Resource Efficiency

Reducing CO2 emissions is one of the most urgent tasks of our time. Simultaneously, artificial intelligence is developing rapidly. However, AI often brings about its own significant CO2 impact. Experimental testing of Green AI strategies is therefore crucial for their long-term success. A management tool can support this process so that both users and managers can make optimal use of AI as a tool.

The EU Strategy for sustainable and circular textiles aims to reduce the industry’s environmental impact while at the same time increasing its competitiveness. In this transition towards circularity, firms in the highly fragmented textile value chains need solutions that help overcome barriers and provide support. This paper presents digital solutions that are particularly suited for SMEs and that have been developed with public funding. It aims at encouraging SMEs, not only from the textile industry, to specify their individual transition paths towards circularity and to use digitalization to foster implementation.

Although the concept of double transformation is being intensely discussed in companies, the practical implementation in operational structures often remains unclear. This article sheds light on how digital technologies and environmental sustainability strategies can be developed either synergistically, antagonistically or independently of each other. In addition, it discusses the different experiences of employees in different industries and the varying progress in the introduction of digital and ecological measures. To this end, it will discuss existing research findings and practical examples that pave the way for the successful integration of both transformation processes in companies.

A decisive competitive factor for smaller and medium-sized manufacturers of one-of-a-kind and small batches is their products’ timely completion, delivery and commissioning. Precise logistics planning is just as important as production control. However, the processes are often characterized by uncertainties, e.g. due to local conditions at the customer or cooperation with suppliers. Digital shadows for data evaluation in real time offer a convincing solution.

Bedingt durch globale Entwicklungen hinsichtlich der Preise und Versorgungssicherheit im Energiesektor stehen besonders energieintensive Unternehmen vor großen Herausforderungen. Zusätzlich fordern Kunden mehr Informationen über Energiekennzahlen und CO₂-Emissionen sowie ressourcenschonendere Prozesse. Mit einer energiedatenbasierten Simulationsmethode werden die Ressourceninformationen direkt aus dem Energiedatenmanagementsystem (EDMS) extrahiert und weiterverarbeitet. Hierbei werden sowohl aktuelle als auch stetig aktualisierte historische Daten verwendet, die automatisiert abgeglichen werden. Die digitale Abbildung der vorhandenen Prozesse ist lediglich auf Seiten der Energiedaten notwendig, ohne die technischen Prozesse in ihrer Gänze analysieren zu müssen. Mit dem so erstellten energetischen digitalen Schatten lassen sich Energiebedarfe für bevorstehende Produktionen und Produkte simulieren und können durch automatisierte Vorschläge in der Produktionsplanung positiv ...

Resource-efficient businesses have become increasingly important for companies in recent years. Although this brings new potentials, the practical implementation in the form of suitable business models is accompanied by challenges. In this paper, we will examine which concepts and methods already exist for the development of circular and resource- efficient business models and show approaches and solutions from science and practice using the example of interdisciplinary research projects.

In current times, heavier fuels such as oil and diesel are generally used to power merchant and passenger ships alike. International and national regulations are likely to increase pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions of sulfur and nitrogen oxide, carbon dioxide, and fine dust pollution within the global maritime shipping industry. Green fuels are one possible solution for emission reduction. Therefore, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) create the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), Annex VI of which enables the enforcement of designated (sulfur) emission control areas (ECAs or SECAs). Current research shows that hydrogen and LNG fuels can be safely operated and used to supply electric generating systems and drive systems. Today, cruise ships are often constructed with LNG main propulsion engines. Conventional hydrogen and LNG fuels are not CO2 free. However, green hydrogen, green ammonia and green LNG are based on ...

Circular Economy is considered one of the most promising concepts on the way to a more sustainable economy. Expectations of a responsible corporate orientation are rising: This is shown by a recent ruling of the Federal Constitutional Court, which demands that Germany must be more ambitious in its climate goals [1]. The EU Green Deal envisages climate neutrality by 2050 and the “Circular Economy Action Plan” calls for more effective use of resources and reserves [2]. This article describes a method that companies can use to develop ideas for circular business models.