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We examine the price ambivalence of low quality waste paper (grades 1.02 and 1.04) on the German market. Since 1990 the price of these grades is at times positive and at times negative. The underlying reason is the combination of three institutional and technical characteristics of the market: (i) As a result of waste management legislation the supply of waste paper is mostly independent of its price and its demand. Supply is bounded from below by collection and utilization quotas fixed by the Regulation on Packaging Waste enacted in 1991. (ii) The only alternative to costly disposal of waste paper by dumping or incineration is its use as a secondary resource in the production of new paper, as only the paper industry is capable of using waste paper in a productive manner in significant amount. (iii) Yet, its use as a substitute for primary inputs is technically limited. In this article, we describe the technical and institutional conditions leading to price ambivalence and discuss the consequences for supply, demand and trade of waste paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The generation of Points of Interest including capacities for travel demand models is usually costly and laborious. Recently, several methods have been developed to automate this process based on Volunteered Geographic Information data as well as to validate the corresponding results. The methodology presented in this paper takes on the task of setting up such a workflow on a large scale, including capacities and all common activity types, by making use of OpenStreetMap data. As a result, a Points of Interest dataset could be created for the whole of Germany, which maps around 24 million destinations including capacities divided into seven activity types. An exemplary validation based on the generated workplace and shopping locations as well as capacities indicates a varying quality of results depending on the respective regional type. The discussion additionally concludes that assignment of several activities to one location presents challenges that should be addressed in future approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the transformation of information sharing and multi-tier supply chain management (MSCM) from the perspective of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the context of Industry 4.0. SMEs are typically sharing less information digitally, are less active in conducting MSCM, but must be integrated in digital supplier networks to achieve supply chain transparency or traceability. For this purpose, this paper empirically analyzes SMEs from the manufacturing industry in Austria and Germany are investigated regarding information sharing and MSCM. The responses are analyzed to test three hypotheses, using 81 replies from manufacturing SMEs in Austria and Germany. The three hypotheses investigate the upstream and downstream MSCM practices of SMEs as well as which kind of information is shared with and by SMEs. The results help to understand and reveal potential barriers for information sharing besides technical possibilities to SMEs in order to be actively involved in MSCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The defossilization of industry has far-reaching implications regarding the future demand for hydrogen and other forms of energy. This paper presents and applies a fundamental bottom-up model that relies on techno-economic data of industrial production processes. Its aim is to identify, across a range of scenarios, the most cost-effective low-carbon options considering a variety of production systems. Subsequently, it derives the hydrogen and electricity demand that would result from the implementation of these least-cost low-carbon options in process industries in Germany. Aligning with the German government's target year for achieving climate neutrality, this study's reference year is 2045. The primary contribution lies in analyzing which hydrogen-based and direct electrification solutions would be cost-effective for a range of energy price levels under climate-neutral industrial production and what the resulting hydrogen and electricity demand would be. To this end, the methodology of this paper comprises the following steps: selection of the relevant industries (I), definition of conventional reference production systems and their low-carbon options (II), investigation and processing of the techno-economic data of the standardized production systems (III), establishment of a scenario framework (IV), determination of the least-cost low-carbon solution of a conventional reference production system under the scenario assumptions made (V), and estimation of the resulting hydrogen and electricity demand (VI). According to the results, the expected industrial hydrogen consumption in 2045 ranges from 265 TWh for higher hydrogen prices in or above the range of onshore wind-based green hydrogen supply costs, to up to 473 TWh for very low hydrogen prices corresponding to typical blue hydrogen production costs. Meanwhile, the direct electricity consumption of the process industries in the results ranges from 147 TWh for these rather low hydrogen prices to 338 TWh for the higher hydrogen prices in the region of or above the hydrogen supply costs from the electrolysis of energy from an onshore wind farm. Most of the break-even hydrogen prices that are relevant to the choice of low-carbon options are in the range of the benchmark purchase costs for blue hydrogen and green hydrogen produced from offshore wind power, which span between €40 per MWh and €97 per MWh. [Display omitted] • Derivation of the future hydrogen and power demand of the process industry in Germany. • Bottom-up, process-level model to find the least-cost low-carbon production method. • Reference year is 2045, and the achievement of climate-neutral production is assumed. • Model determines the hydrogen and power demand under varying hydrogen prices. • Expected hydrogen use between 265 TWh and 473 TWh, depending on scenario assumptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When collecting, storing and providing research information, it should be taken into account whether and how the research information will be published. It is important under what framework conditions the data will be used further, what rights the researchers involved have to the research information, whether the research group or the project will leave and finally also whether and when the research information will be deleted again. With this in mind, our paper will consider two important aspects: From a data protection point of view, however, the processing of large amounts of data is one of the greatest conceivable challenges. The legal aspects depend on the legislation of the country where the CRIS system operates, the level at which CRIS operates and the type of data collected. Our paper will map legal aspects of processing and protection of research information in Slovakia and Germany. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Including disabled workers in value-creating work processes is a fundamental and guaranteed human right and is, therefore, an essential goal of society. In Germany, sheltered workshops create the conditions for this inclusion since they are essential to companies' value chains. A central challenge is the inclusion of disabled workers in the value-creation processes, such as in manufacturing or assembly areas. The skills of disabled workers vary since they have individual impairments. Therefore, this paper presents a digital human model, a Human Digital Twin (HDT), for disabled workers. The model maps their skills and supports the production planning and assembly processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many industries, low-carbon hydrogen will substitute fossil fuels in the course of the transformation to climate neutrality. This paper contributes to understanding this transformation. This paper provides an overview of energy- and emission-intensive industry sectors with great potential to defossilize their production processes with hydrogen. An assessment of future hydrogen demand for various defossilization strategies in Germany that rely on hydrogen as a feedstock or as an energy carrier to a different extent in the sectors steel, chemicals, cement, lime, glass, as well as pulp and paper is carried out. Results indicate that aggregate industrial hydrogen demand in those industries would range between 197 TWh and 298 TWh if production did not relocate abroad for any industry sector. The range for hydrogen demand is mainly due to differences in the extent of hydrogen utilization as compared to alternative transformation paths for example based on electrification. The attractiveness of production abroad is then assessed based on the prospective comparative cost advantage of relocating parts of the value chain to excellent production sites for low-carbon hydrogen. Case studies are provided for the steel industry, as well as the chemical industry with ethylene production through methanol and the production of urea on the basis of ammonia. The energy cost of the respective value chains in Germany is then compared to the case of value chains partly located in regions with excellent conditions for renewable energies and hydrogen production. The results illustrate, that at least for some processes – as ammonia production – relocation to those favorable regions may occur due to substantial comparative cost advantages. • Industry transformation: fossil fuels to hydrogen as feedstock and energy carrier. • Case study on Germany with hydrogen demand for industry. • Value chains: steel production, ethylene with methanol, and urea with ammonia. • Comparative cost advantage in value chains for locations with different renewable costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the topic exhaustion and motivation when working from home. It is the first study from Germany to apply the job demands-resources model of Demerouti and Bakker [1] in the context of home office. By so doing, a deductive approach is followed, and a conceptual model is