Resource Efficiency

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.

Carbon footprints are a widely discussed topic impacting the individuals as well as companies. A company can be transparent in their actions, by publishing a carbon footprint. These footprints can be calculated for a single product or the whole company. However, there is a variety of different carbon footprint standards. The internationally most recognized ones are the publicly available specification 2050, Greenhouse Gas protocol (2011) and ISO 14067. This paper compares the standards and gives a recommendation for the application of product carbon footprints.