As GFZ, with our research, we create the scientific basis that enables a sustainable use of the earth. In this way, we aim to contribute to the sustainable development and management of georesources and the geological subsurface, among other things. Better understanding geohazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, flash floods or landslides, gives us the opportunity to protect important infrastructures and conserve resources worldwide. Our Earth observation is one of the foundations for lasting communication and land use structures. By conducting research and enabling sustainable development, the GFZ is certainly contributing in the most significant way to the global dimension of sustainability and countering climate change. 

In their own sustainability management, the Research Centres of the Helmholtz Association are guided by so-called functional areas: In the central fields of "Organization", "Research", "Human Resources" and "Environment", the GFZ has already been successfully implementing measures for years. We recently reported on this in detail in our first "Declaration in accordance with the German Sustainability Code" (in German only). For example, we take a pioneering role in the Helmholtz Association in the sustainable use of research data. Our human resources policy is geared towards equal opportunities and diversity. Sustainability aspects are consistently implemented and officially certified in new construction projects. By purchasing electricity from renewable energy sources, GFZ has succeeded in reducing annual greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 3,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents as of 2017, which corresponds to a reduction in our carbon footprint of about 50 percent.

To sustainably develop our research and our Centre, we have a variety of communicative and participatory approaches through which we engage in dialogue with internal and external stakeholders of GFZ. We are also looking ahead: By the end of 2022, we aim to be carbon neutral in our overall footprint. For the vast majority of our activities and structures, this will initially only succeed through compensation measures. In line with national climate protection targets, we aim to achieve real climate neutrality between 2030 and 2040 − primarily by saving greenhouse gas emissions. We are currently developing a GFZ sustainability strategy that outlines the steps required to achieve this and envisages further goals in the fields of "Organization", "Research", "Personnel" and "Environment".  

• Further information can be found on the new GFZ website on sustainability.

Contact:
Dr. habil. Knut Kaiser
Consultant
Staff Scientific Executive Board
Telegrafenberg
14473 Potsdam
Phone: +49 331 288-2830
E-Mail: knut.kaiser@gfz-potsdam.de