formed based on a comprehensive literature review with the inclusion of relevant publications up to April 2022. Subsequently, the model is exploratively adapted according to the results and a recommendation for practical action as well as suggestions for future studies are presented. The study was able to provide significant evidence that the communication climate has a positive influence on motivation, the perceived support, the connectedness and the trust between employee and supervisor. Further, trust is influenced by the perceived connectedness with the company. Finally, work pressure in the home office and the lack of segmentation have a positive impact on exhaustion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineering plays a pivotal role in tackling the grand societal challenges humanity is facing. It is essential that engineers understand these challenges and realize the impact their solutions have. This means that higher education's task in fostering future engineers as transformation agents is key. In this paper we introduce initial arguments about why engineering programs need to include both sustainability and entrepreneurship as core elements for students to obtain a holistic approach towards humanity's grand societal challenges, along with specific skills, including for example critical thinking and reflection, systemic thinking, building partnerships, and collaborations An overview of the literature shows that independent sustainability and entrepreneurship have been recognized as important for engineering programs, even though the integration of both has yet to be achieved. Furthermore, a first analysis of a sample of engineering programs in Germany confirms what we observed in the literature. It would appear that the time for a transformation of engineering programs has arrived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the search for solutions for Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), decision-makers frequently face governance-related challenges such as the fragmentation of institutions, the interconnection with other essential services and overlapping competences. In many cases, solutions to these challenges involve strengthening coordination between different actors and sectors. Today different digital tools and resources are available to support related decision-making processes. These tools can (1) offer a context-specific assessment of the water governance system ("Diagnosis") and (2) provide, in some cases, context-specific recommendations to tackle identified deficits ("Therapy"). In this paper, we aim to advance the understanding of the potential of digital tools for water governance and management assessments. After reviewing relevant tools, we introduce the Diagnostic Water Governance Tool (DWGT) that builds on a clear diagnosis-therapy-logic. After presenting the empirical basis and functional logic of the DWGT, we test the DWGT in two case studies: the Guadalquivir river basin in Spain and the Emscher river basin in Germany. We find that the DWGT provides context-specific, evidence-based instrument recommendations that can enhance water governance and management, albeit accompanying suitability evaluations by governance experts remain critical. We conclude by discussing the limitations of digital tools for water governance and management assessments and sketch out fields of future research. • Most water governance online tools do not allow for case-specific assessments. • Diagnostic Water Governance Tool identifies context-specific coordination deficits. • The Tool gives case-sensitive recommendations for governance instruments. • Fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis provides sound methodological framework. • The Tool's analysis can supplement but not replace expert evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental catastrophes, including the increased severity and frequency of climate extremes, can act as "windows of opportunities" that challenge citizens' mental models and motivate them to engage in reflective processes, challenging their pre-conceived ideas. Less well understood is whether experiencing changing weather conditions, common in mid-latitudes, can have a similar effect and increase the citizens' concerns about climate change and their willingness to accept more stringent climate policies. In this paper, we investigate the effects of changing seasonal temperature on the perceived seriousness of climate change and willingness to mitigate climate change. We use data from four yearly waves of a spatially explicit representative population survey in Germany and weather records from the postal code areas in which they live. To our knowledge, this study is the first analysis to link individual perceptions towards climate change and different mitigation options with seasonal temperature changes at specific locations in Europe. The analyzed perceptions were strongly influenced by socio-demographic characteristics and broader societal changes, as well as individual experiences of seasonal temperatures. The results show that experienced seasonal temperature change influences personal climate change concerns as well as the willingness to mitigate climate change, although with a weaker effect. The results indicate that it is the absolute temperature variation experienced that is important, rather than whether it is getting colder or warmer than usual. Considering the influences identified in this study can offer a window of opportunity for more stringent and targeted climate change policy. • Seasonal temperature changes influence climate change perception. • Effects can offer a window of opportunity for more stringent climate change policy. • Governmental mitigation policy solutions less supported than self-determined options. • Perceptions influenced by broader societal changes as well as individual experiences. • Need for targeted climate change communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper are presented results of tests and analyses of complex dynamic loads carried out on the bucket-wheel excavator SchRs 650/5 × 24 Krupp, as well as assessment of service life of vital welded structures of a bucket-wheel excavator boom subjected to cyclic loading with a variable amplitude through the use of experimental tests carried out in order to determine operational strength and growth of a fatigue crack for one structural part. Bucket-wheel excavator was built by "Thyssen Krupp" company, Germany. Outer loads, or in other words digging forces for the overburden and coal have been calculated on the basis of measured values of actual current intensity of the bucket-wheel drive and recorded output values of changeable loads. Correlations between the power of the bucket-wheel drive system and adequate hourly production, depending on the overall digging resistance which affects the stress condition of the bucket-wheel, were also determined. Results of the theoretical and experimental analysis of natural and forced oscillations of the support structure for various exploitation conditions are presented in first part of the paper. Deformations ε i determined by tensometric measurements on the rotating shaft of the bucket-wheel were converted into tangential stresses through the introduction of the modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio, which, along with the polar moment of inertia of the cross-section, define the moment of rotation on the bucket-wheel shaft. Through the use of the load - strength comparison method (maximization of the ratio of load and strength indicators) the application factor of the gear with the largest number of turns K A has been determined. In the second part of the paper methodological approach for the assessment of service life of vital welded structures of a bucket-wheel excavator boom was presented. Assessment was done in order to determine operational strength and growth of a fatigue crack, through the use of experimental tests. Realized researches and results presented in this paper offer great possibilities for the analyses of behaviour of vital welded structures of the bucket-wheel boom. By the application of the measurement device with 8 channels for registration and processing of electric signals HBM Spider 8 and measurement tapes HBM 6/350 × XY31 deformations were measured at vital welded structures of the boom in the area of the bucket-wheel. The objective of the test is to determine if there is a possibility of occurrence of plastic deformations or initial cracks due to fatigue at vital welded structures and to obtain data which define crack growth. • Specific digging resistances per knife at highest loads are 20% higher than the average value for overall measurements. • Hourly production N(Q e) show that the bucket-wheel excavator during operation cannot reach the designed capacity of Q t =4212 [m3/h]. • Determined application factor K A =1.6 is smaller than the one prescribed in standards for the gearbox of the excavator drive (K A =1.75-2.0). • In exploitation there is a possibility of the occurence of resonance due to their matching, and therefore of the occurence of damaging of critical cross-sections. • Fracture mechanics parameters have shown that the service life of the welded structure if a new edge crack occuris 4.55 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Travel demand generator for anywhere in Germany. • Open-source and requires only OpenStreetMap data as input. • Output is wholly disaggregated spatially and temporally. • Validated with household travel survey data. • Architecture designed for transferability to other regions. This paper introduces OMOD (OpenStreetMap Mobility Demand Generator), a new open-source activity-based mobility demand generation tool. OMOD uses a data-driven approach, calibrated with household travel survey data, to generate a population of agents with detailed daily activity schedules that state what activities each agent plans to conduct, where, and for how long. The temporal aspect of the output is wholly disaggregated, while the spatial aspect is given on the level of individual buildings. In contrast to