This was also the case in the accompanying process with the Polytechnic University of Valencia. The research collaboration entered its next phase with the help of the NATURGY Foundation. We would particularly like to thank Prof. Miguel Ángel Artacho Ramírez, Director of the PRINS Institute. The translation of the joint research work required a technically easy-to-read translation into Spanish, which was financed by NATURGY. The publication can be downloaded free of charge and the colloquium is available in full online.

v.l.v.r.: Luis Palomino, ASEGRE; Eveline Lemke; María Eugenia Coronado, Natury; Vicente Martínez Mus, Comunitat Valencia; Débora Domingo-Calabuig, UPV; Miguel Àngel Artacho Ramírez, UPV; Eugenio Cámara, EMTRE; Manel Calvo Díaz, Naturgy

The colloquium held on December 11, 2025, in Valencia provided an opportunity to share important findings directly with Vicente Martínez Mus, Deputy Vice President and Head of Economic and Social Recovery in Valencia, as well as Infrastructure and Regional Planning. Direct dialogue in a trusting environment makes it much easier to arrive at findings that can also be implemented. Also present were Eugenio Cámara, Technical Director of EMTRE, and Luis Palomino, Secretary General of the Association of Hazardous Waste Disposal Companies in Spain, representing municipal waste disposal companies. They all want to use the insights gained for the next flood and incorporate them into all preparations and planning.

Since my last visit to Spain, many steps have been taken to implement the circular economy. Spain is also focusing on introducing the circular economy, and the starting point was more difficult than in Germany. However, this does not yet apply to issues of urban development, space for water, or water quality even after the 2024 floods; there is still plenty to discuss here. Visually, there is no longer any flood debris to be seen, roads and paths have been largely cleaned up, and access routes have been established. Waste disposal fees for all types of waste have also been introduced. Much of the debris and waste in Valencia has been processed and sent to approved landfills. Even though the waste is out of sight, it is still there, e.g., in temporary storage facilities that are not equipped as landfills. I was also able to address the importance of developing state-of-the-art landfills and that waste incineration is also an option for the safe destruction of hazardous waste. It is clear that these developments also need to be compared with the conclusions reached in Germany on the circular economy. Further research is to be carried out on this together.

International appeal as far as India:

We would also like to extend a special greeting to the moderator of the event, Jorge Alacid, who is also chief coordinator for all channels at Las Provincias. Together with his colleague Amalia Yusta, he released a documentary film after visiting the Ahr Valley in July 2024.

“The slow road to reconstruction: lessons from Germany” ( “El lento camino de la reconstrucción: lecciones desde Alemania”) won an award at the Mumbai Shorts International Film Festival and received a special mention as :

• Best Documentary
• Best Concept

Congratulations to the LAS PROVINCIAS team on this recognition!

Mumbai International Short Film Festival

The film with subtitles can also be viewed on YouTube.

Der Beitrag Valencia – many steps forward and international appeal erschien zuerst auf Thinking Circular.

For the CSRD (sustainability reporting)

• Postponement of reporting obligations: The deadlines for reporting obligations for companies in the second and third waves have been postponed by two years.
  • Large companies that were not previously subject to reporting requirements (originally from 2025) are now expected to report from 2028 for the 2027 financial year.
  • Listed small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) (originally from 2026) now have until 2029 for initial application.
• Reduction of reporting content: The number of data points required in the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) is to be reduced and simplified.
• Voluntary EU taxonomy reporting requirements: Companies with fewer than 1,000 employees or a turnover of less than €450 million are no longer required to disclose their compliance with the EU taxonomy; this will become voluntary.
• Revision of the ESRS: The reporting standards are to be completely revamped and the interfaces with other regulations improved.

For the CSDDD (supply chain due diligence)

• Limited scope: Due diligence obligations will focus on direct business partners (Tier 1) in the supply chain. Indirect partners only need to be included if the company has specific knowledge of potential risks.
• Raising of thresholds: The directive now only applies to a very small proportion of companies, as the thresholds have been raised significantly. EU companies with more than 1,750 employees and global net sales of more than €450 million are affected.

The aim of these changes is to relieve companies, especially SMEs, of excessive bureaucracy (“simplification”). Final agreement on the “Omnibus” package containing these changes is expected after the upcoming trilogue negotiations between the EU Parliament, Commission, and Council.

Will reporting on greenhouse gas reduction still have to be based on scientific targets?

Yes, the basic obligation to report on greenhouse gas reduction remains under the CSRD. The changes proposed by the EU Parliament mainly concern the deadlines and scope of application, not the core content of climate reporting for the companies concerned.

