Further development of technical principles for environmental and climate management and the greenhouse gas neutrality of companies
Motivation
In the face of climate change, companies are increasingly expected to take an active role in environmental and climate management. This responsibility is driven by intrinsic motivations, customer inquiries, and new legal requirements. However, the complexity of technical knowledge, evolving processes, and management approaches needed to implement effective climate management poses significant challenges. New regulations such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), along with various standards for measuring greenhouse gas emissions, add layers of difficulty for companies aiming to stay compliant and structured in their climate management efforts.
Objective
The project “Further Development of Technical Foundations for Environmental and Climate Management and the Greenhouse Gas Neutrality of Companies” aims to support companies in meeting greenhouse gas neutrality requirements. It considers current legal regulations, norms, standards, and existing guidelines to create comprehensive, cross-industry general guidelines. Additionally, for three selected sectors, specific guidelines will be developed to detail the general guidelines. The project also focuses on defining the qualifications needed for experts who will assess climate management practices in companies.
Projektstruktur
Project Structure
The project is divided into four work packages (WPs), each addressing a different aspect of the overall goal.
WP1: Analysis of Current Regulations and Standards
- Review of existing legal regulations, norms, and standards.
- Identification of gaps and overlaps in current guidelines.
WP2: Development of General Guidelines
- Formulation of comprehensive, cross-industry guidelines.
- Integration of best practices and lessons learned from various sectors.
WP3: Sector-Specific Guidelines
- Creation of detailed, industry-specific guidelines for three chosen sectors.
- Tailoring of general guidelines to address sector-specific challenges and requirements.
WP4: Expert Requirements Development
- Defining the qualifications and skills required for experts reviewing company climate management.
- Establishment of training programs and certification processes for these experts.
FfE content in the project
The Research Center for Energy Economics (FfE e.V.) and its affiliated company, FfE GmbH, play a crucial role in this project. They facilitate practical contacts within companies and lead WP3, focusing on the preparation of both general and sector-specific guidelines.
Project partners and funding
Commissioned by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) and coordinated by the Institute for Resource Efficiency and Energy Strategies (IREES), the project is a collaborative effort involving several partners:
- IREES: Coordination and overall project management.
- GUTcert: Expertise in certification and standards.
- FfE GmbH: Leadership in guideline preparation and practical company contacts.
- FfE e.V.: Support in project execution and industry engagement.
Through this collaborative effort, the project aims to provide clear, actionable guidelines to help companies navigate the complex landscape of environmental and climate management, ultimately contributing to their greenhouse gas neutrality goals.