in die Praxis

Abschlussbericht

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Publication:Report
 
cover of the publication "Nachhaltigkeits- und Digitalisierungs- ziele des Landes Berlin. Einordnung der Ziele in den Bereichen Daten-Governance, Stadtentwicklung und soziale Räume, Verkehr und Mobilität, Energie, Umwelt und Gesundheit"
This background paper for the research project "Digitalisation – Setting the Course for a Social-Ecological Digital Transformation in Berlin" within the project "Knowledge. Change. Berlin" provides an overview of the sustainability and digitalisation goals of the state of Berlin. First, the paper outlines sustainability goals relevant for the project in the following topic areas: data governance, climate protection, transport and mobility, energy and health.

Nachhaltigkeits- und Digitalisierungsziele des Landes Berlin

Einordnung der Ziele

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Publication:Book
 
In March 2021, two new handbooks on Evidence‐based Improvements in the Birds and Habitats Directives Implementation (E-BIND) are being released. They have been the achievements of a systematic review of the Birds and Habitats Directives Implementation. The core objective of the E-Bind handbook(s) are to advise the Commission, Member State authorities, decision makers, spatial planners, conservationists and NGOs in more effective implementation of the Nature Directives. This handbook does focus on guidance for improving the availability of data and information on species, habitats and sites (Focus area A).

Improving the Availability of Data and Information on Species, Habitats and Sites

Focus Area A

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Publication:Book Section
 
Think Tanks for Future – A Think Piece
How can think tanks help pave the path to a sustainable future in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and a rapidly changing policy landscape? Dr. Camilla Bausch and R. Andreas Kraemer address this question in the chapter "Think Tanks for Future" and make recommendations on how think tanks can adapt their work to reflect the pressing concerns of the future.

Think Tanks for Future – A Think Piece

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Publication:Web Application
 
Screenshot of the first page of the quiz
Plastics are all around us and make up an essential part of our daily lives. How much do we know about this material, its variety, the associated environmental problems and possible solutions? The quiz "Plastics in the environment - What do you know?" invites you to test your knowledge around the topic of plastics in five categories. Furthermore, the category "Questions for adults & children" contains questions suited for children.

Quiz: Plastic in the Environment – What do you know?

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Publication:Report
 
In this publication, Doris Knoblauch (Ecologic Institute), Lorenzo Felicetti, and Ulf Stein (Ecologic Institute) shed light on the untapped potential of ICT solutions in water management across Berlin, Milan, Copenhagen, Paris and Sofia, the five cities analysed in the project digital-water.city. In the analysis, the cross-cutting nature of digital water governance, and thereby its multifunctionality in terms of policy goals became evident.

Policy Matrix – Screening of Digital, Data and Water Policies

Starting points for untapped potential of ICT solutions in water management

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Publication:Web Application
 
Plastic Pirates Website
Plastic Pirates – Go Europe! is a joint citizen science campaign by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) in collaboration with the Portuguese Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education and the Slovenian Ministry of Education, Science and Sport. The campaign is taking place in all three countries from 2020 to 2021 as part of the trio presidency of the EU Council. The goals of the campaign are to strengthen scientific collaboration in Europe, promote the level of dedication among citizen scientists and to raise awareness and consciousness for the environment. Ecologic Institute develops and programs the website in four languages. In addition to general information and instructions on the action, the website also offers an ordering system for the action materials of the participating countries.

Plastic Pirates – Go Europe!

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Publication:Article
 
Cover of the German journal Korrespondenz Wasserwirtschaft 4/2020
This article introduces the German Federal Environment Agency's online information platform on river restoration. It was designed, compiled and implemented between 2017 and 2020 by Ecologic Institute, Planungsbüro Zumbroich and IGF Jena. The information platform provides basic knowledge on the restoration of rivers and serves to gain acceptance for restoration measures. It addresses towns and municipalities, water management authorities, water bodies associations, fishing associations and citizens' groups.

Mehr Aufmerksamkeit für gewässerökologische Maßnahmen

Umweltbundesamt startet Online-Informationsplattform zu Renaturierung von Fließgewässern

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Publication:Article
 
While circular processes offer potential for small and large companies, such processes are not (yet) established across the board. For circular processes to be applied widespread, exchange between science and companies must be improved. As part of an national research project funding scheme on the sustainable economy, three workshops were dedicated to businesses and science actors to exchange information on sustainability innovations along value chains. This German paper summarises experiences made and lessons learned from these workshops.

Circular economy und Nachhaltigkeitsinnovationen

Forschungsergebnisse mit der Praxis diskutieren

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Publication:Brochure
 
Technological developments and trends can contribute significantly to resource conservation. In addition to political framework conditions, social routines, patterns of action and consumption styles are important, as they have a considerable influence on individual and societal resource requirements. The present trend analysis therefore systematically examines how socio-economic and socio-cultural trends can affect the use of resources.

Die Zukunft im Blick: Sozio-ökonomische und sozio-kulturelle Trends der Ressourcenschonung

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Publication:Video
 
The water landscape of the Hase and its tributaries Lower Saxony is ecologically upgraded. The dykes are relocated, floodplain revitalisations and watercourse conversions are carried out. This can only be done in close cooperation with all those involved, but above all with agriculture, which makes land available and extensifies uses.

Auenrevitalisierung in Kooperation mit der Landwirtschaft an der Hase

Revitalisation of River Hase's Floodplains in Cooperation with Farmers

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Publication:Video
 
More than 20 individual measures were implemented to ensure the continuity and restoration of the Ruhr in Arnsberg. This resulted in a near-natural river landscape in the middle of the city. The restored Ruhr is increasingly shaping the cityscape. Flood protection has also improved significantly.

