Latest News

Global supply chains: voluntary standards analysed

Electro-mobility: resources for the transition to green transport

Everything under control? Regulating nanomaterials and other chemicals

40 years of the Oeko-Institut - Let´s make a wish!

Pointing the way for society: Annual Report for 2016

Good progress made with renewable energies in the EU

Noise - Impacts and protection

Costs compared: Renewable vs. fossil energy

Back to the beginning: Sustainable supply chains

Online calculator: Recalculating climate targets for the EU

Public consultation on end-of-life vehicles launched by the European Union

Over three million end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) in the European Union have unknown whereabouts. There is some concern that they are dismantled illegally and in a manner that damages the environment.

Environmentally friendly vacation experience: the sustainable journey is the reward

Tourism plays a role for climate change that must not be underestimated. Because the further away the destination, the greater the energy consumption on the route travelled, and the associated environmental implications for the climate.

Efficiency, emission rights, compensation – climate change mitigation measures for international maritime transport

The maritime sector contains substantial technical and operational potentials to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By means of efficiency improvements alone, the sector’s emissions can be reduced by 25 percent and costs saved at the same time.

Offsetting emissions at the Oeko-Institut

Oeko-Institut presents study on international climate policy ambition at UN Climate Conference

Annual Report 2015: Energiewende half-time

From the Oeko-Institut’s perspective, Germany reached the half-way stage in its energy transition in 2015. What does this mean, and which projects epitomise our work in this area? Our latest Annual Report provides some answers.

A roundabout, not a one-way street

There is still a lot of work to be done on the circular economy at national and European level alike. Consumers have a key role to play, as do industry and, not least, policy-makers, as this latest issue of eco@work shows.

New name: “Resources & Transport Division”

The “Infrastructure & Enterprises Division” of Oeko-Institut has a new name: Since 1 March 2016 the previous name has been replaced by “Resources & Transport Division”.

Fukushima: five years on – FAQs

Five years after the disaster at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, the Oeko-Institut answers the key questions about the disaster’s timeline, latest assessments of the events, and the current situation at the site.

Internet shopping or conventional shopping?

Green Economy - Sustainability, repackaged?

The Green Economy concept has become a buzzword for a more sustainable future. But what’s it all about, and does it have anything new to offer?

Oeko-Institut presents study on international climate policy ambition at UN Climate Conference

Industry pass-through of ETS-related costs

Workshop: Life-Cycle Perspective of Nanomaterials

New film on the recycling of lead-acid batteries in Ghana

Within the scope of funding provided by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) for the research project "Global Circular Economy of Strategic Metals – Best-of-two-Worlds Approach (Bo2W)".

Berlin: Eco-friendly procurement protects the environment and saves public expenditure

"Half-time Energiewende?"

Registration open for Sustainable Chemistry Conference 2015

Expert support for Germany’s Climate Action Plan 2050

Sustainability concept for the Olympic Games 2024

Oeko-Institut celebrates the half-way stage in Germany’s energy turnaround in 2015

Where to go with Denmark’s radioactive waste?

Shaping the Future: Annual Report for 2014

20th international climate negotiations in LimaFrom 1st to 12th December 2014 the 20th international climate negotiations of the United Nations will be taking place in Lima (Peru). On behalf of the European Parliament, Oeko-Institut has produced an overvi

Expansion of the REACH regulation to include imported products

Workshop: How can international shipping contribute to climate protection?

Final disposal: Tools for public participation

Annual Members' Meeting elects Oeko-Institut’s Committee

Oeko-Institut presents study on pre-2020 climate policy ambition at UN Climate Conference

Updated EEG calculator shows slower increase in levy

Around the World: Annual report for 2013

Statement on the Draft Regulation of the European Commission on Minerals from Conflict-Affected Areas

Driving electric in Hamburg

Clear responsibilities and structures for dismantling nuclear power plants

Voluntary cooperation instead of standardisation regulations: Renewable energies in Europe

More sustainability in global land use

11th-22nd November 2013: International climate negotiations in Warsaw

Recommended reading on global electricity markets

Development of the German EEG surcharge in 2014

More protection for our oceans

Guidelines for future energy policy in Europe

Thinking and researching in networks: Annual Report 2012

Tips for sustainable eating

Fukushima province – two years on

Reform of the German Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) – Oeko-Institut’s suggestions

Nuclear power in Japan – Quo vadis?

COP 18: International climate negotiations in Doha

Climate protection: Inaction carries a cost

Decomposition analysis of German EEG surcharge

Public participation in site selection for nuclear waste repositories

OECD expert team presents review report on Swedish repository

Oeko-Institut in Science Year 2012

Noise abatement: Assessment after a year of monitoring

IMPACT: Europe-wide Delphi study invites experts from five sectors

Decreasing the number of allowances strengthens EU emissions trading

Does the German Environmental Appeals Act help to protect the environment?

Michael Sailer nominates “Green Talents”

Decentralised, Resource-Saving, Efficient: Building Blocks for a Sustainable Energy Supply

New electricity networks are needed nationally: A new book – Transforming the Grid – analyses possible developments

Recycling critical raw materials from waste electronic equipment

Information from Oeko-Institut on “cold shutdown” in Fukushima

Status of network and market integration of renewable energies in the EU

Oeko-Institut has analysed the status of the integration of renewable energies in the electricity network and market for the 27 EU member states.

How will energy supply develop in the EU in the future?

Researchers at Oeko-Institut have taken part in international discussions on model calculations. Soon the European Union will present scenarios for the transition to a competitive low-carbon economy.

Strengthening support policies geared to renewable heat production

Oeko-Institut has developed recommendations for effective support instruments in EU member states

Oeko-Institut announced as partner in an international climate alliance

The Open Climate Network (OCN) observes and assesses climate protection activities in selected countries.