• CSRD (sustainability reporting): The specific ESRS E1 (climate change) standard is mandatory for all companies covered by the directive and requires the disclosure of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, the steps taken to reduce them, and the targets for emission reduction. These targets are also expected to be consistent with scientific findings and the Paris Climate Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
• CSDDD (supply chain due diligence): The directive also requires affected companies to draw up a climate plan that is consistent with the goal of climate neutrality and the 1.5-degree limit of the Paris Agreement.

Although reporting is to be simplified overall and the deadlines are being postponed, the requirements for transparency and the setting of scientifically based climate targets remain a central component of EU regulations.

Which software products are suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises to create a report themselves?

For medium-sized companies that want to create their own sustainability reports, there are various ESG and CSRD software solutions that are specifically tailored to their needs. These tools are designed to simplify and automate the process of data collection, analysis, and reporting. Choosing the right software depends on individual requirements, budget, and data complexity. Here are some examples that are suitable for medium-sized companies:

• Specialized ESG and CSRD tools: Many providers offer affordable, tiered pricing models and features tailored to SMEs. These tools often provide automation for data collection and help with CSRD compliance, including ESRS.
• VSME tools: For companies that are not yet directly covered by the CSRD but still want to produce a sustainability report (often as part of the “trickle-down” effect from business partners), there are tools based on the voluntary standard for SMEs (VSME) . These are compact and tailored to the real capabilities of smaller companies.
• German Sustainability Code (DNK) Platform: The DNK offers a free platform financed by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection. It serves as a user-friendly companion and guide to reporting and helps to easily meet the requirements of the CSRD.

Important criteria when selectiing software

When selecting software, small and medium-sized enterprises should pay attention to the following points:

• Automation: The software should largely automate data collection and processing in order to minimize internal effort.
• User-friendliness: An intuitive interface is important, as reporting is often carried out by employees who are not sustainability experts.
• Regulatory compliance: The solution must ensure that all relevant ESRS requirements are covered.
• Scalability: The software should be able to grow with the company in case requirements increase in the future. Conversely, large family offices or complex financing structures that encompass several companies should set requirements for fulfilling reporting obligations. Here, it is important to address the challenges posed by the different characteristics of associated companies. It is advisable to establish the requirements only after a materiality analysis. As long as this is not possible on a top-down basis, we recommend that companies continue their VSME or ESRS reporting in the usual manner.

Ultimately, the aim is to find a solution that reduces effort, minimizes errors, and enables accurate and transparent reporting.

What clarifications still need to be made regarding reporting on social, biodiversity-related, or other goals?

The German Federal Association for Sustainable Business (Bundesverband Nachhaltige Wirtschaft e. V.), along with other associations, is calling for clarity in reporting and transparent rules on when certain aspects of reporting may be omitted. Against this background, we recommend that individual reporting should not be reduced compared to the previous year under any circumstances, as otherwise it will not be possible to document improvements in the data series until clarity has been established. Reporters should continue to follow the existing ESRS framework. The BNW e. V. statement can be found here.

Source – European Parliament Press Office.

Der Beitrag Sustainability – what next? erschien zuerst auf Thinking Circular.

The terrible flood disaster in Valencia in 2024 led to political consequences on November 3, 2025. Conservative Prime Minister Mazón announced his resignation after the journalist with whom he had a business lunch on the day of the flood testified in court that Mazón had been constantly texting on his cell phone. All of this and the head of government’s responsibility are being examined in court. Mazón had previously claimed that his cell phone had been turned off during the meal. This statement seems to prove that he lied, and he has already admitted in the media that he was overwhelmed. But what does this mean for a new government that can only take action after a new election?

Valencia faces numerous challenges in making the region more resilient after the devastating floods of 2024. In addition to urgently improving crisis preparedness and warning systems, cooperation with scientific networks and civil society must also be intensified in order to find more effective long-term solutions.

Networking the flood regions of the Ahr Valley and Valencia

The newspaper Las Provincias visited us in the summer on the anniversary of the 2021 floods in the Ahr Valley and a specialist conference. Their film documentary summarizes how they see the challenges in comparison between the regions. They emphasize that without compassion for those affected, no solutions can be found, neither on the Ahr nor in Valencia. We would like to express our special thanks to Jorge Alacid López, the editor-in-chief, and Amalia Yusta Gamez for the excellent documentary. We highly recommend the film.

Civil society actors will certainly now be measuring the candidates’ positions on concrete measures in the election campaign. We would therefore like to summarize here what is important in order to help the region.

Improvement of crisis preparedness and warning systems

• Response to failed warnings: The massive criticism of the delayed and ineffective warning system in October 2024 requires a complete overhaul of the system.
• Improved communication: Delays between the issuance of meteorological warnings and the actual notification of the population must be eliminated. A fast and direct warning system for mobile phones (ES-Alert) must function reliably and be able to be triggered immediately in case of danger.
• Strengthening infrastructure: The expansion of more effective urban drainage systems, dams, and retention basins is necessary to mitigate future flash floods. Water needs space, and this must be provided.
• Stricter building regulations: In view of the damage caused by unregulated development in flood areas, building regulations must be tightened and stricter development plans enforced.

