Water, Energy and Landscape Management

Sustainable use of water: We address the growing demand for a sustainable use of water with new approaches and strategies.

Decentralized processes: These are our priority in waste water treatment and recycling, e.g. through biofilters, constructed wetlands, membrane technologies or solar distillation.

Protection of resources: We regard waste water as a valuable resource from which new and marketable products can evolve. The development of new technologies and demand-oriented concepts go hand-in-hand.

Land service functions: Maintaining and restoring them are the focus of our work. What we understand by these service functions are in particular clear water, fertile soil, biodiversity and a balanced local climate.

Sustainable cultivation: Together with land use managers such as farmers and foresters, fish farmers or greenhouse owners but also with the relevant political partners and NGOs, we develop solutions which are economically attractive too. These include sustainable cultivation methods and modules, training and communication strategies.

Teamwork: Many of our measures are linked by an integrative approach which brings the various players round the table. An example is the integrated water catchment area management with which we are contributing to preventing desertification, erosion or flooding. We want to maintain land functions which are still intact and stabilize those which are already damaged.

Apart from our practical work with partners on site, we also develop suitable concepts and modules for international organizations, ministries, district authorities, associations or training institutions in Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa.

Protection of resources through energy efficiency: We approach the resource problem in question from two sides: On the one hand we explore, develop and optimize technologies and concepts for the sustainable use of regenerative energy sources. On the other hand we devise strategies and measures for greater energy efficiency. This we achieve, for example, through optimized use of energy in buildings and greenhouses, optimization of processes and equipment, effective use of residues or through process coupling. Solutions which are tailored and adapted to local parameters are important to us whatever the measure.

Biomass: With regard to regenerative energy sources, in the first instance we are backing biomass. This includes the recovery of biogas, bioethanol, wood chippings and pellets from reproducible raw materials and organic residues. But a greater range of applications of solar energy and improving safety in the use of wind energy are also part of our repertoire.

With our research, consulting and training activities, we support above all district authorities, associations and farmers - in addition to industry - but also ministries or international organizations.

More information about the King Saudi University which is a cooperation partner as well as a project partner for European research projects can be found here.