Browse Case Studies

This study showcases the German experience with developing an accounting system that embeds a high proportion of economic and environmental indicators of the national Strategy on Sustainable Development. It then derives a more general three-step approach for such an integration exercise: (1) revision of the indicator set, (2) expansion of the accounting system to meet new data needs, and (3) development of appropriate modelling approaches for an integrated environmental, social, and economic analysis.

This case study investigates winegrowers’ motives and barriers to convert to organic farming practices in the largest wine regions in Germany, Pfalz and Rheinhessen. The authors compare interview results with literature from throughout the European Union, and analyze their findings using the five capitals framework to assess livelihood strategies.

This study synthesises insights from “Natural Capital Germany – TEEB DE,” with a particular focus on rural areas. The objectives of the TEEB (The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity) study were to explore causes of the continued decline of ecosystem services and biodiversity and to introduce case studies exemplifying their economic significance in land use decisions. Building upon this analysis, key recommendations for policy, planning, and management are provided.

The study provides stakeholders with an indication of the true magnitude of the economic and natural capital costs associated with agricultural commodity production and presents a framework that can be used to measure the net environmental benefits associated with different agricultural management practices.

This case study summarizes the results of a review of the policy-related users and uses of the environmental accounts compiled in a select group of developed countries.

The report Mobilizing Sustainable Finance for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises: Reviewing Experience and Identifying Options in the G7 takes stock of existing activities in G7 countries, identifies a range of emerging lessons and suggests possible next steps for action by G7 countries.

The report Financial Centres for Sustainability: Reviewing G7 Financial Centres in Mobilizing Green and Sustainable Finance has been prepared to explore how financial centres can contribute to the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement.

The German state-owned Bank for Reconstruction (Germ.: Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau, KfW) manages two programmes to improve the energy efficiency of German residential buildings through the “energy efficiency programme – energy-efficient construction and refurbishment”. The two programmes are (i) energy efficient construction (EEC) and (ii) energy efficient renovation (EER). While the...

The Government of Germany, together with the national development bank, promotes energy-efficient construction and refurbishment of Germany’s building stock through regulation, low-cost loans and public information campaigns.

Germany’s feed-in tariff program has been at the heart of its renewable energy policy. Ongoing monitoring and public data and analysis have been crucial for setting the rates for the scheme, and for supporting public debate on the costs and benefits.