The "Wuppertal Institut für Klima, Umwelt, Energie GmbH" ("Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy") has for more than 10 years been researching and developing models, strategies and instruments for sustainable development at the regional, national and international level. The interdisciplinary work of the institute focuses on the ecology and its reciprocal relationship with the economy and society, undertaking a mediating function between politics, economy, science and the public at large.

The focal points of its research include on the one hand the development of concepts for an integrated environmental and sustainability policy - specially for the areas of climate, energy and transport - as well as economic incentives, environmental indicators and assessment methods.

A further important focal point is the definition of potentials, market opportunities and implementation strategies in companies by means of eco-auditing and eco-efficient services to meet various needs (mobility, leisure, nutrition, education etc.).

The Wuppertal Institute has also made a major contribution to the awareness of Wuppertal worldwide: the list of project partners extends far beyond the borders of the country. Scientists from the Institute act as advisors to the Japanese, Chinese and any European governments, and also work for the Global Environmental Facility Fund of the World Bank (GEF) and in developing countries (e.g. Latin America, South-east Asia, the Near East). They also work increasingly on behalf of German enquiry commissions and for the governments in Brussels, Berlin and Düsseldorf.

Nevertheless, the Institute is still very active at the local level: as part of the Wuppertal environmental initiative, the Wuppertal Institute hopes to work closely with other companies and institutions on sustainable development in Wuppertal and the surrounding area by bringing its extensive experience to bear on the initiative. The project KURS 21 for example is directed specifically at schools and companies in the area in order to develop learning partnerships between these two groups.

Further information is available from www.wupperinst.org.