Steigerung der Erlebbarkeit der Ruhr im urbanen Raum

Increasing Nature Experience of the Ruhr in the Town of Arnsberg

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Publication:Video
 
The river Wern in Franconia was modified in the 1930s in order to enable agriculture right up to the edge of the river. As a result, biotope and species diversity declined significantly. Since 1995, the Wern has been gradually regaining a near-natural state through systematic, sectional restoration measures.

Systematische Gewässerentwicklung an der Wern

Systematic river development on the Wern

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Publication:Video
 
Long-term land management enabled extensive restoration of the river Nebel in Mecklenburg. In the lowland areas, construction measures were necessary because there is not enough flow velocity for a self-dynamic development. Restoration also increased ecosystem services such as carbon storage and landscape cooling.

Flächenmanagement und Gewässeraufwertung an der Nebel

Land Management and River Restoration at the River Nebel

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Publication:Video
 
An innovative approach combines technical flood protection and restoration of the river Helme near Sundhausen in Thuringia. The risk of flooding is significantly reduced and companies are settling in the now flood-free industrial areas. Rare and protected species, such as the endangered river mussel (Unio crassus), also benefit from near-natural flood protection measures.

Renaturierung und technischer Hochwasserschutz an der Helme

Restoration and Technical Flood Protection at the River Helme

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Publication:Video
 
Fish can again reach reproduction areas in the upper Ahr without any obstacles. In addition, the Ahr estuary was restored and almost 100 obstacles to fish migration were rebuilt or removed over a distance of 62 km up to the Eifel region. Cooperation between water management, nature conservation and fishing enabled the creation of this habitat network.

Barrierefreiheit und Lebensraum für Fische an der Ahr

Continuity and Habitats for the River Ahr's fish

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Publication:Video
 
Technical flood protection and the use of hydropower have heavily modified the river Inn. Fish hardly find their vital habitats here. The local hydropower company restructures the river banks, creates alternative habitats and promotes biodiversity in the floodplain. The measures are implemented in close cooperation with the Free State of Bavaria and local authorities and interest groups.

Renaturierung des Inn in Kooperation von Wasserkraftunternehmen, Freistaat und Fischereivereinen

Restoration of the Inn in Cooperation with Hydropower, Bavaria and Fishing Associations

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Publication:Video
 
In the urban area of Rastatt, river bank protection of the Murg was removed in order to create near-natural hydromorphological structures. Out of town, floodplains were reactivated for flood protection. The Yellow-bellied Toad and the Crested Newt also benefit from the restoration measures.

Verbesserung der Gewässerökologie an der Murg in Rastatt

Improving Water Ecology of the River Murg in Rastatt

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Publication:Video
 
The "Masterplan Fuldaaue" is an example of good cooperation between the Hessian municipalities of Bebra, Rotenburg and Alheim. The Fulda was restored near-naturally and flood protection was improved. Financing was provided by different funding sources and the costs were kept low by creative solutions.

Naturnaher Hochwasserschutz an der Fulda

Natural Flood Protection on the Fulda River

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Publication:Video
 
Today, Fischerhude's floodplain of the Wümme near Bremen is an area of recognised ecological importance, especially for waterbound breeding and resting birds. This was made possible by a large-scale nature conservation project, in which numerous measures have been carried out since 1992 to restore water bodies, including the relocation of dykes, the creation of spawning grounds and riparian buffer strips.

Rückkehr von Fischotter, Lachs und Tüpfelsumpfhuhn an der Wümme

Return of Otter, Salmon and Spotted Crake at the Wümme

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Publication:Website
 
This information platform provides information for potential actors of renaturation projects. The aim of river restoration is to return rivers and streams to their natural state and to improve their ecological status.

Information Platform on River Restoration

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Publication:Infographic
 
Poster 2019 Measures for River Restoration
Over 90% of German rivers and streams are straightened, constricted, piped or interrupted by structures such as weirs or barrages. Restoration can improve the ecological status and attractiveness of water bodies. This interactive infographic lists and visualizes restoration measures for four different starting situations.

Measures for River Restoration

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Publication:Infographic
 
Infographic 2019 Planning and Implementation of Restoration Projects
The project schedule for river restoration projects can vary greatly. This flow chart shows the most important project steps. Natural river development is a complex undertaking. A well-structured planning management creates the prerequisites for a balanced solution and an efficient and successful implementation of measures.

Planning and Implementation of Restoration Projects

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Publication:Infographic
 
Infographic 2019 River Restoration in the Context of Different Interests
Many interests come together when considering rivers. For restoration projects, new compromises must be reached and conflicts of use must be resolved through planning processes. Early, open and regular communication between all stakeholders increases the satisfaction with the restoration result.

River Restoration in the Context of Different Interests

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Publication:Infographic
 
Infographic 2019 Funding for River Restoration
River restoration costs money, but there are many funding instruments and grants that can be combined. In addition, compensatory measures and overlapping interests with other departments and stakeholders (e.g. flood protection, nature conservation) can be utilised. The infographics give examples of concrete support programmes and instruments for the financing of river restoration by the German Federal States, the German Federal Government, the European Union, local authorities and others.

Funding for River Restoration

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Publication:Article
 
The Energiewende means a transition from the old, nuclear-and-coal based, to a sustainable and digitalized energy system. This is a complex endeavor: the number of actors involved increases and their functions overlap. While digital technologies bring automation and potential for relief, they are an ambivalent phenomenon: with no comprehensive laws on data protection, it is unclear what is going to happen to the tremendous amount of data collected by digital appliances. Besides, technologies like blockchain are often so energy-intensive that they eat up the amount of resources that they are trying to save. Therefore, political design must actively shape a digital and ecologically sustainable energy transition – it will not happen by itself.

How Can We Make the Energiewende Digital and Sustainable?

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