The summer tour sparked an aura of inventiveness
In the picturesque town of Nettetal, Germany, a new era of sustainability is unfolding. Mayor Christian Küsters recently welcomed numerous representatives from innovative companies in the region, showcasing the town's commitment to the circular economy.
The focus of the visit was the Cradle-to-Cradle concept, which was exemplified at the municipal utilities. This approach encourages the continuous use of resources, eliminating the concept of waste. The administrative building, constructed in 2022, serves as a learning site for climate-friendly and resource-conserving construction.
Mayor Küsters emphasised the region's potential, stating that it houses companies with nationwide impact. He called for reliable framework conditions from state and federal governments to foster this growth. The call was echoed by Minister Neubaur, who highlighted the importance of functional networks between business, science, and politics for the implementation of circular economy.
One such example is Dr. Peter Welters, founder and Managing Director of Phytowelt GreenTechnologies GmbH. His biotechnological concepts for selective breeding of poplars contribute to environmental relief through phytoremediation.
In the realm of construction, Markus Steppler, Managing Director of W. u. J. Derix GmbH & Co., is a pioneer. His company was the first in the industry to introduce a take-back commitment for timber elements, ensuring that resources are reused rather than discarded.
However, while specific examples of companies in Nettetal implementing circular economy principles for sustainable construction could not be found in the current search results, regional research institutions like the NIERS – Niederrhein Institut für Regional- und Strukturforschung, based near the region, focus on regional sustainability and circular economy concepts. This institute promotes inter- and transdisciplinary knowledge exchange that may support circular economy adoption locally.
The topic of energy prices and electricity tax reduction is also a concern for Siegfried Ferling, Managing Director of morgenEnergie GmbH. He is involved in intermunicipal cooperation for integrated energy solutions in the model settlement Juiser Feld. Minister Neubaur also emphasised the need for a temporary reduction in electricity tax for the benefit of competitiveness, both for companies and private households.
Peter Breidenbach, Managing Director of ClayTec GmbH & Co. KG, is another local innovator. He creates a healthy and restorative indoor climate using natural clay products.
In conclusion, while specific companies in Nettetal implementing circular economy principles in construction may not be explicitly cited in the search results, the town and its surrounding area are clearly making strides towards a more sustainable future. For more precise examples, local economic development offices, environmental agencies, or regional sustainability networks in Nettetal or the Lower Rhine area might provide targeted information on companies practicing circular construction.
- Environmental science plays a crucial role in the town of Nettetal's transition towards sustainability, as demonstrated by Dr. Peter Welters' biotechnological concepts for phytoremediation.
- In the home-and-garden sector, Peter Breidenbach, Managing Director of ClayTec GmbH & Co. KG, contributes to a healthier lifestyle by creating a restorative indoor climate using natural clay products.
- The Lower Rhine area, including Nettetal, is not only embracing sustainable living but also pursuing the principles of climate-change mitigation, as evidenced by Markus Steppler's take-back commitment for timber elements and the research conducted by the NIERS institute, promoting circular economy ideas.
