Basic industry

The industrial sector in Germany is strong, yet it also is associated with considerable environmental impacts. The basic industry in particular supplies the basic raw materials and feedstocks for a great range of production processes. In consequence, there is considerable potential for both increased efficiency and the application of secondary raw materials. However, the high energy demand of the chemical, metal, and construction and building material industries in combination with intense raw material consumption present a serious ongoing challenge for German environmental policy efforts. For many years, ifeu has been carrying out environmental assessments, with a detailed process modelling approach and in close cooperation with partners from the industry and relevant organisations.

Our focus of work

Construction and building materials industry

A considerable share of the German raw material demand arises from the construction and building materials industry, an industry branch that primarily utilises primary raw materials. In support of resource conservation, ifeu explores concepts and novel product solutions to reduce specific raw material use and to promote the application and integration of secondary raw materials.

Chemical industry

The chemical industry, including the petrochemical industry, produces key starting products for other branches of industry. With its energy-intensive processes and the high input of fossil raw materials, the chemical industry causes a considerable share of the overall anthropogenic environmental impacts.

Metal industry

The metal industry is among the key branches of industry in Germany. It includes the production of steel and non-ferrous metals, and the foundry and metalworking industries. A defining characteristic of the metal industry is its very high energy demand. Novel processes and metal recycling offer ways to reduce energy intensity and environmental impacts while simultaneously increasing resource efficiency.

Axel Liebich

Dipl. Ing. (FH) Environmental Protection
+49 (0)6221 4767 29
axel.liebich@ifeu.de

Dr. Thomas Fröhlich

Dr.-Ing. (PhD)
Scientific Director
+49 (0)6221 4767 772
thomas.froehlich@ifeu.de