Involvement of science and civil society

• Coordination with researchers: The government must draw on the expertise of climate scientists, hydrologists, and disaster management experts to conduct risk assessments and develop prevention strategies.
• Public awareness and education: The population, especially in the most vulnerable areas, must be better informed about the risks and rules of conduct in emergencies.
• Involving civil society groups in planning: The experience and knowledge of civil society groups, which are often the first on the scene, should be incorporated into disaster management planning.
• Strengthening volunteers and organizations: Organizations such as the Red Cross must receive the necessary support in emergencies to be able to provide better first aid and longer-term recovery assistance.
• Promoting community resilience: Educational initiatives and regular drills can strengthen people’s sense of personal responsibility and improve their ability to help themselves.

Building long-term resilience

• Holistic approach: A comprehensive, cross-departmental approach that takes into account the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health is crucial to counteracting the effects of extreme weather events.
• Psychological support: Providing psychological assistance to flood victims and long-term recovery plans are crucial for the mental resilience of the community.
• Overcoming political division: Effective cooperation between the regional government and the Spanish central government is essential to avoid delays and confusion in the event of a disaster.

For further reading, we recommend the PERC study by the Zurich Foundation, which lists the necessities in a scientifically sound manner. It can now serve as a questionnaire in the election campaign.

Photo by Las Provincias, Iván Arlandis

Der Beitrag One year after DANA erschien zuerst auf Thinking Circular.

Flood disasters are local signs of the climate crisis, but the problem is global. That is why international meetings help to cope with and adapt to the new situation. To mark the fourth anniversary of the flood disaster in the Ahr Valley, Thinking CircularÒ organized an excursion in the Ahr Valley, workshops at the Environmental Learning School Plus of the AWB Niederzissen and a conference on the Remagen campus. The conference brought together scientists, engineers, business representatives and stakeholder associations from Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and Spain. They were supported by a network of companies that value the approach of intensive European exchange.

Excursion to the Ahr valley reveals strong similarities

The obvious analogies between the floods that hit Germany in 2021 and the floods in Valencia in 2024 provided concrete food for thought. The excursion to the Ahr Valley and the scientists’ findings were particularly decisive in this regard. In the Ahr valley, there were expert explanations from Markus Becker at the Sinzig sewage treatment plant, from Robert Füllmann at the Lohrsdorf floodplains and from Maximilian Kranich from the district town’s construction and development company, as well as from Maximilian Schell from Zukunft Mittelahr about a new approach to bridges at the Heppingen bridge. He gave his tour under the title “Dernau: A village reinvents itself”. The participants Rosa Álvarez and Carmen Gil, President and Vice President of the Association of Victims of Dana 29O, who were themselves affected by the floods in Valencia, concluded: “If you look at how Germany is doing four years later, we’re not doing so badly in Valencia.”

Teilnehmer Exkursion und Workshops Donnerstag, 03.07.2025

There are also differences

However, the different appearance of the affected regions is mainly characterized by the valleys and the wide mountains that fed the overflowing rivers. One common element is the similar number of fatalities. According to Rosa Álvarez and Carmen Gil, the admirable response of the city of Valencia after the disaster and the volunteer help in the Ahr are key factors that explain why the situation in Spain allows for a positive outlook after looking at the reconstruction in the Ahr valley. “Hope is what keeps us going,” they emphasize.

“Hope, resilience, reparation and justice – we must not forget that, because it is very important.” Both Álvarez and Gil were able to speak to people who, like them, were affected by the horrific impact of the tragedy in a region of Germany that is still anchored in the events of 2021. They spoke to Heimersheim architect Udo Heimermann, among others, to find out how he experienced these dramatic hours and how he contributed to the gradual return to normality. The lesson learned: “Cohesion within the region is the decisive factor – as in the Ahr Valley, so also in Valencia after the damage caused by the Dana.” Another lesson is that the safety measures implemented must be guided by the principle of cooperation between administrations – a variable that did not work completely in either of the two disasters.

Exchange is needed

v.l.n.r.: Eveline Lemke, Arthur tenWolde, Claudia Mensi, Jutta Paulus, Michael Hauer

The conclusion of the event, which was attended by around 100 experts and at which they also met with the State Secretary of the Ministry of the Environment, Michael Hauer, and MEP Jutta Paulus (The Greens), was: “It is necessary to have a direct exchange between those affected, the reconstruction managers in the municipalities, the scientific community and the authorities.” Gaining mutual knowledge helps to classify one’s own challenges and enables learning from an outside perspective. “The participants want to continue working towards this,” says Eveline Lemke. Against this backdrop, the results were summarized in a final document from Thinking CircularÒ , which also represents a call to the EU to facilitate this type of cooperation. You can find the final document in German, English and Spanish here:

https://thinking-circular.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Ergebnispapier-4.7.-DEENES.pdf

The issues of the final paper were discussed with Michael Hauer (State Secretary for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy and Mobility in Rhineland-Palatinate), Jutta Paulus (MEP, The Greens/European Free Alliance), Claudia Mensi (President of FEAD European Waste Management Association) and Arthur ten Wolde (Executive Director of Ecopreneur.eu).

