Breakthrough for Green Innovation – Sustainability at the Potsdam Science Park
The Potsdam Science Park has launched a new working group where research institutes, companies, and startups join forces to promote sustainability within the park. The goal is to develop innovative solutions for climate protection and resource-efficient business practices.
In November 2024, stakeholders from the Potsdam Science Park convened for the kickoff workshop of the newly established Sustainability Working Group. Participants included colleagues from the Fraunhofer and Max Planck Institutes, companies and startups, technology and innovation centers, and the site management team. The meeting provided significant insights into existing sustainability initiatives. Together, the working group is now devising pathways for implementing future measures.
The analysis of ongoing measures and individual activities within the various institutions revealed an unexpectedly high level of initiated and completed sustainability projects. This is both an encouraging finding and a solid foundation for further efforts.
The Sustainability Working Group will meet three times a year, starting in January 2025. Each meeting will focus on several core aspects: Institutes and companies will present current initiatives in the fields of energy efficiency, mobility, and biodiversity. Additionally, pressing obstacles will be discussed, and best practices shared. External experts will provide keynote lectures on jointly selected topics to further enrich the agenda. Beyond knowledge sharing, a key objective of the Sustainability Working Group is to develop quantifiable sustainability indicators to measure progress objectively.
Alongside these regular workshops, the existing equipment-pooling initiative will be expanded. Beyond optimizing the use and transfer of equipment, the concept will incorporate aspects such as reuse and the inclusion of small items and furniture.
To enhance internal and external communication, several initiatives have been established: At the regular PR and communication meetings involving the University of Potsdam, the Fraunhofer and Max Planck Institutes, and other stakeholders with the site management, “Sustainability” will become a fixed agenda item. Starting in December 2024, the Potsdam Science Park’s quarterly newsletter will feature a new section dedicated to sustainability topics. Additionally, these topics will be disseminated via the park’s social media channels.
Implemented measures will be continuously evaluated and adjusted as needed to ensure their effectiveness. This systematic approach aims to establish sustainability as an integral part of the activities within the Potsdam Science Park, make new projects and initiatives visible, and foster knowledge transfer.
Through interdisciplinary exchange, we aim to inspire one another with suggestions, ideas, and possibilities for implementation. Beyond its scientific excellence and innovative strength, the Potsdam Science Park offers numerous opportunities and models for sustainable living and business practices.
Ilka Mai
Management Start-up & Transfer
ilka.mai@potsdam-sciencepark.de +49 331 237 351 107