other existing models, OMOD is freely available, open-source, works out-of-the-box, can be applied to anywhere in Germany with the ambition to widen the scope to other countries, and only requires freely available OpenStreetMap (OSM) data from the user. With OMOD, it is easy for non-experts to create realistic mobility demand, which can be used in transportation studies, energy system modeling, communications system research, et cetera. This paper describes OMOD's architecture and validates the model for three cities ranging from 200,000 to 2.5 million inhabitants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water governance systems have evolved around the exploitation of provisioning ecosystem services. The overexploitation of provisioning and the degradation of regulating services have led to a decline in the capacity of ecosystems to provide any services at all. Decisions affecting water-related ecosystem services are often not made in the water sector. Governance that does not take into account ecological interdependencies lead to unsustainable use of resources. In such situations, one can speak of a misfit between interdependencies of ecosystem services and coordination processes that would allow addressing them. The article introduces an approach to identify such misfits and potential solutions to overcome them and applies the approach to case studies in Germany, South Africa and Iran. The context-sensitive analyses highlight factors that contribute to or even determine prevailing practices in water management. The fit with the pattern of ecosystem service uses was found to be higher for governance processes in practice (formal and informal) than for formal coordination instruments on paper. Actors may not lack opportunities to exchange but these are not translated into tangible coordination outcomes. To reduce trade-offs between the uses of ecosystem service, improved synergies are needed between formal and informal institutional settings. Instruments need to be tailored to local circumstances. Scope and effectiveness of local action may be limited by higher governance levels. The analyses have demonstrated that the path from improving social-ecological fit to achieving sustainability is long. Addressing institutional deficits requires transformational change rather than short-term measures for addressing isolated problems or crisis situations. • New approach to identify misfits between ecosystem services uses and coordination and potential solutions to overcome them. • Results from case studies in Germany, South Africa and Iran. • Synergies needed between formal and informal institutional at local level to reduce trade-offs between ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cost-benefit analysis (CBA) is used in many contexts to compare the monetary costs and benefits of taking different actions. It has thus been advocated as a suitable method for analysing environmental policy making as well as decisions about projects and their effects on societal welfare. Despite the valuable use in principle, its actual use in policy processes seems to be limited. The paper presents an empirical case study in the city of Bremen, Germany and contributes to the literature on the use of CBA in policy making related to climate adaptation. We interviewed municipal actors involved in a participatory workshop series dedicated to supporting the use of CBA for deciding whether to implement specific climate adaptation measures. The municipal actors were asked about their perception of the usefulness of CBA, particularly in formulating policy options, and about the success factors and constraints connected to integrating cost-benefit results in policy making. The findings suggest that CBA is, above all, perceived as useful in raising awareness of environmental goods and in increasing the transparency of the policy-making process. Here, CBA was confirmed as useful for spurring a systematic discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of different adaptation measures. However, the municipal actors adopted a relatively critical stance towards using CBA as a decision criterion for prioritising measures. We conclude that, in this context, the participatory process of conducting the CBA, which takes municipal actors' knowledge seriously into account, is important for the perception of the usefulness of its results in policy making. • Policy makers were asked about their perception on the usefulness of cost-benefit analysis results. • Cost-benefit analyses are perceived as useful in raising awareness and increasing the transparency. • Use of cost-benefit analysis as a decision criterion for prioritization of measures is viewed critically. • A participatory process of conducting the cost-benefit analysis is important for improving the perception of the usefulness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two comments submitted in critique of our paper (Gössling et al. 2023) present an opportunity to discuss principles of CBA and their use in transport contexts. The critique needs to be discussed in context, as CBA is not an objective tool of evaluation and relies on specific assumptions. For this reason, we begin our response with an introduction to the German transport context, including developments in car ownership and background on the German Climate Protection Act that legally requires all economic sectors to reduce emissions. This framing is important to correctly understand our response to Sieg (2024) as well as Eisenkopf et al. (2024). Overall, we note that many of their criticisms lack merit, while others depend on viewpoint. We conclude that, specifically considering current price levels for fuels, our findings are not in question: a speed limit is warranted for welfare reasons; it is supported by a majority of the population; and it can help closing the emission gap in the transport sector. Findings are also discussed within the wider framework of "desirable" transport systems, illustrating the limitations of CBA and the dangers of tailoring results in ways that lend credibility to specific forms of transport governance, as apparently favored by Sieg (2024) and Eisenkopf et al. (2024). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating enormous quantities of wind energy into the electrical system requires precise planning and forecasting. This paper presents a novel framework for wind power forecasting, which establishes a new standard for accuracy and reliability. It uses advanced deep neural networks and a stacking ensemble mechanism to make probabilistic forecasts. These forecasts address wind speed volatility and variability, which continue to be key issues in producing consistently accurate wind power forecasts despite advances in deep learning. Base learners generate forecasts that include lower and upper bounds, as well as median prediction intervals. The Huber regressor, also known as the Meta-learner, combines projections from many models to reduce susceptibility to extreme values. Expanding window cross-validation is used in performance evaluation, with a focus on Mean Absolute Error, Mean Squared Error (MSE), Symmetric Mean Absolute Percentage Error, Prediction Interval Coverage Probability, and Average Interval Width for one, two, and three step ahead predictions. The model's stability is measured by the standard deviation of MSE throughout each validation window. Additionally, the Diebold–Mariano test is used to validate the Meta-learner's predictive accuracy in contrast to other advanced models and the seasonal naïve benchmark. This study found that the meta model outperformed all other models in eight of the nine forecasts tested, indicating its effectiveness in medium-range forecasting. In Germany, it exceeded Temporal Fusion Transformer by two and three steps ahead, with 22% and 34% improvements, respectively. Indeed, this study not only provides a reliable prediction tool, but also lays foundations for efficient and effective energy management and policy planning in the renewable energy industry. • Deep neural network architectures are applied to probabilistic wind power forecasting. • Transformer and artificial neural network approaches combined with conformal prediction intervals is proposed. • A window cross-validation scheme on wind power forecasting is evaluated. • Wind power data from Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands are used for forecasting purposes. • SHAP and LIME analyses perform the explanatory analysis of the variables in the meta-learner's predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electricity market transitions from a market clearing in which flexible generation meets inflexible demand to one in which inflexible generation meets flexible demand. Consequently, new types of flexibility are needed to balance generation and demand. This paper mainly aims to analyse competition and synergy between various flexibility options in the electricity market. The developed European electricity market model maximises the joint socio-economic welfare of the electricity and the hydrogen market. Transmission grid,- storage expansion, electric vehicle demand side flexibility and hydrogen sector coupling are flexibility options. This work examines the implementation of different flexibility options in the bidding zones Austria and Germany. Austria, with a very high storage capacity in the alpine arc and Germany, with massive wind turbine capacities serve as representative case study. Results show that the storage location heavily influences the corresponding socio-economic welfare increase. Hence, location-dependent synergy and competition between storage and transmission line expansion can occur. In contrast, sector coupled hydrogen production and storage expansion compete with each other as both will reduce very low electricity prices. Demand-side flexibility primarily benefits end-users while producer surplus reduces. In combination with storage expansion, further positive synergistic effects for end-users occur. The combination of storage expansion and demand-side flexibility can replace transmission line expansion and vice versa