The participants advocated strengthening cooperation to exchange experiences and, in particular, ensuring that water, waste and soil management is strengthened across sectors early on in the crisis.

Further insights and presentations:

Dr. Jorge Alacid López holds a doctorate in communication theory, is a journalist and coordinating director of the newspaper Las Provincias, the largest and oldest media house in Valencia. In his presentation, he emphasized the role of the press in education and in the fight against fake news by providing solid information so that the region can develop. He also put the participants in an emotional mood for the event when he showed this video about the work of his journalists:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzAJfuLCJU8

Dr. Miguel Àngel Artacho Ramirez

Waste management is not automatically included in emergency plans or crisis groups. This must change, as waste management is a central element of post-crisis care. This was the conclusion reached by a group of scientists from Germany and Spain. The presentation by Prof. Miguel Ángel Artacho Ramirez, PRINS, Polytechnic University of Valencia, can be found here:

https://thinking-circular.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2.Artacho_Analysis-of-the-risks-faced-by-DWM.pdf

StS Michael Hauer, Salvador Ortí

Salvador Ortí from the Clean Waste Cluster in Spain is working to improve the polluted environment and is making environmental technologies available through his network. Those involved hope that this will make it easier for the authorities to comply with EU waste directives and environmental regulations. Click here for the presentation on the cluster’s role in the flood disaster:

https://thinking-circular.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Salvador-Orti-4th-Anniversary-Presentation-on-the-Ahr-Valley-Floods.pdf

Prof. Joan Estrany from the University of the Balearic Islands and head of the Observatory for Natural Risks and Emergencies on the Balearic Islands was able to report on the Riscbal environmental monitoring network that has been set up. Whether flood risks, forest fires or gravitational hazards: The early warning system is based on real-time data and modeling and is designed to save lives. Click here for the presentation:

https://thinking-circular.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/4.estrany_ahr_valley_25.pdf

Prof. Dr. Alexander Fekete from the Technical University of Cologne focuses his research on cooperation between stakeholders. He describes this as a key success factor. The interactions between crisis, waste, water and soil management are of central importance.

https://thinking-circular.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/250704-Fekete-Ahrtal.pdf

Prof. Dr. Lothar Kirschbauer from Koblenz University of Applied Sciences reported on the KAHR science network, Dr. Bert Droste-Francke from IQIB complemented him. You can find the presentations here:

https://thinking-circular.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Vortrag_4th-Remembrance-Day_Kirschbauer_20250704.pdf

https://thinking-circular.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Droste-Franke_4ter_JT_Folien_KAHR1.pdf

Karsten Freichel from Zahnen Technik GmbH presented an innovative system for forecasting and early warning of future flood events.

https://thinking-circular.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/04.07.2025-Zahnen-Technik-Englisch.pdf

Jesus Perez, Managing Partner of the technology company Nunsys and President of the Clean Waste Cluster, presented his perspectives on the green transition.

https://thinking-circular.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/NUNSYS-2024-DANA.pdf

We would like to thank all sponsors for making the event a success!

4º aniversario de las inundaciones en el valle del Ahr – Los expertos internacionales se centran en la cooperación

La cooperación, la cohesión y la buena comunicación entre todas las partes interesadas de la región conducen a la resiliencia

Las catástrofes causadas por las inundaciones son signos localizados de la crisis climática, pero el problema es global. Por eso las reuniones internacionales ayudan a hacer frente y adaptarse a la nueva situación. Para conmemorar el cuarto aniversario de la catástrofe de las inundaciones en el valle del Ahr, Thinking CircularÒ organizó una excursión por el valle del Ahr, talleres en la Escuela de Aprendizaje Medioambiental Plus de AWB Niederzissen y una conferencia en el campus de Remagen. La conferencia reunió a científicos, ingenieros, representantes de empresas y organizaciones de partes interesadas de Alemania, Países Bajos, Italia y España. Contaron con el apoyo de una red de empresas que aprecia el planteamiento del intercambio intensivo europeo.

