1977
Founding of the Öko-Institut
27 committed members of the public get together to oppose the Whyl nuclear power plant; they found the Öko-Institut.
1980
Second location
A study in the field of reactor safety gives rise to the setting up of the Darmstadt office.
1980
Towards sustainable energy
Öko-Institut scientists demonstrate for the first time that growth and affluence can be achieved without using oil and uranium.
1981
Breast milk study
Öko-Institut scientists show that breast milk contains a cocktail of environmental poisons.
1984
Chemicals at home
Öko-Institut authors publish a survey of household chemicals, highlighting the risks that they pose to humans and the environment. The book gains a place on the bestseller list of the magazine “Der Spiegel”.
1986
Chernobyl
The Öko-Institut is an important point of contact for members of the public after the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl. It sets up “energy turnaround” committees, setting in motion the development of an anti-nuclear network.
1991
Third location
Another Öko-Institut office is set up in Berlin.
1994
A matter of dispute
An Öko-Institut study investigates whether the Krümmel nuclear power plant is the cause of cases of leukaemia.
1997
Sustainable Hoechst
Öko-Institut scientists work with the Hoechst AG on the creation of a management tool for a sustainability-oriented company strategy. This represents the first step in the development of a critical partnership with industry.
1997
A look in the larder
The study “Globalisierung in der Speisekammer” (“Globalization in the larder”), funded through contributions from members, examines global food production.
1999
New research field
The Federal Ministry for Education and Research declares social-ecological research to be a new priority area for promotion. The ökoforum research network plays a leading role in this development.
1999
Green TV
The “Grüner Fernseher” (“Green TV”) study paves the way for many further electronics projects.
2000
Green investment
The Öko-Institut investigates and compares the environmental funds that are licensed to operate in Germany.
2001
Sustainable tourism
The Öko-Institut suggests way in which the rapidly growing tourism sector can be developed sustainably. The study forms the basis of a report by the German government.
2002
Emissions trading
The Öko-Institut participates in an advisory capacity in the introduction of emissions trading, commenting on the allocation of emissions rights not only from a national point of view but also from the European perspective.
2003
Donation-funded project
The Öko-Institut’s study “Private Altersvorsorge – auf dem Weg zur Nachhaltigkeit?” (“Private provision for old age – on the path to sustainability?”) aims to provide a systematic guide to the information jungle. The report is financed through members’ donations.
2004
Genetic engineering
The Öko-Institut produces a detailed assessment and evaluation of Germany’s new Genetic Engineering Act and calls for amendments.
2004
Emissions trading in aviation
The study shows that an emissions trading system in aviation is possible and worthwhile. It is important, however, to take all of the industry’s global warming potential into account if the situation is to be appropriately managed.
2005
The Solar Ship building
With its move to the Sonnenschiff (Solar Ship) building the Öko-Institut demonstrates how the shift to sustainable energy can be achieved.
2005
Launch of EcoTopTen
Through its EcoTopTen consumer information campaign the Öko-Institut provides regular product recommendations.
2006
Green Goal
The world’s first environmental blueprint for a Football World Cup is successfully implemented. Scientists from the Öko-Institut drew up the plan.
2007
30th anniversary of the Öko-Institut
The Öko-Institut now employs more than 100 staff at its three sites, working in five research divisions. The Institute is a non-profit-making association with some 3,000 members.