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We do research on Biomass
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We do research on Resources
We do research on Mobility
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We do research on Nutrition
We do research on Industry & Products
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We do research on Energy

Welcome to ifeu

ifeu researches and advises on all important environmental and sustainability issues worldwide. With over 45 years of experience, it is one of the most important ecologically oriented research institutes in Germany. Our work is characterised by experience, independence, practical relevance and a goal-oriented approach. At present, ifeu has over 100 employees from the fields of natural sciences, engineering and social sciences at its sites in Heidelberg and Berlin.

ifeu News

05/26/2025

Launch of EU project ‘CERISEA’: industrial production of 5-HMF

CERISEA is a pioneering project: for the first time, the bio-based platform chemical 5-HMF (5-hydroxymethylfurfural) is to be produced on an industrial scale from fructose and non-food side streams. 5-HMF is considered a versatile ‘sleeping giant’ of green chemistry – but until now, there has been no industrial production. Twelve European partners are involved in the project, which is led by Michelin Engineered Polymers and includes ifeu.

05/22/2025

Climate Expert Council warns: the state of Baden-Württemberg threatens to significantly miss its 2030 climate targets

At the meeting of the Baden-Württemberg State Parliament's Committee for the Environment, Climate and the Energy Sector on 15 May, the Climate Expert Council presented a report and made current assessments and recommendations on climate policy in Baden-Württemberg. The conclusion is clear: if Baden-Württemberg still wants to achieve its 2030 climate targets, action must be taken quickly and consistently in all sectors.

05/22/2025

KfW Publishes Methodology Paper on Emission Assessment for Clean Transport Projects

The Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) today announced the publication of a comprehensive methodology paper detailing the assessment of greenhouse gas and air pollutant emission reductions expected to be achieved through clean transport projects. This paper, prepared by ifeu at KfW's request, aims to enhance transparency for KfW investors regarding impact calculations, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of how KfW measures its impacts.

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Projects

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Scientific support for the development of a concept for calculating environmental footprints of food products

ifeu is supporting Greenado GmbH in the development of a calculation concept for the environmental footprints of food products and is providing data specially adapted to this concept.

Shaping Nature-Friendly Consumption

Recommendations for selected Products to Protect Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Worldwide

The project describes the biodiversity impacts of the consumption of soy, palm oil and shrimp in countries of the Global South and derives corresponding consumption-effective policy recommendations.

Greywater Study

In the course of the Rapid Planning Project, a decentral greywater treatment system is tested in an unplanned settlement in Kigali, Rwanda.

All projects

ifeu Newsletter

Would you like to stay up to date with the latest news from ifeu? Subscribe to our newsletter now and find out what's on our minds about once a month (only in German)

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ifeu- Podcast

Scientists from ifeu talk to editors from the Berlin communications agency Ahnen&Enkel about current research topics. Only available in German.

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Carbon Calculator

Calculate your personal CO₂ footprint and optimise it for the future. ifeu has created the data basis for the UBA CarbonCalculator and is constantly developing it further.

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New: The electricity application check. This gives you more transparency about the most important electricity consumption in your household and compares it with statistical average values for households of your size. (in German)

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