A quarter of German start-ups contribute to green economy - report

One in four startups in Germany contributes to environmental and climate protection, according to a report by the Borderstep Institute for Innovation and Sustainability in cooperation with the German Startups Association. “These startups are a significant economic factor and a major driver of change towards a sustainable economic system," Borderstep director Klaus Fichter said. According to the Green Startup Monitor 2018, sustainable startups expect similar growth in turnover and employees to non-green startups. However, they consider this less of a challenge than non-green startups. They also find it easier to recruit staff, and are “significantly more interested in internationalisation,” according to Borderstep researcher Yasmin Olteanu.

Because innovation and young companies are increasingly important to the energy transition, Clean Energy Wire has launched a series of startup portraits. The first is of local small-scale power exchange specialist Lumenaza, which exemplifies the innovative infrastructure behind the renewables revolution with its "utility in a box" software. Number two in the series presents heating efficiency firm Thermondo, which brought a new, digital approach to the staid business of replacing heating systems in private homes.