Re:source – Innovations for our environment | Editorial

Dear readers,

Not only recognising resources, but rethinking them – or even thinking them anew – is one of the central tasks of our time. For us, “Re:source” means not only looking back at the origins of our material and energy flows, but also developing ways to make these flows sustainable, efficient and circular. Furthermore, this can give rise to entirely new sources of energy or materials that can be extracted from existing sources or converted from them.

This issue of the Steinbeis Transfer Magazine takes up these ideas and presents practical examples and developments within the Steinbeis network. Particularly striking is the breadth of the topic of resources and resource efficiency: avoiding the consumption of resources in the first place by reducing energy and material input – for example, through new processing methods – and finding new recycling pathways for the materials used are two interlinked elements. Technologies are thus being developed that close cycles and reduce emissions.

One of the most important resources is water – vital for us humans. Innovations aiming at preserving water quality and detecting pollutants can set new standards and help protect water as a resource.

Today’s decisions regarding the generation and provision of energy – whether in decentralised, local energy systems or through newly developed technologies such as hydrogen utilisation – determine long-term and sustainable security of supply. Municipalities are taking centre stage as key players in the energy transition: they are shaping the necessary infrastructure for sustainable mobility, global communication, and local heating, electricity and water supply. In doing so, they are having a decisive influence on future resource use.

Resources must be considered beyond perceived boundaries: energy, water, materials, waste heat, infrastructure, land, and we, the people who decide how they are used. Openness to all sources and their potential applications is essential in order to identify the best innovations for our future.

For us, this means always considering energy systems, heat infrastructures and material flows in an integrated way. Only by interconnecting technologies, unlocking regional potential and bringing together the necessary stakeholders can resilient and future-proof systems emerge.

This issue of the Transfer Magazine invites you to no longer view resources as a limiting factor, but as an opportunity: for innovation, for value creation and for a truly sustainable transformation.

We wish you an engaging and inspiring read!

Magdalena Berberich und Dirk Mangold