if used comprehensively. Further efforts could address the evaluation of these effects if the individual flexibility providers aim for something other than a system-wide but individual optimum. • Implementation of several flexibility options into the European electricity market. • Storage location and transmission capacity have a huge influence on the results. • Consumers benefit from combined storage and demand-side flexibility use. • Additional electricity demand by sector coupling increases renewable energy revenue. • Storage and sector coupling compete with each other as both reduce price volatility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The additive manufacturing of concrete components has made significant progress in the last 10 years. The increasing application of 3D printing in practice now also requires a categorization of the quality of the printed concrete surfaces that remain visible after printing. The quality of visible surfaces of additively manufactured components can be assessed according to the quality of formwork-exposed concrete surfaces. A suitable basis for this assessment is provided by the applicable regulations for exposed concrete surfaces in Germany and other international standards. In this publication, characteristics and requirements of individual concrete filaments as well as printed components are developed. These evaluate geometric, optical and structural properties of printed concrete surfaces. These can be used as a basis for further standardization of quality requirements for 3D-printed surfaces and for automated algorithms, fully automated manufacturing and monitoring of printed concrete components. • New perspectives for civil engineering, concrete technology, contract and site management are considered. • Good information base for the topic of exposed concrete. • The paper introduces a classification of quality levels for 3DCP surfaces, enhancing their visibility and evaluation. • Overview of surface design options for printed wall structures. • The effects of printing technologies on quality and basics for automated QA-/QC-processes are explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research information management (RIM) and reporting is an emerging, heterogeneous field of work for which there is currently no systematic overview of the performed tasks and required competencies. Such an overview would be valuable for training, further education and recruiting. This paper presents data on task areas and competency requirements from a national survey of personnel responsible for RIM, CRIS management and reporting in Germany (N =224). With the help of a factor-analytical design, we were able to identify task profiles, such as System development & data modeling and Communication with stakeholders. The task profiles were then compared with a competency model which we developed to support further education and recruiting in research information management. Implications for further development of the competency model are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reports on lessons learned from developing and applying self-assessments instruments in two cases from Norway and Germany. The purpose of the self-assessment instruments has been to obtain an overall understanding of the competence level on both individual and organizational level. The most important lessons learned from developing the self-instrument suggest that following a systematic top-down process as well as involving respondents from various position are key factors to create an acceptance in the organization to the self-assessment instrument. Furthermore, the most important lessons learned from applying the instrument suggest that the properly designed self-assessment tool essentially contributes to the competence management and further resource planning of the organization. Both case studies presented in the paper provide the reader with several suggestions which can be implemented during the development or improvement of human resource management tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing the efficiency of production is the basis for decoupling economic growth from resource consumption. In agriculture, more efficient use of natural resources is at the heart of sustainable intensification. However, technical improvements do not directly translate into resource savings because producers and consumers adapt their behaviour to such improvements, often resulting in a rebound effect, where part or all of the potential resource savings are offset. In extreme cases, increases in efficiency may even result in higher, instead of lower, resource consumption (the Jevons paradox). Rebound effects are particularly complex in agricultural land and soil management, where multiple resources are used simultaneously and efficiency gains aim to lower the need for farmland, water, energy, nutrients, pesticides, and greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, quantification of rebound effects is a prerequisite for generating realistic scenarios of global food provision and for advancing the debate on land sparing versus land sharing. However, studies that provide an overview of rebound effects related to the resources used in agriculture or guidelines for assessing potential rebound effects from future innovations are lacking. This paper contributes to closing this gap by reviewing the current state of knowledge and developing a framework for a structured appraisal of rebound effects. As a test case, the proposed framework is applied to emerging technologies and practices in agricultural soil management in Germany. The literature review revealed substantial evidence of rebound effects or even Jevons' paradox with regard to efficiency increases in land productivity and irrigation water use. By contrast, there were few studies addressing rebound effects from efficiency increases in fertilizer use, pesticide application, agricultural energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions. While rebound effects are by definition caused by behavioural adaptations of humans, in agriculture also natural adaptations occur, such as resistance of pests to certain pesticides. Future studies should consider extending the definition of rebound effects to such natural adaptations. The test case revealed the potential for direct and indirect economic rebound effects of a number of emerging technologies and practices, such as improved irrigation technologies, which increase water productivity and may thereby contribute to increases in irrigated areas and total water use. The results of this study indicated that rebound effects must be assessed to achieve realistic estimates of resource savings from efficiency improvements and to enable informed policy choices. The framework developed in this paper is the first to facilitate such assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Having a noticeable role in CO 2 sequestration and O 2 production, microalgae as precious sources of the third-generation biofuel, offer various advantages for energy efficient architecture. Although biofuel production from microalgae biomass has a considerable research background, integrating microalgae culture system with building façade is in its infancy. It is mainly due to the fact that there is only one real building named BIQ house adopting the bioreactor façade technology constructed in Germany, 2013. Hence, there are various challenges associated with this newly emerged technology. This paper aims to detect and estimate the probable causes of damage to microalgae photobioreactor panels integrated with building façade known as SolarLeaf. In order to realize the paper key objective, by comprehensively studying the literature review, surveying and interviewing with the experts, the factors causing damage to bioreactors were recognized and categorized. Based on the results, the main damages are classified as internal and external. Internal causes include bio/chemical and structural factors, while external ones involve climatic and operational/constructional ones. These are the fundamental damage categories of microalgae façade systems that architects and engineers should get familiar with in order to meet and consider the defects developed in the bioreactor panel structure during the design and construction process. Highlights • Microalgae as precious sources of the third-generation biofuel, offer various advantages for energy efficient architecture. • This paper aims to detect and estimate the probable causes of damage to microalgae photobioreactor panels integrated with building façade known as SolarLeaf. • The main damages are classified as internal and external. Internal causes include bio/chemical and structural factors, while external ones involve climatic and operational/constructional ones. • Architects and engineers should get familiar with in order to meet and consider the defects developed in the bioreactor panel structure during the design and construction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Our society faces a carbon dilemma whereby there is an imbalance between our need for carbon and the dark side of its utilization. Unlike electricity, heat and mobility sectors where a transition towards renewable energy sources is possible, the chemical industry has no alternative to carbon sources for its production. This paper carried out a case analysis of the German chemical industry. The objective is to identify challenges posed by the human dimension for its carbon transition from a dependence on imported carbon resources towards cleaner and sustainable production using domestic primary and secondary carbon feedstock alternatives. Findings from a representative survey study carried out in Germany in October 2017 showed widespread public misconceptions regarding what are carbon sources and a lack of mental associations regarding the use of domestic biomass, coal, waste and CO 2 as feedstock alternatives for chemical production. Furthermore, significant regional difference in support/resistance for coal-to-chemicals as a carbon transition route is also observed. This paper