It is always a consideration whether the further use of an older device does not require less energy or water than the production of a new, energy-efficient device. Therefore, the energy requirement along the entire product life cycle (from production to use to disposal) must be considered. Companies need the competence to weigh up the right time for a new purchase of devices, but also the determination to then purchase the most sustainable and not only cheapest devices.

LED 'light bulbs' are now available for really all lamps, even with pleasantly warm light colors. Also, think about the lights outside - are they LED as well?

We have to use all suitable areas for photovoltaics (PV), as the variants on open spaces restrict nature and agriculture. A trend is PV on stilts (Agri-PV), so that it can still be gardened or cultivated underneath. But that costs building material. Photovoltaics has become amazingly inexpensive today thanks to cheap panels from China. Unfortunately, there is hardly any money to make from the feed into the power grid, currently about 8 cents per kWh in Germany. Therefore, PV should always be combined with its own electricity storage (own step, see below) so that as much electricity as possible is consumed by yourself. This then saves approx. 25 to 35 cents per kWh (depending on your tariff), which we would otherwise have to pay to the electricity provider. In this way, your own PV system, adapted to your own electricity consumption, pays off after just a few years. If you have a car, you should take into account its consumption (even if it is not yet an electric car). Then the savings are much bigger. The banks like to give loans for PV, quite often it is also being subsidized. In addition, there are also providers who take over the costs and virtually rent the roof area and offer discounted electricity in return. Such providers then form so-called virtual power plants with other houses and their batteries. For such a dependency, you should inform yourself well about what is best for you.

First of all: private use of hydropower is possible, but absolutely the exception and must be well considered legally and in its effects on ecosystems. We can also only operate wind power plants with consideration for our neighbors (noise development). Some properties are actually sufficiently exposed to the wind. But many are later disappointed with how little yield they have then. Citizen energy really makes sense - if, for example, residents or also local compenies join together in a cooperative and usually operate larger wind turbines nearby. This promotes the acceptance of wind power in the area and the return does not end up with the large investor, but with the local people.

Motion detectors make sense in all rooms including outdoor areas, where we potentially let the light burn for too long, for example in the hallway, basement, garage, etc. Of course, it is important that the light does not stay on for too long.

Modern lamps require little electricity, and yet it is worthwhile not to let them burn unnecessarily, for example when we are not in the room for a long time. Corridors, toilet rooms, cellars often have the light burning unnecessarily. In some indoor and outdoor areas, companies also sometimes have the light on too long or too early.

Solar thermal energy makes it possible to heat water over part of the roof area most of the year and then use it for hot water or even to support heating. It is quite inexpensive in the actual purchase - only pipes have to be laid and the heat for the hot water or heating must be transferred via a heat exchanger. Since solar thermal energy works mainly in sunshine, it is often suggested to install PV modules on the same surface and to electrically heat water over them. The yield in kW is higher with solar thermal energy, but the installation of PV is easier.

In most study rooms it is too warm in winter - we walk around in a T-shirt instead of putting on thick sweaters and a cardigan. The energy-saving potential is considerable. When lowering the temperature, attention must be paid to the indoor climate and the possible risk of mold formation. This depends above all on the humidity. Companies also have to observe workplace regulations.

Air conditioning systems are also gaining in importance in temperate latitudes. Intelligent construction and ventilation and the use of thermal protection roller blinds can avoid these power guzzlers. In warm regions, a corresponding education of the guests can take place. Often a fan is also useful.

There are almost hostile prejudices against electric cars: child labor, coal power, risk of explosion, farmers are expropriated, fear of range, loss of value, etc. It is true: Like every car, electric cars are also a waste of raw materials and energy. But if car, then the electric car is the best solution, because gasoline and diesel perform even worse in all areas. Many studies or Statements by laymen make a mistake: The controversial lithium must not only be counted with its footprint from mining, but this must be reduced by the many times that lithium is recycled again and again in the decades. In addition, what few know: Gasoline contains almost as much electrical energy on 100km for production and transport as it is needed in an electric car for the journey. E-cars would not have to be so expensive and batteries not so big - charging options are more important. Electricity at public charging stations is currently surprisingly expensive, although it would clearly be more important to add the costs of the climate disaster and air pollution to the price of gasoline and diesel. http://www.imodeler.info/ro? key=Col-EWhyCbIR_KGGP7mXbLw Hydrogen and synthetic fuels in cars are nonsense. There are so-called memes fuelled by individual interests (keyword "Lex Porsche" https://www.cleanthinking.de/lex-porsche-lindner-wissing-e-fuels/), 'ego trolls', which are picked up by 'Troll-Lemmingen', who simply like to be against something and do not want to change. With both fuels, green electricity is first generated and then with loss of efficiency to hydrogen or e-fuel. For e-fuels, carbon is also missing - already today, few airlines that have started with it have a problem buying carbon on the market. Consideo has also gained important insights about hydrogen: https://www.imodeler.de/a/ConsideoPaper-BEM-Dt.pdf In companies, of course, electric cars are also associated with additional expenses. However, if the electricity itself is produced, the self-consumption of electricity can be maximized and the costs are even lower in the end.

