The Institut

IZES gGmbH was founded in November 1999 as an affiliated institute of the An-Instituts der Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft (HTW) des Saarlandes at the initiative of the state of Saarland, individual energy companies, service providers in the energy sector, as well as Saarland University and HTW. Initially, it was established under the sponsorship of an association (ZES e.V.). Following its merger with the Saarland Energy Agency (later AZES GmbH), IZES has been operating as a non-profit limited liability company (gGmbH) since 2005. In December 2024, cooperation with Universität des Saarlandes was further strengthened, and a closer research collaboration was agreed upon. IZES is now also recognized as an extra-university research institution of Saarland University.

In addition to the state as the main shareholder, the following institutions are also involved in IZES gGmbH: Stadtwerke Saarbrücken Netz AG, VSE AG, STEAG New Energies GmbH, Pfalzwerke AG, Enovos Deutschland SE, htw saar (University of Applied Sciences of Saarland), and Saarland University.

The interdisciplinary team of scientific staff includes economists, business and mechanical engineers, civil, environmental, agricultural, and electrical engineers, forestry experts, political and social scientists, environmental lawyers, spatial and environmental planners, geographers, psychologists, computer scientists, and chemists. This team is supported by diploma students, bachelor’s and master’s students, interns, and assistants from various study programs.

The purpose of the organization is to promote science and research, as well as environmental protection, particularly through applied research and development in the field of sustainable energy and material flow systems. IZES gGmbH follows an interdisciplinary approach that combines practical topics with scientific questions and perspectives.

IZES gGmbH manages regional, national, and international projects on behalf of and in collaboration with municipalities, authorities, ministries, institutions, national and European funding organizations, private-sector companies, and other scientific institutions. In addition to initiating and scientifically supporting cooperative projects in Germany and neighboring European countries, IZES gGmbH is also involved in large-scale scientific projects with an international focus.

In its own test and demonstration facilities, technical systems are available that enable both a selected range of analysis and quality testing as well as the development of innovative technologies and processes. For research purposes, a pilot biogas plant and a briquetting press are also available—partly in cooperation with htw saar.

Vision & Mission

Shared viewpoints and principles of the (co-signing) employees of IZES gGmbH regarding our community, the overall situation of the Earth, and the resulting shared motivations for action.

We aim to be one of the communities driving the great societal transformation in this world.

Our shared vision for our organization is as follows: Present and future generations will find a world that provides them with an intact environment, a tolerant, mindful, and equitable society, as well as stable and resource-efficient processes that ensure a secure foundation of life for all living beings on this planet. In doing so, we refer, among other things, to the globally recognized Sustainable Development Goals.

Against this background, we conduct research, provide consulting, and collaborate in an inter- and transdisciplinary approach with various actors from business, science, politics, and society. Our work focuses on the energy and mobility transition, resource conservation, and the transformation of our economic and social systems at the local, national, and international levels. We strive to live as best as possible according to the principles we seek to bring into the world.

Our Foundations:

  • We aim to contribute to a fairer world, particularly regarding climate justice.
  • Resources should be used efficiently according to the principles of the circular economy.
  • Sufficiency is an important aspect of our actions.
  • The generation and dissemination of new knowledge, as well as the evaluation and communication of current scientific findings, form the core of our work.
  • Our scientific work follows a systemic approach, considering the potential interactions of our results with other environmental sectors, society, and ourselves.
  • We are committed to the goal of public benefit.
  • Our work is characterized by high scientific quality, as it is fact-based and politically independent.
  • We consciously recognize our social responsibility and role model function and strive to continuously improve our competencies.
  • We minimize our own resource consumption as much as possible in our daily actions.
  • We understand sustainability as a social, dialogical, and participatory process and advocate for mindful, respectful interactions in the workplace.
  • We seek a transparent and continuous dialogue with employees, clients, project partners, as well as civil society and the public.
  • We stand for gender equality, the recognition of a diverse society in all its dimensions, and the appreciation of diversity.
  • A health-promoting workplace is a fundamental prerequisite for healthy and satisfied employees. We create and maintain appropriate spaces and encourage a healthy work-life balance and nutrition through suitable offerings.

We develop methods, strategies, and tools that contribute to achieving these goals in cooperation with others. To this end, we ensure that:

  • Responsibilities and actions at all company levels are identified, understood, and accepted.
  • All employees are aware of and live up to their respective responsibilities.
  • The boundaries between work areas are permeable, and the institute serves as our reference unit.
  • We allow sufficient space for open thinking and discussion processes.
  • We remain open to all forms of learning and knowledge transfer.
  • We feel deeply connected to Saarland and are committed to its well-being.
  • We uphold a democratic understanding and carefully examine whether potential projects and assignments align with our values.

Gender Equality

IZES gGmbH hereby publishes the updated Women’s and Gender Equality Plan (2023-2027), which evaluates the quantitative and qualitative objectives and planned measures of the three areas of action for integrating a gender-equitable perspective in all personnel, social, and organizational operational areas over a four-year reference period. This update builds upon the goals and measures set in 2018/2019.

The position of Gender Equality / Women’s Officer is held by Katja Weiler, with Daniela Becker serving as deputy during her second term from May 2018 to June 2023.