represents a first effort to bridge the gap between transition and circular economy research to facilitate the early identification of human-related barriers to a carbon transition for the chemical industry. Highlights • A carbon transition for the chemical industry from a dependence on imported carbon resources to using domestic carbon feedstock alternatives. • Case analysis of the German chemical industry. • Overview of biomass, coal, waste and CO 2 as domestic chemical feedstock alternatives and policy drivers and obstacles for different options. • Public awareness, perception and acceptance of domestic carbon resources as feedstock alternatives for the chemical industry. • Early identification of human-related barriers to a carbon transition for the chemical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EU has established the world's first cross-border emission-trading systems (ETS) for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, currently covering aviation, emission-intensive sectors, and electricity (EITE). The EU Commission has offered to apply emissions trading in new sectors where emissions from maritime transport will be incorporated into the current EU ETS, while a separated emissions trading system will cover emissions from road transport and the building sector. This paper employs a multi-regional multi-sectoral computable general equilibrium (CGE) model with two simultaneous international emission permit markets. After examining the abatement costs for the EU regions, various policy scenarios are implemented to study the welfare effects of forming an ETS covering the sectors other than EITE (NEIT) and its linking with the EITE sectors under two different baselines and four emission reduction targets. The results provide several important insights: (i) Marginal abatement costs in Germany and the Eastern European Union region (EEU) are significantly lower than in the rest of the EU regions. (ii) The carbon price in the emission permit market covering NEIT is significantly higher than the carbon price in the emission permit market covering EITE. (iii) Germany and EEU appear as notable suppliers of emission permits in both markets. (iv) There is a significant aggregate welfare gain under the scenario in which the ETS covering NEIT co-exists parallel with the ETS covering EITE. (v) The aggregate welfare in the EU under the full integration of EITE and NEIT may fall below its value under the scenario with two parallel emission permit markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new service development process model for transport services for the inclusion of wheelchair users. In line with the principles of Universal Design, the new model aims to develop services for the widest possible range of users, including people using wheelchairs. The model is based on existing models, case studies in Brazil and Germany, and complemented with specific support material regarding wheelchair users, ultimately devised to guide the development of services that include such users. The paper illustrates a demonstration of the model in a real situation in Germany, with the development of a service for wheelchair users where early consideration of their needs results in clear benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transformation process in the building sector towards future city concepts requires changes in our society that aim for significant emission reduction until 2045. Currently, buildings in Germany are constructed and operated in such a way that no changes need to be made to them for decades. Therefore, any upcoming changes that do not achieve the climate goals must be avoided immediately. However, making the optimal decision for a change is complex due to (a) multi-domain (e.g., design and control), (b) multi-scale (e.g., single-family building and urban energy system), (c) multi-stakeholder (e.g., users and practice), and (d) long-term implications (up to decades). Conventional testing facilities and methods do not account for the integration of (a)-(d). Therefore, their technology readiness level is limited by 6. This paper introduces an approach that aims at (1) a multi-domain and multi-scale approach by applying process systems engineering to the building sector and that aims at (2) stakeholder integration already in the research process by applying the living lab approach. We combine the two methods, yielding a field test in the lab infrastructure pushing the technology readiness level to 7–8. In all, it consists of five test benches (Refrigerant Cycle Lab, FlexFass, RT-Lab, Raumklimalabor, and InFis). This work focuses on the Refrigerant Cycle Lab. Its concept is based on two further Hardware-in-the-Loop test benches which are extended by a safety system that ensures automated operation dedicated to heat pumps with flammable refrigerants. In two case studies, we show that field tests in the lab allow multi-domain and multi-scale testing. Both aspects support accelerating the transformation process towards a defossilized building sector. In the next step, the combination of test benches at different locations is promising to reduce the need to set up identical experiments at different locations. In the long term, the laboratory is designed to include external stakeholders to avoid time-consuming iterations and can, therefore, save resources, time, and money for our complex transformation process. [Display omitted] • Hardware-in-the-Loop environments for heat pumps handling flammable refrigerants are key for field tests in the lab. • Experiments under quasi-field test conditions push the technology readiness level of conventional testing methods (4–6) towards field tests in the lab (7-8). • Capturing the design and control domain and potential stakeholder interactions in early development stages unlocks the full research potential. • Using pre-defined interfaces, the field test in the lab concept can be used to conduct decentral experiments which safe resources, money, and time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pedestrian permeability is a key aspect of the accessibility of urban environments. In particular, high permeability increases the walkability of cities, which is advocated by sustainable urban design practices. Previous research on pedestrian permeability has predominantly focused only on single and very specific, characteristic, and homogenous urban morphologies but investigations at a broader scale have not been conducted up to now. In this paper, we apply the concept of Individual Walkable Neighbourhoods (IWN) to measure local urban pedestrian permeability for all large cities in Germany with more than 100,000 inhabitants. Our results reveal great differences in intra- and inter-urban pedestrian permeability, and based on examples, we explore various factors that influence local permeability, such as topography or structural types. Furthermore, the large-scale analysis is used to identify characteristic patterns of high (e.g., urban centers) or low (e.g., neighbourhoods of single-family detached houses) permeability for German cities. • Permeability is dependent on morphological urban patterns. • There is a strong permeability-gradient between urban centers and the periphery. • Topography has a strong influence on permeability. • Barriers such as railways can half the range of movement without connections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we explore the possibility of connecting decentralized biogas plants via a pipeline network to terminals that upgrade biogas into biomethane. We present a mixed-integer linear program that forms subnetworks of such plants, decides on suitable terminal locations, and establishes pipeline connections to maximize profit. We apply this model to a real-world scenario in Northern Germany. The results show a much higher total profit for the optimized network compared to the benchmark solutions where each plant upgrades biogas into biomethane on its own. Therefore, plants can increase their profitability by collaborating with other (neighboring) plants. However, the collaboration requires a fair profit-sharing model as network participation is not individually profitable for all plants, especially small ones. • We explore network designs for a profitable upgrading of biogas into biomethane. • We introduce a Mixed Integer Programming model to determine optimal plant networks. • A real-world application for biogas plants in Northern Germany is presented. • Results reveal higher profits for the networks compared to stand-alone upgrading. • Fair profit-sharing mechanisms are important for plant collaborations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low carbon transitions have been predominantly analysed using quantitative methods, mostly building on present and forecasted data of social metabolism. This paper addresses both the economic and social dimensions of low carbon emissions by analysing the presence of socio-environmental conflicts in Germany. These conflicts appear to be a consequence of unsustainable policies targeting firms' planning and behaviour, mainly based on neoclassical economic thinking and various stakeholder groups that oppose carbon intensive businesses. By applying a Delphi Method with 18 experts, the authors analyse 117 socio-environmental conflicts (e.g. derived from extractive activity, energy production, and infrastructure projects) in Germany. Most of these conflicts include the struggle of various society groups to achieve a low carbon economy but also a more equitable society. The analyses presented in this paper shows that Germany provides both the best and the worse of achieving low carbon paths: a significant investment into renewable energy, but also a strong dependency on lignite which supplies the most polluting power stations of Europe. By addressing the problem from a historical perspective, the authors demonstrate how carbon intensive extractive activity has been one of the major causes for environmental activism and protest in both socialist and capitalist societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automated and connected vehicles are assumed to have a major impact on road safety, traffic flow, energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, as well as on future mobility. This paper aims to analyze, the impact of privately owned automated vehicles on travel behavior in the region covering the Test Bed Lower Saxony in Germany. The main focus is laid on the evaluation of long-distance trips in the entire study area as well as on commuter journeys to and from the city of Brunswick. An agent-based demand model in conjunction with a traffic flow model was used to simulate four scenarios with different penetration rates of fully automated vehicles. The results show a major shift in the mode share, an increasing of the daily mileage, and reduced travel time of the motorized individual transport, as well as minor changes in travel distance and total traffic volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caroli Disease (CD) and Caroli Syndrome (CS) are rare disorders presenting with dilation of the intrahepatic bile ducts. CD/CS are associated with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). However, the true incidence of CCA is still unclear, although it may serve as an indication for surgery. In this paper, we analyzed (I) the incidence of CCA in German centers, (II) reviewed our single center population together with its clinical presentation and (III) performed a thorough literature review. 