A resource efficient pathway towards a greenhouse gas neutral Germany / authors: Jens Günther, Harry Lehmann, Ullrich Lorenz and Katja Purr ; publisher: German Environment Agency ; editors: Section I 2.2 Energy Strategies and Scenarios, Kirsten op de Hipt, Katja Purr; Section I 1.1 Fundamental Aspects, Sustainability Strategies and Scenarios, Sustainable Resource Use, Jens Günther, Ullrich Lorenz

Abstract

The study shows that it is possible to transform Germany to both greenhouse gas neutral and resource efficient. One side of the balance is greenhouse gas and raw material saving due to exit from fossil energy carriers and the other is the increased raw material use for the construction of the renewable energy system. In the “GreenEe” scenario it is possible to reduce the GHG emissions in 2050 by 95 % compared to 1990 and the raw material consumption (RMC) by almost 60 % compared to 2010. The study shows also that related ambitious climate and resource efficiency policies helps to achieve both goals. Considering both policy field in a systemic way, should be further discussed and implemented in future politics.