Industry mulls climate protection and sustainability in Hamburg

"A strong industry in Europe is the prerequisite for secure local jobs and a positive climate balance worldwide. Even though industry accounts for only 3.5 per cent of all companies, they generate around 31 per cent of total taxable turnover in Hamburg. Thus, industry has a direct impact on the city and its contribution to climate protection," said Dr Melanie Leonhard, Senator for Economics. Industry is aware of its responsibility for climate protection, but politicians must also create framework conditions and promote talks.

"Hamburg's industry seeks constant contact with urban society," said Matthias Boxberger, Chairman of the Hamburg Industry Association. Industry is putting technical innovations in place to make factories more energy efficient and to cut CO2 emissions. Many companies are involved in efficiency networks such as the Hamburg Environmental Partnership or other voluntary commitments. "It is important for the public to perceive industry as a partner in climate protection," he added. The sector is relying on green hydrogen to decarbonise industry. The TU is researching technological solutions to counter climate change and its consequences. "Ideas and solutions from research find their way into industry, business and society," said  Prof. Dr.-Ing. Andreas Timm-Giel, President of the TU. They include products by the start-ups Traceless and Colipi, for instance, both of which are spin-offs from the TU. Traceless has developed a technology for producing bio-circular and plastic-free materials from natural biopolymers while Colipi has come up with globally unique technology for producing oil-forming yeasts in a CO2-neutral manner.

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