17 large HPB-centers across Germany were contacted and their patients after surgical treatment due to CD/CS with histopathology were included. Medline search for all studies published in English or German literature was performed. Patients who underwent surgery at our department between 2012 and 2020 due to CD or CS were analyzed. In the multicenter study, 79 patients suffered from CD and 119 patients from CS, with a total number of 198 patients. In 14 patients, CCA was found (Overall: 7,1%; CD: 6,3%, CS 7,6%). Between 2012 and 2020, 1661 liver resections were performed at our department. 14 patients underwent surgery due to CD or CS. Histological examination showed synchronous cholangiocarcinoma in one patient. The literature review revealed a CCA-rate of 7,3% in large series, whereas in case reports a rate of 6,8% was found. There is risk of malignant transformation and patients with CD might also benefit from resection due to improvement of symptoms. Therefore, resection is strongly advised. As certain patients with CS require transplantation, treatment should not be guided by the relatively low rate of CCA but by the concomitant diseases that come along with hepatic failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Germany remains the only large country in the world without a general speed limit on highways. One of the main arguments for this policy is that lower speeds represent a travel time cost that is not outweighed by benefits, such as a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. As transport decision making in the European Union is based on cost-benefit analysis (CBA), this paper compares the value of travel time, fuel consumption, infrastructure, crashes, carbon dioxide (CO 2), and air pollution. Results suggests that, at the low end of the estimate, a 130 kph speed limit will generate welfare gains in the order of 950 million Euro per year. The 'no speed limit' policy consequently represents a subsidy forwarded to fast drivers. The paper also discusses the views of the public vis-à-vis automobile lobbies, and the relevance of Germany's climate change mitigation law, mandating that transport systems be decarbonized. The CBA suggests that a 130 kph speed limit is a policy field where environmental concerns, positive economic effects, and public opinion can be aligned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper attempts to benchmark the municipal solid waste (MSW) management performance of the NUTS 2-regions in the EU by constructing a composite indicator. In order to account for commensurability, weighting and aggregation issues of the performance indicators in regional waste and materials' management, this paper advocates a conditional directional distance version of the Benefit-of-the-Doubt weighting technique. In addition, the waste management hierarchy defined by the EU is strongly embedded in the construction of our composite indicator. The results reveal considerable differences in the aggregate performance of the regions, even within Member States. In general, waste sectors of the NUTS 2-regions in Austria, Belgium, and Germany generally do well in terms of MSW management. Our results also reveal that some differences in the operating environment of the regions, such as the number of tourist overnight stays, are related to the aggregate performance of the regions. However, the observation that other conditions are not significantly related to the performance on a regional level is interesting as many policy makers frequently argue that the level of performance in their regions cannot be compared to that in other regions precisely due to this difference in operating conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the conception, development and deployment of a novel HCI system for public participation and decision-making. This system was applied for the process of allocating refugee accommodation in the City of Hamburg within the FindingPlaces project (FP) in 2016. The CityScope (CS) – a rapid prototyping platform for urban planning and decision-making – offered a technical solution which was complemented by a workshop process to facilitate effective interaction of multiple participants and stakeholder groups. This paper presents the origins of CS and the evolution of the tangible user interface approach to urban planning and public participation. It further outlines technical features of the system, including custom hardware and software in use, utilization in real-time as well as technical constraints and limitations. Special focus is on the adaptation of the CS technology to the specific demands of Hamburg´s FP project, whose procedures, processes, and results are reflected. The final section analyzes success factors as well as shortcomings of the approach, and indicates further R&D as well as application scenarios for the CS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper concerns the net effects of promoting renewable energies on value added and disposable income in Germany, as well as their distribution among regions and income brackets. Since its entry into force, the German Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) has stimulated tremendous investments in renewable energy capacities by guaranteeing investors a fixed price per kWh as well as a preferred feed into the grid over electricity from conventional sources. The policy measures are financed by a surcharge on electricity prices. In recent years, a controversy has arisen about potentially negative regional and social distribution effects. In this paper, multiregional price and quantity input-output models with endogenous heterogeneous households are used to trace the indirect impacts of the EEG on value added and disposable income through the complex network of regional value chains. Our findings suggest that the generation of electricity from renewable sources itself leads to small positive impacts on industries, but leads to a significant drain on household income and has regressive distributive effects. However, investment in new capacities may possibly transform these negative impacts into a positive direction for the majority of households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tackling societal challenges relating to sustainability requires both an understanding of the underlying complex socio-ecological systems and participation of scientists as well as relevant stakeholders, such as practice experts, decision makers, and citizens. This paper introduces the Decision Theatre Triangle, a method which combines empirical information, mathematical modelling and simulation, and a format for dialogue between scientists and stakeholders. While it builds on previous Decision Theatre work, the new structuring into these three elements emphasizes what is needed for setting up a Decision Theatre for a given challenge. Based on experience with a specific example – sustainable mobility in Germany – it is argued that agent-based models are particularly suitable for Decision Theatres and that the method is useful not only for decision support but also for science communication and co-creation of a deeper knowledge of the system under discussion. As a step towards facilitating a broader use of the Decision Theatre Triangle method, the paper then sketches research needs for each of its three elements, with a focus on mathematical modelling and simulation. [Display omitted] • The Decision Theatre Triangle combines data, models, and stakeholder dialogues. • It enables decision support, science communication and co-production of research. • Agent-based modelling shows benefits in the Decision Theatre Triangle method. • Setting up Decision Theatre Triangles for societal challenges needs model structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak caused many negative effects on both the global and national economies. To implement effective policies to mitigate the negative impact of a pandemic, it is necessary to identify particularly vulnerable areas. The objective of this paper is to rank the EU countries in terms of the level of vulnerability of their economies to the impact of the pandemic. For this purpose, the COVID-19 Economic Vulnerability Index (CEVI) was constructed. It replaces the 15-dimensional set of characteristics of the countries with one aggregate, synthetic indicator estimated for 27 EU member states. In the study multivariate statistical methods, including agglomerative clustering and multi-attribute methods of object assessment were used to analyse the effects of the pandemic. The research shows that EU countries have different levels of economic vulnerability to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The southern European countries (Spain, Croatia, Greece and