Una excursión al valle del Ahr revela grandes similitudes

Las evidentes analogías entre las inundaciones que asolaron Alemania en 2021 y las de Valencia en 2024 proporcionaron elementos concretos para la reflexión. La excursión al valle del Ahr y los hallazgos de los científicos fueron especialmente decisivos en este sentido. En el valle del Ahr, Markus Becker dio explicaciones de experto en la depuradora de Sinzig, Robert Füllmann en las llanuras aluviales de Lohrsdorf, Maximilian Kranich de la empresa de construcción y desarrollo de la ciudad del distrito y Maximilian Schell de Zukunft Mittelahr sobre un nuevo enfoque de los puentes en el puente de Heppingen. Dio su recorrido bajo el título “Dernau: un pueblo se reinventa”. Las participantes Rosa Álvarez y Carmen Gil, Presidenta y Vicepresidenta de la Asociación de Víctimas de Dana 29O, afectadas ellas mismas por las inundaciones de Valencia, concluyeron: “Si miramos cómo está Alemania cuatro años después, en Valencia no estamos tan mal.”

También hay diferencias

Sin embargo, el diferente aspecto de las regiones afectadas se caracteriza principalmente por los valles y las amplias montañas que alimentaron los ríos desbordados. Un elemento común es el número similar de víctimas mortales. Según Rosa Álvarez y Carmen Gil, la admirable respuesta de la ciudad de Valencia tras la catástrofe y la ayuda voluntaria en el Ahr son factores clave que explican por qué la situación en España permite mirar con optimismo la reconstrucción en el valle del Ahr. “La esperanza es lo que nos hace seguir adelante”, subrayan.

“Esperanza, resiliencia, reparación y justicia: no debemos olvidarlo, porque es muy importante”. Tanto Álvarez como Gil pudieron hablar con personas que, como ellos, se vieron afectadas por el horrible impacto de la tragedia en una región de Alemania que sigue anclada en los acontecimientos de 2021. Hablaron, entre otros, con el arquitecto de Heimersheim Udo Heimermann, para saber cómo vivió aquellas dramáticas horas y cómo contribuyó a la paulatina vuelta a la normalidad. La lección aprendida: “La cohesión dentro de la región es el factor decisivo; como en el valle del Ahr, también en Valencia tras los daños causados por el Dana”. Otra lección aprendida es que las medidas de seguridad aplicadas deben guiarse por el principio de cooperación entre administraciones, una variable que no funcionó del todo en ninguna de las dos catástrofes.

El intercambio es necesario

La conclusión del acto, al que asistieron un centenar de expertos y en el que también se reunieron con el Secretario de Estado del Ministerio de Medio Ambiente, Michael Hauer, y la eurodiputada Jutta Paulus (Los Verdes), fue: “Es necesario un diálogo directo entre los afectados, los responsables de la reconstrucción en los municipios, la comunidad científica y las autoridades”. Adquirir un conocimiento mutuo ayuda a categorizar los propios retos y permite aprender desde una perspectiva externa. “Los participantes quieren seguir trabajando en este sentido”, afirma Eveline Lemke. En este contexto, los resultados se resumieron en un documento final de Thinking CircularÒ , que también representa un llamamiento a la UE para que facilite este tipo de cooperación. Puede encontrar el documento final en alemán, inglés y español aquí:

https://thinking-circular.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Ergebnispapier-4.7.-DEENES.pdf

Los temas del documento final se debatieron con Michael Hauer (Secretario de Estado de Protección del Clima, Medio Ambiente, Energía y Movilidad de Renania-Palatinado), Jutta Paulus (eurodiputada de Los Verdes/Alianza Libre Europea), Claudia Mensi (Presidenta de la Asociación Europea de Gestión de Residuos FEAD) y Arthur ten Wolde (Director Ejecutivo de Ecopreneur.eu).

Los participantes se mostraron partidarios de reforzar la cooperación para intercambiar experiencias y, en particular, de velar por que la gestión del agua, los residuos y el suelo se refuerce en todos los sectores en una fase temprana de la crisis.

Más información y presentaciones:

El Dr. Jorge Alacid López es doctor en teoría de la comunicación, periodista y jefe de coordinación del diario Las Provincias, el mayor y más antiguo medio de comunicación de Valencia. En su presentación, hizo hincapié en el papel de la prensa a la hora de concienciar y combatir las noticias falsas proporcionando información sólida para que la región pueda seguir desarrollándose. También hizo que los participantes se emocionaran con el acto al proyectar este vídeo sobre el trabajo de sus periodistas:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzAJfuLCJU8

La gestión de residuos no se incluye automáticamente en los planes de emergencia ni en los grupos de crisis. Esto debe cambiar, porque la gestión de residuos es un elemento central de la atención post-crisis. Esta fue la conclusión a la que llegó un grupo de científicos de Alemania y España. La presentación del Prof. Miguel Ángel Artacho Ramirez, PRINS, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, puede consultarse aquí:

https://thinking-circular.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2.Artacho_Analysis-of-the-risks-faced-by-DWM.pdf

