Hot or Cool Institute

The Hot or Cool Institute is a public interest think tank based in Berlin, operating at the intersection of society and sustainability. Our goal is to promote radical and responsible measures to achieve fair and environmentally sustainable societies through scientific research and evidence-based policy advice.

Our mission is to equip organizations, policymakers, and communities with the necessary evidence and tools to make bold and informed decisions. Our work is guided by three core values:

• A society within ecological limits: We strive for a world where human lifestyles remain within the planet's natural boundaries.
• Fairness and justice: We advocate for a fair distribution of resources and opportunities to ensure the well-being of all.
• Well-being for all: Our focus is on the well-being of all people without compromising the environment.

• Policy research and analysis: We conduct comprehensive research and analysis to support concepts of sustainable societies with scientific foundations.
• Science communication and engagement: We coordinate communication and engagement on complex sustainability issues to provide accessible information to decision-makers and practitioners.
• Co-creation of sustainability solutions: We develop and implement solutions based on scientific insights and practical experiences.
• Capacity development and implementation tools: We provide tools and programs for businesses, organizations, and policymakers to support the transition to a circular economy.
• Technical support: We provide technical support in the development and implementation of new economic policies and practices[2][3][4].

The Hot or Cool Institute is committed to promoting systemic change to address global ecological and social challenges. Our key initiatives include:

• Projects to reduce lifestyle emissions: We work on projects that explore options for reducing emissions through lifestyle changes, such as the project "Towards a fair consumption space for all" in Norway.
• Innovation Fund for Sustainable Living (IF4SL): This project brings together funders to combat excessive consumption and promote sustainable lifestyles.
• 21st Century Eco-Social Contract: Here, we use the concept of a social contract to diagnose and understand social issues by articulating explicit agreements, narratives, and pacts.
• Happy Planet Index: This index measures what truly matters – sustainable well-being for all – and shows how well nations are achieving long, happy, and sustainable lives[4].

Our work is characterized by close collaboration, experimentation, and clear communication. We believe that the status quo can be changed and that bold and experimental changes are necessary to achieve sustainability at scale. By combining scientific insights and practical experiences, we work towards achieving the goals of climate protection, biodiversity, and sustainable development[3][4].

The Hot or Cool Institute is a key player in the fight for a sustainable future by connecting scientific research, policy advice, and practical solutions to create a fair, just, and environmentally sustainable world.

• 1 - https://www.getbaito.com/de/orga/hot-or-cool-institute
• 2 - https://hotorcool.org/about-us/
• 3 - https://onepointfivelifestyles.eu/team/hot-or-cool-institute
• 4 - https://hotorcool.org
• 5 - https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/sites/default/files/medien/11850/publikationen/33_2024_texte_transformationspfade.pdf