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The energy and raw materials supply of the future must be climate-neutral and sustainable. The European Union, the World Economic Forum Foundation, the German federal government and the state of Lower Saxony all agree on this goal. Clausthal University of Technology is contributing to the implementation of this social challenge, particularly with the help of digitalization. The university has committed itself to this in its Future Concept 2030 and its current potential analysis: In research, teaching and transfer, the circular economy forms the overarching thematic umbrella, the guiding theme of Clausthal University of Technology.
The circular economy represents a departure from the previous throwaway economy by understanding the use of resources such as energy, materials and information as circular rather than linear. In addition to the classic circular economy (Circular Materials), the circular economy also includes renewable energies (Circular Energy) and the digital management of the entire system (Digital Transformation of Circular Economy). Digitalization is of particular importance here: only with its help will the transformation of industrial processes from a linear to a circular economy succeed. In addition to technical issues, the holistic approach of the circular economy addresses behavioral science and economic problems. The three dimensions of sustainability - environment, society and economy - are crucial for the realization of the energy and raw materials transition and the necessary transformation of society. Social acceptance of the technical solutions and sustainable business models on offer is essential. This aspect is actively included in the research and transfer process and in teaching.
With a view to the guiding theme, the scientists at Clausthal University of Technology have organized themselves across faculties and institutes into four strategic, interdisciplinary research fields:
- Sustainable energy systems
- Securing raw materials and resource efficiency
- Sustainable materials and processes
- Digitalization for a sustainable society
Work in and between the research fields is closely interlinked under the umbrella of the Circular Economy. The six research centers at Harz University in particular offer an ideal platform for implementation.
The goals of the Circular Economy are to be understood as a task for society as a whole. In order to achieve them, global circular society structures (Circular Region and Circular City) must be created. This is because the basic idea of the circular economy, i.e. the sustainable, resource-efficient circular economy, must become established in more and more cities and regions. As an area of expertise in the field of recycling in conjunction with the scientific expertise of Clausthal University of Technology on the circular economy, the Harz region has the necessary prerequisites to become a corresponding circular region. In this respect, TU Clausthal is taking up the challenge as a pacesetter for the region and intends to play a key role in shaping the Harz Circular Region in the coming years and beyond. TU Clausthal - the University of the Circular Economy.