We want to be a 'Learning Institute'

"Applied research which supports a policy of sustainability requires an integral and interdisciplinary approach," emphasises Peter Hennicke, Acting President of the Wuppertal Institute, and former Vice-President and Head of the Energy Division. Under his leadership the Institute has initiated a strategy of further development. Based on the InstituteÕs strengths, its interdisciplinary competence for system-wide solutions will be used. Its long-term visions and key ideas must be converted into concrete steps and into precise suggestions for action together with the supporting framework for actors. Here, Hennicke stresses: "In the Institute we have gathered the potential of many innovative minds from the most varied disciplines. This joint productive power must be continually mobilised for new ideas. The recommendations we make in our reports to clients in politics, business and society must also count for us: we want to be a learning institute."

By introducing new topics, Peter Hennicke sees his mission as furthering the reputation of the Wuppertal Institute, established by Ernst von Weizsäcker, as a free-thinking and independent "think tank".

For Peter Hennicke, the pioneer and energy economist, scientific knowledge must in his view be communicated clearly and convincingly to the people and decision-makers in our society. In numerous lectures, publications and committees (such as the Enquete Committee of Enquiry on Climate and Energy of the German Bundestag) he stresses the importance of supporting those issues which are indispensable for a sustainable climate and energy policy: "The Efficiency Revolution is a win-win situation. Kilowatt-hours which are not used are the cleanest, cheapest and lowest risk option for protecting climate and resources. Here, we are not talking about doing without, rather about efficient technology, intelligent management and the moderate use of energy services."

Prof. Dr. Peter Hennicke celebrates his 60th birthday on 18 January. "The Wuppertal Institute has," so he says, "become an intellectual home for me and will remain a place of inspiration and continual learning."

Press release by Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy

in the Science Centre North Rhine-Westphalia

Responsible: Prof. Dr. Peter Hennicke, President

Contact: Dorle Riechert, Public Relations

Tel. +49 (0)202 2492-180, Fax +49 (0)202 2492-108

E-mail: pr@wupperinst.org