Salvador Ortí, del Cluster de Residuos Limpios de España, se esfuerza por mejorar el medio ambiente contaminado y pone a disposición tecnologías medioambientales a través de su red. Los implicados esperan que esto facilite a las autoridades el cumplimiento de las directivas comunitarias sobre residuos y la normativa medioambiental. Haga clic aquí para ver la presentación sobre el papel del cluster en la catástrofe de las inundaciones:

https://thinking-circular.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Salvador-Orti-4th-Anniversary-Presentation-on-the-Ahr-Valley-Floods.pdf

El profesor Joan Estrany, de la Universidad de las Islas Baleares y responsable del Observatorio de Riesgos y Emergencias Naturales de Baleares, ha podido informar sobre la red de vigilancia medioambiental Riscbal que se ha puesto en marcha. Ya se trate de riesgos de inundaciones, incendios forestales o peligros gravitacionales: El sistema de alerta temprana se basa en datos y modelos en tiempo real y pretende salvar vidas. Haga clic aquí para ver la presentación:

https://thinking-circular.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/4.estrany_ahr_valley_25.pdf

El profesor Alexander Fekete, de la Universidad Técnica de Colonia, centra su investigación en la cooperación entre las partes interesadas. La describe como un factor clave del éxito. Las interacciones entre crisis, residuos, agua y gestión del suelo son de vital importancia.

https://thinking-circular.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/250704-Fekete-Ahrtal.pdf

El Prof. Dr. Lothar Kirschbauer, de la Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas de Coblenza, informó sobre la red científica KAHR, y el Dr. Bert Droste-Francke, de IQIB, aportó información adicional. Puede consultar las presentaciones aquí:

https://thinking-circular.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Vortrag_4th-Remembrance-Day_Kirschbauer_20250704.pdf

https://thinking-circular.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Droste-Franke_4ter_JT_Folien_KAHR1.pdf

Karsten Freichel, de Zahnen Technik GmbH, presentó un innovador sistema de previsión y alerta temprana de futuras inundaciones.

https://thinking-circular.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/04.07.2025-Zahnen-Technik-Englisch.pdf

Jesús Pérez, Socio Director de la empresa tecnológica Nunsys y Presidente del Cluster de Residuos Limpios, presentó sus perspectivas sobre la transición ecológica.

https://thinking-circular.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/NUNSYS-2024-DANA.pdf

Queremos dar las gracias a todos los patrocinadores por el éxito del evento.

Der Beitrag 4th anniversary of the flood in the Ahr Valley – International experts focus on cooperation erschien zuerst auf Thinking Circular.

Eveline Lemke, Matthias Bockholt

Being a member of the Supervisory Board at ABO Wind was an interesting challenge for me from the very beginning. I have been involved in the energy transition on very different levels for a long time, so it was also an obligation for me to contribute my knowledge and commitment to supporting a German wind energy company.

Thinking Circular® has been supporting small and large companies in their transformation to a sustainable economy since 2017. The rules of the European Green Deal are increasingly highlighting the weaknesses and disadvantages of traditional, linear business models. At the same time, the multiple crises of our time are a challenge for all companies and climate change is threatening our livelihoods. Against this backdrop, it is important to me to devote all my energy to the needs of our customers who are looking to Thinking Circular® to help them with their challenges.

I wish my successor on the Supervisory Board, Jürgen Koppmann, all the best and every success on the path to even more sustainable corporate management.

You can find the Abo Energy press release here.

Der Beitrag Farewell to ABO Wind erschien zuerst auf Thinking Circular.

It works! Medium-sized companies can also produce their sustainability report in accordance with the EU’s ESRS standard. Here we use an example to describe why this is necessary and how it works.

In the fall of 2023, the EU adopted the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). The national member states must now translate this rule into their sustainability reporting legislation. There is an ongoing debate about the differences between the German Sustainability Code and the ESRS and we can look forward to seeing exactly what implementation in Germany will look like. At the same time, we are experiencing a debate on the reduction of bureaucracy, which seems to contradict reporting. However, as part of the management report, a sustainability report says much more about a company. In future, the report will be used by banks for rating and assessing corporate and asset risks arising from climate change. This will not only apply to “green bonds”. (This is a fixed-interest security that is used to raise capital for activities to reduce or prevent environmental or climate damage). In addition, the reporting company must present a plan that clearly shows the reduction of CO2 and other consequences in management for the environment and social standards.

We were therefore happy to prepare a report with a client to test for ourselves what the current debate on ESRS is all about. The request came from the Schlaadt Group, a manufacturer of expanded polystyrene packaging. Our team has already gained plenty of experience in sustainability reporting in the past. This is an advantage, as our customer lacked this experience.

