The best Energy Scout teams from ten countries were honored by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) for their practical projects on energy and resource efficiency in Berlin as part of Young Energy Europe. The festive ceremony was accompanied by an intensive social program from 16th to 18th June that offered insights into sustainable production facilities and space for exchanges among the teams.
After arriving in Berlin 27 Energy Scout teams from 10 European countries went straight into professional exchange and presented their practical projects that had won prizes within the national competitions. A highlight was definitely the short videos, developed personally by the Energy Scouts, that summed up their practical projects in one minute. The projects showcased practical hands-on solutions for enhancing energy and resource efficiency across a wide range of industries, including: steel manufacturing, automotive, hospitality, agriculture, wood and waste management.
After the project presentations, the Energy Scouts headed over to a solar-powered boat tour, to cruise through the heart of Berlin. Although already very hungry, the Energy Scouts first put their energy and climate knowledge to a test in a boat quiz: the winning team being the first one to access the buffet!
“For me it was just really nice to connect with new people and see their mentality and their approach to life. I’m very happy that we have created this beginning to a new friendship and work relationships.”
Saija Bikanova-Andžāne, Mārupes Siltumnīcas SIA, Latvia
The second day began with the award ceremony, organized jointly with the Unternehmensnetzwerk Klimaschutz, honouring both 41 Energy Scouts and their German counterparts, 200 Energie-Scouts. The room was packed with positive energy, excited chit-chat and eyes full of expectation.
The Energy Scouts were honoured by Rita Schwarzelühr-Sutter, Parliamentary State Secretary of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) and Dr. Achim Dercks, Deputy Managing Director of DIHK. Rita Schwarzelühr-Sutter emphasized the importance of German and European Scouts for the successful transition to climate neutrality in companies: “The achievements and results of these committed young people are enormous. In every company, the Scouts find untapped potential for using energy efficiently, saving energy, and utilizing renewable energies. In doing so, they not only demonstrate the commitment and ambition with which energy efficiency and climate protection can be promoted. Above all, they also provide their companies with tangible economic advantages. This commitment is exemplary and has real potential for the future.”
Managing Director of DIHK Service GmbH, Sofie Geisel and Host and Climate journalist, Louisa Schneider, guided through the event with motivating words and optimistic vibes.
Afterwards, it was time for some networking. The Scouts were able to exchange views on their respective approaches to saving energy and resources and learn more about the various projects in the scope of a poster exhibition.
“There were a lot of teams from across Europe. Also, we liked projects that maybe you can implement in other companies. I think that’s the greatness of this event.”
Naum Popovski, EVN Macedonia
In the afternoon, the Energy Scouts visited BMW’s motorbike production facility, gaining insights into their energy consumption management, their approaches to smart, more climate-friendly and circular production processes. A learning was that all of BMW’s motorcycles within the EU are delivered to customers in reusable metal packaging frames, which are then returned and used multiple times. This approach significantly reduces the use of wood and cardboard, which are still commonly used for motorcycle packaging outside the EU.
On Wednesday, the last day of the event, the group made its way to the local ice cream manufactory, Florida Eis Manufaktur GmbH. Since 2013, the company has been shining with its CO2-neutral production, making it the first ice cream manufacturer in Germany to achieve this goal. The company relies on the use of diverse environmentally friendly technologies. Olaf Höhn, the owner of Florida Eis, demonstrated how individuals can make a difference when it comes to realizing innovative and sustainable ideas. He plans to expand to a new location near Magdeburg, where existing sustainable production methods will be replicated and further expanded.
The end of the tour marked the end of this eventful, cross-border exchange in Berlin.
©Dirk Enters
