UfU- Independent Institute for Environmental Concerns
Our philosophy
The Independent Institute for Environmental Concerns (UfU) is both - a scientific institute and a citizen-based organisation. Its vision is focused on the creation of a sustainable and productive society. UfU was initiated in November 1989 by a group of nearly 40 enthusiastic East German scientists. With its roots in the GDR environmental movement, its impetus was to further the progress of environmental awareness at a grassroots level and analyse the development of environmental policy.
Structure and Composition
The UfU e.V. has its head office in Berlin, with a branch in Halle/Salle. Fifteen people work in the departments of environmental law & participation, climate protection & environmental education, resource protection & landscape ecology and the UfU-workshop, a more open department. About 250 members and donors support the work of the Institute through membership dues and donations. In addition to its seven Board members, UfU's work is supported by a group of twelve scientists which form the Scientific Advisory Board.
The UfU is designated by German tax law as a non-profit organization which deserves special support. Donation receipts are available upon request. UfU's projects are commissioned or supported by the european union, the german federal ministry of environment as well as the federal ministry of research and education, Germany's federal states and communities, environmental organizations, foundations and scientific institutions.
What are the focus points?
- projects regarding "citizen involvement" in environment protection.
- expert legal opinion on environmental issues
- information about the legal possibilities for reducing and avoiding increases in traffic
- energy advice and concepts for the use of renewable energy resources
- teaching projects for energy saving in schools and environmental concepts for schools
- preparation of ideas concerning waste prevention and waste management for communities and organisations responsible for environment protection tasks
- projects regarding air pollution using "bio-indication" methods
- organisation of conferences and seminars on current issues in environment politics
- publication of brochures, manuals and guides about important environmentally political issues and an (UfU) institute journal