Italy), where the tourism sector plays an important role in GDP composition, are the most fragile. Germany and the Scandinavian countries proved to be the least sensitive to the negative impact of the pandemic. The CEVI can be an important part of the decision support system. It enables the identification of countries that show greater vulnerability to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and may help support countries that need help the most. The proposed index also indicates certain areas in the country's economy that make it more vulnerable. The CEVI in combination with other instruments can be a very useful tool to improve the economy's resilience and help it recover faster in the event of a pandemic shock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence (AI) is regarded worldwide as one of the most important technologies of the future. In the international context, Germany is not considered a pioneer in the field of AI, and the implementation of AI technologies in German companies is also rather slow. Since the German economy is mainly driven by SMEs, the implementation of AI in SMEs is a key success factor of the national economy. It is known from general studies on digitalization that German SMEs are rather skeptical about new technologies. This paper discusses the implementation prospects of AI in German SMEs based on an empirical survey conducted in 2020 among 283 companies. It shows that the SMEs surveyed tend to use more traditional technologies such as rule-based systems and see the lack of employee qualifications in particular as an implementation hurdle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the emergence of 1,072 solar initiatives (268 associations and 804 cooperatives operating photovoltaic systems) from 2006 to 2018 in Germany. The study draws on organizational ecology theory to identify factors that influence the likelihood of establishing a solar initiative by investigating the impacts of two opposing effects: legitimation effects and competition effects. We show that the density of medium-scale photovoltaic installations in a district negatively affects the likelihood of establishing a solar initiative, suggesting that competitive dynamics prevail between different market entrants, dampening the emergence of solar initiatives. By contrast, we find that the founding of a solar initiative in a district has a positive effect on the probability of founding other solar initiatives in the same district, confirming legitimacy effects. Further, we show that solar initiatives are more likely to be founded in rural areas, especially in densifying rural areas. • Citizens collectively install PV systems where there are fewer similar systems present. • Initiatives are more likely to emerge in districts with existing initiatives. • Initiatives emerge primarily in densified rural areas. • Enhancing organizational rather than technological knowledge is important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a multi-step framework to design flexible power-to-methane processes is presented. The approach considers all crucial parts of the power-to-methane process, including the renewable energy source. The aim is to provide a design that allows for feasible operation under the fluctuating conditions induced by the renewable energy source at all times. For each part of the process, the operating windows are analyzed and optimized under different site-specific constraints, and recommendations for actions regarding the technical implementations are provided. The impact of the carbon dioxide source is scrutinized, and subsequent scheduling optimization is performed to determine necessary storage capacities. The framework is demonstrated on two carbon dioxide availability scenarios where the renewable energy source is a wind turbine coupled to a polymer exchange membrane electrolyzer that produces hydrogen, which is then converted to methane in a fixed-bed reactor. The results show that the feasible operation of the system strongly depends on the site-specific conditions. In particular, the availability of carbon dioxide impacts the flexibility of the methanation reactor. When the stochiometric ratio between hydrogen and carbon dioxide cannot be sustained, the operating window of the reactor deteriorates significantly. However, it is shown that appropriate integration and scheduling of storage capacities debottlenecks the reactor and enables the utilization of all electricity generated by the wind turbine. • A framework for the design of flexible power-to-methane systems is introduced. • Optimization approaches for each step of the framework are provided. • A dynamic optimization approach for storage integration is given. • The impact of the carbon dioxide provision flexibility is investigated. • The framework is tested in a case study with an onshore wind turbine in Germany. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Soil reflectance composites were generated with Sentinel-2 L2A data. • A multi-channel CNN learning framework for soil organic carbon prediction is proposed. • A dual input deep learning architecture improves the predictions. • The framework produced results that can be interpreted. The Copernicus Sentinel-2 multispectral imagery data may be aggregated to extract large-scale, bare soil, reflectance composites, which enable soil mapping applications. In this paper, this approach was tested in the German federal state of Bavaria, to provide estimations for soil organic carbon (SOC). Different temporal ranges were considered for the generation of the composites, including multi-annual and seasonal ranges. A novel multi-channel convolutional neural network (CNN) is proposed. By leveraging the advantages of deep learning techniques, it utilizes complementary information from different spectral pre-treatment techniques. The SOC predictions indicated little dissimilarity amongst the different composites, with the best performance attained for the six-year composite containing only spring months (RMSE = 12.03 g C · kg−1, R2 = 0.64, RPIQ = 0.89). It has been demonstrated that these outcomes outperform other well-known machine learning techniques. An ablation analysis was accordingly performed to evaluate the interplay of the CNN's different components to disentangle the advantages of each aspect of the proposed framework. Finally, a DUal inPut deep LearnIng architecture, named DUPLICITE, is proposed, which concatenates deep spectral features derived from the CNN mentioned earlier, as well as topographical and environmental covariates through an artificial neural network (ANN) to exploit their complementarity. The proposed approach was demonstrated to provide an improvement in the overall prediction performance (RMSE = 11.60 gC · kg−1, R2 = 0.67, RPIQ = 0.92). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To mitigate climate change, individual greenhouse gas emissions need to decline substantially. This paper empirically explores the relationship between individual carbon footprints and carbon literacy as well as socio-economic and attitudinal factors. To operationalize carbon literacy, we distinguish between carbon knowledge and carbon engagement. Our econometric analysis uses widely representative survey data for 1000 individuals in Germany and distinguishes between components of an aggregate carbon footprint and of carbon footprints related with electricity consumption, heating, motorized individual transport, aviation, and dietary choices. We find a negative and sizeable correlation between carbon engagement and the aggregate footprint, as well as the footprints related to electricity consumption and diet. For example, a one-unit increase in our index reflecting carbon engagement corresponds to a decrease in the aggregate carbon footprint of about 4%. Furthermore, for carbon knowledge we find a negative correlation with the carbon footprint from diet. We also find significant correlations between the carbon footprints and gender, age, income, education, environmental preferences, and policy orientation, which generally exhibit the intuitively expected signs, but differ somewhat across activities. Overall, our findings support the notion that fostering carbon engagement represents a more effective strategy for reducing individuals' carbon footprints than enhancing carbon knowledge. • We study the relationship between carbon literacy and carbon footprints. • We break down carbon literacy into carbon knowledge and carbon engagement. • Individual-level carbon footprints calculated from representative data in Germany. • Carbon footprints calculated for electricity use, heating, transport, and diet. • Econometric findings stress role of carbon engagement for carbon footprints. • Carbon footprints are correlated with socio-economic factors and policy orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assesses alternative energy technologies (i.e., PV and battery systems, electric heat pumps, hybrid gas heating with solar thermal energy) in terms of profitability and CO 2 emissions, for the case of two simulated typical households living in detached houses in Germany. Under the status-quo regulatory framework, the energy transition in the heating sector is fostered through grants for replacing old heating systems, whereas PV generation is fostered by feed-in tariffs and indirect subsidies for self-consumption. This study considers an alternative regulatory scenario with a more market-oriented approach, finding that a CO 2 -oriented reform of energy surcharges and taxes, as well as a reform of network charges, can support a more cost-efficient energy transition in the residential sector. The paper concludes with a discussion of the consistency, cost efficiency and effectiveness of past and current policies underpinning the energy transition in the residential sector. • Assessment of home energy systems across 2 households and 2 regulatory scenarios. • Consideration of PV, batteries, heat pumps and hybrid gas-solar heating systems. • Comparison of subsidies and flat energy tariffs vs. cost-reflective, dynamic tariffs. • Market-oriented approach incentivizes