The report includes an analysis of double materiality, a risk analysis, a GHG balance sheet, data collection on around 260 key figures and the creation of a sustainability strategy. The determination of a target agenda and the action plan must be carried out between the inventory in the first report and the second report. That sounds like a lot of work and an enormous burden. From experience, we can say that with combined forces, a good working group and management in a company, this task can be completed in three months. However, it requires a tight organization, support from the management, discussions with the workforce and works council as well as decisions by the management, which is fully behind it, and of course good software to record the data.

“That’s how it’s done today,” emphasizes the Commercial Director of the Schlaadt Group, Max Menninger. “We have obtained competent support for an area that we will be obliged to cover from next year. The report is now available after barely three months. All divisions are now aware of their strengths and weaknesses in the area of sustainability. We are working intensively with the sustainability group on the strategy and concepts for greater sustainability. We have done our homework and are ready to start evaluating and implementing our action plan and the next report.”

We at Thinking Circular® are delighted to have a satisfied customer with whom we are already planning further steps towards the circular economy. Click here for the summary of the Schlaadt Group’s report (in German).

Der Beitrag ESRS in practice erschien zuerst auf Thinking Circular.

Reinhard Loske’s essay “Ökonomie(n) mit Zukunft. Jenseits der Wachstumsillusion” (Economy(s) with a future. Beyond the growth illusion) answers key questions about suitable assumptions for a sustainable economic theory. It resolves some of the theoretical conflicts surrounding the conceptualization of alternative economic theory or criticism of growth that exist among green economists and politicians. Most recently, the Heinrich Böll Foundation suggested offering nationwide training courses on pluralist economics in order to provide clarification on pluralist approaches. This is in line with Loske’s ideas and, not least, those of the Federal Minister of Economics. Robert Habeck repeatedly emphasizes: “The point is not to make gender, ethnic, origin or educational identities absolute, but to translate them into a plural society based on shared values and common rules.”[1] Habeck says that the economy is a part of society: “However, since many positions of the emancipatory, liberal-green movement have now become capable of winning a majority, we no longer need to insist on a higher truth – and we no longer do.”[2] He is making his point, but he does not explain exactly what this means or how he arrived at this statement – apart from the political necessity of saying it.

Against this background, it makes sense to take a close look at Loske’s arguments. They form the basis, not least for the economic policy represented by Bündnis 90/Die Grünen in the federal government. The line of argument also makes it easier to advocate measures to be implemented in realpolitik, which not everyone always likes. And if that’s not enough, you can read Loske’s arguments in the previous parts of the trilogy. This was preceded by “Abschied vom Wachstumszwang. Konturen einer Politik der Mäßigung” (2010) and “Wie weiter mit der Wachstumsfrage?” (2012).

Growth theory is not a moral theory

However, moral theories can make use of pluralistic approaches

Loske’s core argument is to clear up a major misunderstanding that is widespread in our society. Economics is seen as an abstract, rational, mathematical science that we use to guide our actions in producing, exchanging and consuming. However, the current linear affluent capitalism has established itself rationally, and until the 19th century economics was regarded as part of moral science (p. 36). This included adherence to ethical principles, such as combating suffering, hunger, inequality and ignorance. It was only with industrialization and globalization that this view changed and mutated into the theory of growth, because everything that was achieved was never enough. It is time for us to remember this and return to moral values.

But what can the mainstream economy and the end of constant growth look like? Loske answers this question in his essay. His recommendations are:

1. An alternative, socio-ecological way of thinking that is critical of globalization, the financial market and growth is necessary. Our greed for growth and prosperity has led to us extracting enormous amounts of resources from the earth every year and destroying the environment in the process. We have taken it so far that a reversal will soon no longer be possible. More and more climatic tipping points are threatening to tip (Global Tipping Points Report), while some planetary boundaries have already been reached.
2. A new economy of sustainability and a socio-ecological transformation of the economy must take place as quickly as possible. It is irrelevant whether it is called post-growth, green growth, sufficiency policy, socio-ecological transformation, cooperative economy, green economy, economy for the common good, ecological economy or any other name (p. 46). Loske assumes that there will always be a transformation due to the changing environmental conditions. He sees three forces that will be central to the path to sustainability: suffering, 2. compulsion and 3. perspective (p. 10f.).
3. For Loske, cooperation, plurality and diversity are key to achieving the goal (p. 61): If politics, technology, business and society work together and face the challenges together, it can succeed with “[ …]the will to act, a willingness to change, the ability to deal with conflict in the face of inertia and also a high degree of confidence, a willingness to experiment and an entrepreneurial spirit” (p. 34).
4. The goal of sustainability is formulated with the corresponding agenda, but the path to it is unclear. This creates uncertainty, yet the fact that we are part of systemic developments can only be accepted. His explanation serves as orientation on this journey when he emphasizes that moral building blocks such as acceptance of responsibility, credibility, honesty, fairness and imagination for creative solutions must be the basis of the moral economy.