If you do not have a garage or courtyard entrance with your own socket, you are dependent on charging options in public space and at the workplace. However, the charging options, which were initially underutilized, must first be there, but then people switch to electric cars with a time delay. Providing guests and employees with enough charging stations here is a real competitive advantage.

Consistently separating waste, including green waste, glass and paper, is not as self-evident as can be assumed. Many make little effort here and don't really know what belongs in which bin. The residual waste bin also costs the public sector a lot of money, while the recyclable and green waste bin are free of charge. But also special waste, such as batteries, incandescent lamps, electrical appliances, etc. must be disposed of properly.

Rare and exotic (not invasive) species often have less yields than our standard products (e.g. apples), but they are usually particularly tasty, encourage conversations with others and help to increase biodiversity. Farms should choose robust plants that can cope even with extreme weather. Diversity ensures resilience against specific diseases.

Road salt is convenient and safe, but a considerable burden for pets, the trees and the surface water. Replacing this with split means more effort, but it's worth it.

Sidewalks can be kept mechanically or by flames weed-free or the herb can also grow sometimes. The beds can be kept mechanically herb-free or laid out from the outset in such a way that herb does not matter. Pesticides are one of the main causes of species extinction and water pollution.

At Fair-Trade, we usually think of the label of the same name - which is no longer in disrepute. But there are also other labels - some rather greenwashing, some quite trying to do better. Fair is not always the same as organic and organic is not always fair (but some labels combine both). The importance is immense: fair working conditions in the world ensure less migration, more climate protection and a more peaceful world. Extremely remarkable is the background of chocolate and the connection between child slavery (!) And the common products from Nutella to children's chocolate to the Mars bar: https://edition.cnn.com/world/freedom-project Companies and events can therefore be pioneers for a better world themselves here in the food or in the work clothes or the hand-sewn football.

Many people who earn above average can only do this because others earn below average. The gap between rich and poor is getting bigger and bigger. Consumers complain about cheap wages, but the price increase by 50 cents is rarely accepted. What we deserve is not, as liberals or neoliberals like to think, just a question of diligence. It is the product (!) Out of diligence, skill and the right framework conditions. Anyone who knows many talented and hard-working people who are simply not lucky develops empathy and is willing to pay more, even if it is through tips. Companies can set an example in the case of remuneration, in particular for less well-paid activities within the scope of their possibilities.

Volunteering, whether at the fire brigade, in the sports club or the help in the neighborhood, is enormously important for togetherness and society. Companies can help here to honor volunteering and accompany it through donations.

Both organ and blood donations or even bone marrow donations cost us overcoming - until we or our loved ones are dependent on it. Here, too, the same applies - those who do it can be proud of themselves. Entrepreneurs can go ahead and release their employees, for example, if it is blood donation during working hours.They also can spread information about the topic and management can be a role model.

Support of clubs, squares and halls for the gathering of citizens

Unfortunately, many devices can no longer be repaired at all, for example if the control unit breaks down from the washing machine and costs more than a new washing machine. And yet there are workshops that also repair mobile phones, washing machines, lawn mowers, etc. - and even if it is as expensive as a new device, it is the good feeling of having done something for a better world again.

Heat is generated in many production processes. This should be used - at least for your own rooms and the need for hot water, or even for district heating.

To minimize material requirements, on the one hand, the product itself can be lightweight, for example according to the principles of bionics. On the other hand, during production, an optimization of the blanks, the throwing away or complex melting of material can be prevented. This also includes the optimization of quality, which avoids incorrect productions.

However, many entries in the air, soil and waters are ultimately harmful and avoidable below limit values. Filter systems or the conversion to correspondingly more harmless substances are expensive. Here again, companies can advertise today to exceed the standards. In agriculture, this aspect is to be evaluated accordingly from 'no attention' to 'according to regulations' and 'less than allowed' to 'eco-agriculture'.

Recycling materials are sometimes more expensive - but in the future we will be dependent on the so-called anthropogenic warehouse. However, companies can already advertise with it today. Design for Recycling means that your own products are also as easy to recycle as possible.

Durable products are more expensive in production and companies naturally want to sell new products again after the warranty has expired, partly with planned obsolescence. Many companies also plan the product life cycles (PLZ) accordingly and dose the progress of their products, so that there are regular reasons for new purchases. Dancing out of line here to offer durable, repairable products with a long spare parts warranty also justifies a higher price for a product that they are then proud of for more and more people in the world.

Even organic products often come in small disposable packaging. Here, every producer should look at what is possible in terms of deposit systems (also for transport), recycled cardboard and simply less packaging.

Not just the EU is looking at ESG criteria - Ecological, Social and Governance (ESG) in companies. The governance covers not just diversity, equality and inclusion (DIE), but also risk management, transparency, and a lot more. We make DIE a part of BoB - the rest is rather a topic of a company's strategy for more sucess. Sometimes companies only have the opportunity to address one of the DEI's topics. If you do address all three you get three points!