far more cost-efficient CO 2 emission reduction. • The German residential energy sector needs a consistent regulatory framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key policy instrument to conserve biodiversity in agricultural landscapes are agri-environment schemes (AES). AES typically incentivise specific conservation measures which are independent of a specific state of an ecosystem or a species. In this paper we take up the idea of state-dependent conservation measures which means that in each period of interest the decision about the design of the conservation measure is made dependent on the state of the ecosystem or the species of interest. We develop a modelling framework to compare the cost-effectiveness of AES which incentivise state-dependent conservation measures (AES-SD) with AES which incentivise state-independent conservation measures (AES-SI). We apply the framework to a case study of meadow bird conservation through specific mowing regimes in the Aller river valley in Germany, and compare an AES-SI with fixed mowing dates and an AES-SD with mowing dates depending on the phenological start of spring. We find that AES-SD substantially outperforms AES-SI. Cost-effectiveness gains arise as the connection of mowing dates to phenological events increase the breeding success of the meadow birds but also as farmers accept slightly lower compensation payments as mowing in dependence of the state of the grassland reduces fluctuations in their fodder yields. • We analyse the cost-effectiveness of state-dependent AES. • The design of state-dependent AES depends on the state of the ecosystem. • State-dependent conservation is known in conservation planning but new to AES design. • We design a state-dependent AES for meadow bird conservation in Germany. • We show that cost-effectiveness gains of a state-dependent AES can be substantial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the rapid development of the global digital industry and the need for sustainable development and climate change, this paper explores the global ICT-embodied CO 2 emissions changes and intensities from 2000 to 2014, and the driving factors behind ICT-embodied CO 2 emissions changes in 15 countries by using the multi-regional input–output (MRIO) method and structural decomposition analysis (SDA) method. We also use Monte Carlo simulations to forecast the ICT-embodied CO 2 emissions from 2020 to 2050. The results indicate that: (1) After 2009, global ICT's embodied CO 2 emissions first decline and then increase, and the sector that manufactures computer, electronic, and optical products account for 82.83% of the global ICT's embodied CO 2 emissions in 2014; (2) judging from the emission-reduction trends of various countries, CO 2 emissions intensity factors are the main drivers restricting the growth of embodied CO 2 emissions in the ICT sector, while final demand composition factors play a significant role in promoting the increase of ICT's embodied CO 2 emissions; (3) Australia, Germany, and Indonesia contribute to an increase in ICT's embodied CO 2 emissions due to sectoral heterogeneity, while Canada, China, Germany, and South Korea have contributed to an increase in ICT's embodied CO 2 emissions in terms of regional heterogeneity; (4) the drivers have also changed significantly with the impact of the financial crisis; and (5) with the current pattern of development, it is difficult to reach the peak of ICT-embodied CO 2 emissions in most countries before 2050. This paper also provides feasible implementation plans for carbon mitigation in the global ICT industry. • We analyze the global ICT-embodied CO 2 emissions changes and their driving factors. • The structural decomposition analysis (SDA) method is utilized. • Final demand composition factors play a key role in ICT's embodied CO 2 emissions. • ICT-embodied CO 2 emissions of Australia, Germany, and Indonesia increase due to sectoral heterogeneity. • It is difficult to reach the peak of ICT-embodied CO 2 emissions in most countries before 2050. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper concerns fault-tolerant control of a real battery assembly system which is under a pilot implementation at RAFI GmbH Company (one of the leading electronic manufacturing service providers in Germany). The proposed framework is based on an interval analysis approach, which along with max-plus algebra, allows describing uncertain discrete event system such as the production one being considered in this paper. Having a mathematical system description, a model predictive control-based fault tolerant strategy is developed which can cope with both processing, transportation and mobile robot faults. In particular, it enables tolerating (up to some degree) the influence of these faults on the overall system performance. As a result, a novel robust predictive fault-tolerant strategy is developed that is applied to the advanced battery assembly system. The final part of the paper shows the implementation and experimental validation of the proposed strategy. The proposed approach is tested against single as well as simultaneous faults concerning processing, transportation and mobile robots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of climate change mitigation and sustainable energy infrastructure development, this paper focuses on the successful implementation of microgrids supplied by renewable energies in very diverse environments. Taking into account the challenges of reaching economies of scale, this paper is targeted at identifying success factors for microgrid implementation. The success factors are derived from case study analyses of microgrids implemented in the Global South and in communities of Germany. The goal of the research is to develop a mutual understanding of common values and so support future developments. The analysis covers the categories of ownership and participation; technology and system design; and policy and financing. The results show that microgrids in the Global South and renewable-energy-based communities in Germany share a number of success factors. The results demonstrate that a high share of ownership by users and the flexibility to expand the microgrid with user needs are particularly promising features. To verify the application of the identified success factors, the latter are applied to analyze the microgrid concept of “swarm electrification”. The analysis concludes that the concept of swarm electrification is consistent with the success factors, making it a high-potential approach for renewable-energy-based electrification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The approach to integrate a fourth-party logistics service provider in the German Agricultural Bulk Logistics sector marks a new concept that aims at achieving sustainable development goals in transportation, i. e., by realising full truck loads. Against the background of steadily growing transport volumes, it is of paramount importance to develop sustainability concepts in order to mitigate the impacts on the environment. At present, the processes in the domain of the German Agricultural Bulk Logistics sector are characterised by bulk transports, small and medium sized actors and paper-based processes, which offers high potential for process optimizations in terms of sustainability. Therefore, the German Agricultural Bulk Logistics sector currently explores the approach of including a fourth-party logistics service provider into its transport processes in order to render these more sustainable and reduce costs. The objective of this paper is to present the general idea of implementing a fourth-party logistics service provider into a transportation (planning) process, to clarify the different functions of the participating parties and to introduce the modified transportation planning process as artefact. By means of a mixed method approach, we deliver qualitative insights based on semi-structured interviews and quantitative insights based on simulations. Effects and benefits of the approach are identified by means of a case study. Involving the fourth-party logistics service provider as well as the associated transportation planning process in the mentioned logistics area can lead to cost savings up to 38%, helps to reduce environmental pollution and mitigates social barriers in form of existential fears. The results demonstrate the applicability of the fourth-party logistics service provider approach in the sector and underline that this approach supports the achievement of sustainable development goals in transportation. Furthermore, we identify sustainable characteristics and present the mixed method approach which functions as an assessment framework for the fourth-party logistics service provider approach. Furthermore, by adopting the documented features of sustainable supply chain management in the fourth-party logistics service provider approach, an additional value is generated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Target 2, Action 5 of the EU Biodiversity Strategy requests member states “to map and assess ecosystems and their services” (Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services – MAES initiative). The objective of this paper is to present and discuss the preliminary outcomes of the approach taken to define indicators for implementing MAES in Germany. The paper introduces the requirements for using indicators from a perspective of nature conservation policy, in particular the need to discern the demand and supply of ecosystem services, including their potentials, actual and future use, as well as the natural contributions and human inputs to the generation of ecosystem services. An adapted, differentiated, ecosystem services terminology is presented and a first set of indicators is introduced and explained. The paper closes with an estimate of potential benefits of information produced by implementation of a national MAES for various fields of policy (e.g. local and regional landscape planning) and proposes some recommendations for further research and practical exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]