Mediation process at the Institute for Transuranium Elements (ITE) in Karlsruhe

Michael Sailer from Oeko-Institut in Berlin will lead the mediation process at the Institute for Transuranium Elements.

Situation remains tense: 185 days after “Fukushima”

After a severe earthquake on 11 March 2011 extensive safety problems arose in diverse nuclear power plants on the East coast of Japan.

A small step for light bulbs, a big step for climate protection

From 1 September 2011 it will no longer be possible for 60 watt light bulbs to be put on the market. From a climate protection perspective Oeko-Institut welcomes systematic implementation in Germany of the EU Ecodesign Regulation for lamps.

Environmental programme for environmental festival

Regionally produced food and no long-haul flights – these are only two components of the environmental programme for the Über Lebenskunst (art of living) festival, for which Oeko-Institut has been providing support.

Energy efficiency and promotion: How policy can foster sustainable housing

The residential sector is a large emitter of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the EU: It is responsible for 40 percent of energy consumption and 36 percent of GHG emissions.

Making a meal of it: Sustainable consumption is more than just eating less meat

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions deriving from food represent approx. one fifth of the total EU GHG emission balance when all upstream emissions from fertilizers and imports etc. are taken into account.

Oeko-Institut’s General Assembly elects new Committee

Oeko-Institut’s Committee has three new external members: Anton Lutz, Thomas Rahner and Ulrike Schell were elected as Committee representatives at the General Assembly of Oeko-Institut’s members held on 2 July 2011 in Berlin.

Socio-technical challenges for geological disposal of radioactive waste

One of the biggest challenges for implementing geological disposal lies in adapting the generic concept to the real world environment and in establishing and maintaining a long-term sustainable relationship between the waste management system and its natural and social environment.

Sustainability indicators for bioenergy recognised internationally

After three years of intense international negotiations comprehensive sustainability indicators for bioenergy are now available for the first time on a global level.

Oeko-Institut recommends stepwise phase-out of nuclear power in Germany

On 29 May 2011 the German coalition government agreed to a model for the phase-out of nuclear power plants in Germany.

Reducing transport emissions – Oeko-Institut develops guidelines for eco-logistics

Oeko-Institut (Institute for Applied Ecology) presents guidelines for calculating the greenhouse gas emissions of freight forwarders and logistics operators.

News from Oeko-Institut’s Committee

Franz Untersteller and Helmfried Meinel – both long-standing members of Oeko-Institut’s Committee – stepped down at the weekend.

Oeko-Institut’s 2010 Annual Report out now!

The safety of temporary storage sites for nuclear waste, electric mobility, the environmental programme for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011…

Radiological Consequences of the Fukushima Event for the Pacific Ocean

In connection with the accident in Fukushima large amounts of highly contaminated water seeped through various parts of the reactor buildings and made their way into the Pacific Ocean. By this, radioactive substances spread into the sea and were enriched in fish and seaweed. As these can be consumed by men, this can cause radioactive doses and damage to humans.

Fukushima – A new era of risk perception / The new eco@work is online

The news and pictures coming from Japan since 11 March have triggered renewed debate in Germany about the use of nuclear energy.

Europe’s waste: Data and statistics for policy

Oeko-Institut (Institute for Applied Ecology) has once again been given the task of collecting and assessing key data of the European Commission’s Environmental Data Centre for the waste sector. For an additional three years its researchers will be supporting Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, in the examination, checking and preparation of statistical data on – for example – commercial and industrial waste, municipal waste, packaging waste, end-of-life vehicles, waste electrical and electronic equipment, and cross-border waste transport.

"The functioning of the ETS and the flexible mechanisms" - Briefing paper and webcast

In 2003, the EU established a ‘cap & trade’ emissions trading system (EU ETS) for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of large industrial sources such as power plants, refineries and steel works. Since 2005, covered installations need a tradable allowance for each tonne of GHG emission. To ensure a reduction of -71% in 2050 compared to 2005 the cap is constantly reduced.

Quick phase-out of nuclear power is possible without power gap or price explosion

WWF Germany and Oeko-Institut analysis: Complete decommissioning of all nuclear power plants by 2020 is possible in Germany without jeopardising climate protection

Oeko-Institut at a glance: New profile flyer

Independent, visionary, international – research and consultancy at Oeko-Institut has many facets and is continually geared to the key issues of sustainability. Oeko-Institut’s new flyer provides information on its profile and core competencies as well as presenting examples of some of its research and consultancy projects.

Rare earths – A turning point for efficiency and recycling

Rare earths – A turning point for efficiency and recycling The recycling of rare earths is a strategy geared to the sustainable use of valuable raw materials in times of rising prices and the scarcity of such resources.

An analysis by the Oeko-Insitut demonstrates: Ambitious greenhouse gas reductions in Europe are possible

The objective to limit global warming to a maximum increase of 2°Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels, has gained importance again at the climate summit ...

Bioenergy – naturally sustainable? / The new eco@work is online

Bioenergy has been much talked about for many years. The debate often highlights the risk of competition between food and energy production.

The EU Emissions Trading Scheme - A multi-million deal for German industry

As a result of the free allocation of emission allowances under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS), German energy producers are able to reap several billion and German industrial companies several hundred million Euros of additional revenue in the first and second trading periods (2005-2012) of the scheme.

E-waste – moving beyond good and evil

Oeko-Institut report shows possibilities for sustainable e-waste recycling in Ghana

Resources fever – A cool head for hot resource debates

Öko-Institut presents recent studies and reports on the sustainable use of resources on its website www.resourcefever.org. We discuss, for example, how resources can be used more efficiently within the EU as well as issues related to the recycling of electronic waste in newly industrialising and developing countries.