Welcome to

ThINK – Thuringian Institute for Sustainability and Climate Protection GmbH

The Thuringian Institute for Sustainability and Climate Protection (ThINK) brings together research, planning, consulting, and education to deliver holistic solutions. ThINK works scientifically and practiceoriented at the interface of climate, environment, and urban and regional development. Our interdisciplinary team combines many years of experience and expertise with uptodate specialist knowledge. We place great value on close cooperation with our clients and on transparent communication.

ThINK is your partner for

Regional planning bodies, rural districts, cities, and municipalities
Energy and utility companies, both public and private
Educational institutions and initiatives aiming to promote sustainability
Academic partners in research projects
Stakeholders from other related fields of interest

Ein Mensch in dicker Polarausrüstung kniet auf einer weiten, schneebedeckten Fläche und bereitet ein weißes, ferngesteuertes Flugzeug (eine Drohne) für den Start vor. Die Sonne steht tief und wirft lange Schatten über den Schnee.

Mehrere Windkraftanlagen stehen auf einer leicht erhöhten Landschaft und drehen sich vor einem orange-roten Sonnenuntergang. Die tief stehende Sonne ist als runde Scheibe zwischen zwei der Windräder zu sehen, während der Himmel in warmen Farbverläufen von Orange zu Rosa leuchtet und die Umgebung in sanftes Abendlicht taucht.

About us

ThINK is distinguished by its broad range of expertise across various fields. Our interdisciplinary team of dedicated staff members and shareholders draws on many years of experience. In addition, we maintain close cooperation with academic partners who support us whenever needed.

Team

Company Profile

The Thuringian Institute for Sustainability and Climate Protection (ThINK) operates at the intersection of climate, environment, and urban and regional development. ThINK works nationwide across Germany as well as in international projects. The institute has a strong network of specialist planners, enabling flexible adaptation to the specific requirements of each project. Thanks to its close proximity to Friedrich Schiller University Jena and other academic institutions, the team can also be expanded at short notice to include specialized key qualifications when needed. ThINK’s activities are structured into five areas of expertise:

f.l.t.r. : Heiko Griebsch, Trainee Marlene Westecker, Jakob Maercker, Trainee Amelie Weber, Gabriele Jahn, Annika Schiek, Clara Heine, Trainee Carla Benzing, Sarah Rönnefarth, Uwe Kurmutz, Dennis Kehl, Matthias Mann, Lisa Mastaler, Carmen Hill, Stefan Knetsch, Marie-Charlott Rümmler, Simone Eidam and the Feel-Good-Managerin Dala

Climate Protection & Energy

In the field of energy, ThINK prepares studies on the current status and potential of renewable energies at various spatial and institutional levels and develops energy and climate protection concepts. At the same time, expansion scenarios are analyzed, regional valuecreation effects are assessed, and corresponding recommendations for action are formulated in regional energy roadmaps. ThINK works on behalf of a wide range of stakeholders, including regional planning authorities, city administrations, municipal associations, and political parties.

For stakeholders seeking to take action on climate protection and reduce their CO₂ emissions, emissions accounting is of central importance. ThINK prepares tailored CO₂ inventories using established and continuously updated methodologies. The spatial scale is (almost) unlimited: inventories can be created for federal states, regions, urban or rural municipalities, as well as for events such as concerts, conferences, and workshops.

Urban Climate & Climate Adaptation

Anthropogenic climate change and adaptation to its impacts are key areas of research at ThINK, particularly within the context of urban development. This work includes urban climate assessments, microscale modeling, vulnerability analyses, and proprietary decisionsupport tools, as well as the development of municipal climate adaptation strategies and the identification of adaptation options across various fields of action.

Environmental Education & Sustainability

Through a range of environmental education programs, we aim to pass on our knowledge and experience in the fields of climate protection, climate adaptation, and sustainability, particularly to children and young people. We place a strong emphasis on interactive approaches.

Environmental Education & Sustainability

Through a variety of environmental education programs, we aim to share our knowledge and experience in the fields of climate protection, climate adaptation, and sustainability—particularly with children and young people. We place great importance on interactive formats.

Research & Development

This area primarily encompasses our extensive field of polar research. In various projects, we study the ecosystems of Antarctica, their changes as a result of climate change, and how they can be protected from excessive human impact. Another major focus is the development of methods for data collection and sampling using remote sensing.

Read more about our Projects in our five special fields, about our Team and what’s new (German only).