VDI Zentrum Ressourceneffizienz GmbH

The VDI Zentrum Ressourceneffizienz (VDI ZRE) is a competence center that has established itself since its founding in 2009 as a central authority for the efficient use of materials and energy in companies. It works on behalf of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection and pools know-how from theory and practice.

• Instruments and Tools: The VDI ZRE offers a variety of practical tools and instruments, such as the "Cost Calculator" and "Resource Checks," which help companies analyze their cost structure and material and energy flows and identify resource efficiency potentials. These tools are also available as mobile apps[3][4].
• Product-Service Systems (PSS): The center supports the development of PSS business models that offer high potential for resource savings throughout the entire product lifecycle[3][4].
• Material Database: A comprehensive database that lists by-products and secondary raw materials in various categories to reduce the demand for primary raw materials and make companies less dependent on the global raw material market[3].
• Training and Workshops: The VDI ZRE regularly organizes workshops and training events, such as the "Green-AI Hub SMEs" and events on topics like heat pumps and sustainable production, to support companies in increasing their resource efficiency[4].

The main mission of the VDI Zentrum Ressourceneffizienz is to support companies in implementing measures to increase resource efficiency. This is achieved by providing technical know-how, practical tools, and promoting sustainability and environmental protection. The values of the center are based on the belief that the conservation of natural resources is both ecologically and economically sensible.

• Resource Conservation and Climate Protection: The VDI ZRE works to help companies reduce their material and energy costs while simultaneously decreasing resource consumption and CO₂ emissions. This is achieved by promoting sustainable production processes, utilizing secondary raw materials, and developing resource-efficient product-service systems[3][4].
• Regional Cooperation: Through the "Efficiency Atlas," regional cooperation and local exchange are promoted by presenting relevant practical examples and actors on an interactive map[4].
• Education and Training: The center develops and offers training programs to improve the qualifications of professionals in the field of resource efficiency. Examples include projects like "Education for Resource Conservation and Resource Efficiency" (BilRess)[4].

The VDI Zentrum Ressourceneffizienz has already demonstrated numerous success stories in operational practice. Companies like Carus GmbH & Co KG, which were supported by the Environmental Innovation Program, have achieved significant resource savings through the implementation of resource-efficient product solutions, such as energy-efficient LED lights[2].

Through its comprehensive activities and offerings, the VDI Zentrum Ressourceneffizienz makes an important contribution to promoting sustainability and resource efficiency in German companies.

• 1 - https://wirtschaft-und-management.de/wissen/ressourceneffizienz-in-unternehmen/
• 2 - https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/sites/default/files/medien/378/dokumente/ressourceneffizienz_in_unternehmen.pdf
• 3 - https://www.ressource-deutschland.de/themen/
• 4 - https://www.ressource-deutschland.de
• 5 - https://www.foerderdatenbank.de/FDB/Content/DE/Foerderprogramm/Land/Hamburg/unternehmen-fuer-ressourcenschutz.html