Climate-neutral and climate-resilient systems, environmental protection

By integrating satellite image data, geodata and climate data, we are able to record the effects of climate change in various action areas including forestry, agriculture and biodiversity. Our monitoring systems and products provide input data for AI-based forecasting models to analyse climate risks and initiate adaptation measures.

• RestorEO: Monitoring system for biodiversity and ecosystem restoration
• SINCA: Carbon accounting in Singapore
• FNEWs: Remote sensing-based national forest damage assessment system in Germany
• Life Prognoses: Strengthening the protection of primary and primeval forests in Europe in designated UNESCO World Heritage sites

Our portfolio ranges from the creation of hazard warning maps for mudslides and landslides to remote sensing-based monitoring systems for ground subsidence and landslides to precise, AI-supported forecast models. We use these tools to analyse a wide range of climate-related risks and support the selection of appropriate adaptation measures.
Based on location, activity, weather and climate data, we develop detailed statistical models to quantify individual or company-specific risks. The increasing availability of high-resolution spatiotemporal data enables us to develop practical climate services and digital tools.

• LIFE project JustFair receives national award for climate change adaptation
• TRIGGER: Identifying, monitoring and classifying the impacts of climate-related health risks
• ClimateDiseaseRisk: Risk assessment of infectious diseases caused by climate change
• ALaDyn: Assessment of landslide risk in dynamic environments

Nature-based solutions, such as those developed by us and our partners, offer a wide range of ecological, social and economic benefits: they support adaptation to climate change, for example by reducing heat island effects in cities or by creating retention areas for heavy rain and flooding. In addition, they promote the renaturation of habitats and increase the well-being of the population through improved air quality and new recreational areas.

• Invest4Nature: Creation of a market for nature-based solutions
• Rooftop Farming Partnership

The development and implementation of climate policy instruments requires an integrative approach that takes equal account of technological openness, social justice and economic incentives. Our work provides sound analyses and targeted compensatory measures. We support companies, regions and public administrations in planning and implementing concrete transformation steps and programmes.

• LOCA2Transformation: Recommended actions were proposed to support companies on the path towards climate neutrality
• Fossilfree4Industry: Phasing out of fossil gas in the manufacturing industry in the WEIZplus region
• HelEx: Development of heat- and drought-resistant sunflower varieties
• ClinSteel: Development of a climate neutrality model for the transformation of steel production
• User-oriented technology development: Social diversity in research and innovation projects

We have a unique set of methods for assessing the environmental impact of products and services throughout their entire life cycle: from raw material extraction to manufacturing, distribution, use and recycling. We prepare greenhouse gas inventories for products, companies and systems and support our clients in transparent communication and reporting to authorities and customers.

• LIFE Cycle Assessment Center
• IEA Task 46: Life cycle analysis of vehicles
• Climate Balances and greenhouse gas balance for Businesses and Products

From a user-centred perspective, we demonstrate how citizens can actively shape the climate transition, for example through sustainable product design, involvement in energy communities or political participation in local governance.

• Green Experience Lab
• ACCORD: Common understanding as an initiator for local climate protection measures
• Citizen-Led-Renovation: New EU initiative puts renovation projects in the hands of citizens

The capture and utilisation of CO₂ (CCUS) plays a central role on the path to climate neutrality. We quantify the contribution of CCUS in emission pathways and evaluate the cost and energy efficiency of technical processes in comparison to alternative options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

• aDvAnCe: Validation of a novel direct air capture (DAC) technology in pilot operation for efficient CO₂ removal from the atmosphere