When you read Loske’s essay, you realize that there can be another world. A world in which a plural economy is possible within planetary boundaries and in which people act together and use nature instead of exploiting it. But this requires change. The goal is clear: an economy with a future. And so everyone must ask themselves the question: Do you want to end up being part of the problem (destructive forces) or part of the solution (productive forces)? (S. 15)

[1] https://www.fr.de/kultur/timesmager/das-ganze-90168647.html

[2] https://jungefreiheit.de/politik/deutschland/2021/habeck-warnt-identitaetspolitik/

Der Beitrag Literature tip – Economy(s) with a future erschien zuerst auf Thinking Circular.

Röhrnbach/Terneuzen (NL), June 2023. After the German EPS Converters (GEC) Group rescued the Dutch PolyStyreneLoop plant from insolvency last year, it has now been able to go into regular operation. The plant, which has since gone by the name PSLoop, is the first industrial facility for recycling EPS insulation materials from demolition and renovation work. “It was a tough job to get the plant ready for regular operation,” says Holger Lübke, managing director of Karl Bachl Kunststoffverarbeitung GmbH &. Co. KG and one of the shareholders of GEC Group. “For the future, however, this is an important step in order to fulfill our responsibility as an insulation manufacturer also in recycling.”

In 2022, GEC Group had rescued the Dutch PolyStyreneLoop plant from insolvency, making it a wholly owned subsidiary of GEC Group. More than 17 million euros were invested in the construction of the plant. In addition, the project was supported by partners from business and politics as well as subsidies from the European Union, “because the public interest in an industry solution was and is great,” explains Guido Brohlburg, Managing Director of BROHLBURG Dämmstoff- u. Recyclingwerke and also a shareholder in the GEC Group. The third shareholder is Reinhard Pfaller, Managing Director of RYGOL Dämmstoffe.

A year before being rescued from insolvency, the lighthouse project had succeeded in recycling EPS insulation material containing HBCD for the first time in history. HBCD has been used as a flame retardant in foam insulation boards since the 1960s and was long considered the best solution for implementing national fire safety regulations. However, alternative flame retardants are now being used, as HBCD was banned in 2016. However, this ban also meant that tens of thousands of tons of polystyrene (PS) foam waste containing HBCD could no longer be recycled as usual. Thanks to PSLoop’s innovative recycling concept, it is now possible to recycle HBCD-containing PS foam on an industrial scale. The result is a fully recycled PS raw material that is used for the production of new EPS insulation products. In addition, the process recovers bromine as an important resource.

The mechanical recycling process currently allows Terneuzen to recycle 3,000 tons of HBCD-containing material per year. The maximum expansion stage is 8,000 tons per year. In this way, CO2 emissions are reduced by up to 50 percent and the environment and climate are protected. “In a circular economy, we want to use resources for as long as possible and process them after their service life so that they can be reused as raw materials for new materials,” explains Richard Geevers, Managing Director of PSLoop. “The success of this project and the extensive use of the innovative technology will result in the implementation in Europe of the best technology currently available for recycling the growing waste volumes of PS foams.”

Source: GEC Group GmbH & Co. KG

Der Beitrag Regular operation for closed-loop recycling of EPS insulation materials erschien zuerst auf Thinking Circular.

The consulting services should consider the goals of the German Sustainability Strategy and greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045 – that’s only logical, otherwise it wouldn’t be consulting under the Green Deal.

How much is the grant?

The grant is 50% of the eligible consultancy costs, up to a maximum of €1,750 per consultancy. The subsidy can be applied for up to 5 consultations, but not more than twice per year. In this context, a consultancy may comprise a maximum of 5 consultancy days for individual consultancy. This scheme allows to accompany an SME in transformation with 2 times a year consultant sessions of 5 days for the duration of 2.5 years. This is a proper help with a funding amount up to 8.750 Euro over the whole period and exhausting the maximum possible consultations.

We will be happy to help you with the application process. A condition for the application is a well-founded consulting offer, which we will gladly prepare for you. More information is available here on the BAFA (Federal Office of Economics and Export Control) portal.

Our Thinking Circular® team is recognized by BAFA as consultants.

Der Beitrag Funding for management consulting – this is how it works! erschien zuerst auf Thinking Circular.

Sustainability in purchasing or in tenders holds enormous potential for climate protection. Public clients in particular have a special obligation to do a good job when using 470 billion euros of taxpayers’ money from the federal budget. The “Active for Sustainable Public Procurement” initiative aims to leverage this potential and give a boost to the German government’s “Procurement Transformation Package 2023”.  In principle, sustainable procurement is not a popular topic. It is regarded as cumbersome and complicated

Der Beitrag Sustainable purchasing and public sector clients – love at second sight erschien zuerst auf Thinking Circular.