Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM
Sustainability usw.
Good morning, Professor Mayer!
It's safe to say that the last few years have been challenging - socially, economically and for each individual.
After the coronavirus pandemic has challenged us on many levels, but has certainly also made companies and processes more digital, the issues of climate protection and resource conservation have now moved back into focus. In view of the increase in extreme weather phenomena, the decline in biodiversity and the scarcity of many resources, it is clear that measures must be taken to protect our planet and enable upcoming generations to have a future on Earth.
Fraunhofer IFAM has set itself the task of finding solutions to social, ecological and economic challenges within the framework of research projects together with partners from science and industry. In this context, we are proud of numerous current research results, for example in lightweight construction, in foundry technology and in environmentally friendly surface treatment processes such as the PFAS alternative Plaslon. These are just a few lighthouse results. In addition, a lot has also happened at our institute. Among others, an energy and environment team has been formed, which has taken up the cause of "climate-friendly Fraunhofer IFAM" and is now gradually setting up an energy management system. We would like to learn more about the sustainability instruments at Fraunhofer IFAM from you.
What measures has the institute taken so far to promote climate protection and sustainability?
One important measure was certainly the establishment of a cross-departmental and interdisciplinary energy and environment team. Our colleagues are very committed to this. Within the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, we are one of the pilot institutes that is tackling this topic in such a structured way.
We are currently in the process of implementing a broad-based measurement infrastructure for electricity, heating and cooling. Beyond this, the following has already been implemented:
- Provision of a folding bike for shorter business trips and expansion of bike racks for employees as an incentive to come to work by bike
- Widespread use of LED lights in the buildings
- Automatic light time limitation in offices and laboratories
- Automatic control of blinds in summer
- Reduction of laboratory ventilation at night and at weekends
Are there already concrete results of the measures that you can report on?
Overall, we were able to reduce electricity consumption at the Bremen site by 16% and district heating consumption by around 14% in 2023 compared to 2021.
How has the institute sensitized and mobilized its employees to implement more climate-friendly and sustainable practices?
For example, we report on the topic at staff meetings. We are further developing a new concept for the foyer of the main building, which also visualizes for visitors what savings we are achieving with which measures. In this way, we are addressing both external target groups and our own employees.
Colleagues are currently being informed about changes and what has been achieved by email or on the intranet and motivated to get involved – because a lot has to do with the commitment of each individual.
We are currently preparing the relaunch of our intranet. As part of this, the area of climate protection and sustainability will have its own section. The topics of environmental protection and resource conservation at Fraunhofer IFAM will thus become more present for all employees.
What plans does the institute have for the future to further promote resource conservation and sustainability?
Several additional measures are already planned, with a particular focus on short amortization periods. We will be happy to report on these in detail in next year's issue of the magazine. To name just a few:
Access cards to the bicycle parking garage at Bremen Central Station for business trips, e-bike charging stations, e-bike taster days for colleagues who previously drove a car and a repair and inflation station.
Toxic PFAS (perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) endanger our waters and are to be banned throughout Europe. This ban poses huge problems for many industrial companies; several Fraunhofer Institutes are active in finding alternatives to the so-called perpetual chemicals. What research or development projects has the institute carried out in this area?
On the one hand, we have been involved in PFAS substitution research. Specifically, this involved replacing PTFE coatings that have been used in pans and cookware up to now. Using Plaslon, we have succeeded in developing very good, completely fluorine-free non-stick coatings that significantly outperform conventional PTFE coatings in terms of hardness and adhesion.
On the other hand, we have been able to replace gas-phase fluorination, which is also harmful to HSE, with an irradiation technique that uses very short-wave light with a wavelength of less than 200 nm. This allows silicone elastomers to be treated so that they are no longer susceptible to dust and dirt.
What challenges does the Institute see in switching from PFAS to alternative materials or technologies?
Especially at high application temperatures and pressures, PFAS often cannot be easily replaced. Here it is necessary either to develop alternative processes that avoid these conditions or to use PFAS in such a way that they cannot be released into the environment in an uncontrolled manner.