Öko-Institut

The Öko-Institut is organised as a non-profit association and has, in 2024, around 2,000 members, including more than 20 local authorities. In order to meet the demands of a dynamic research and consultancy landscape, we are continuously developing our internal structures in line with the principles of decentralised responsibility. 

This means participatory decision-making, a high level of individual autonomy and responsibility, and efficient and transparent processes with clearly defined roles. Its missions : 

- Research and consultancy With its scientific expertise and innovative concepts, it works with its partners and clients to design principles and strategies for sustainable development. it develops practical solutions that can achieve environmental policy goals in an equitable manner – and it advocates for society’s support for these goals. It prioritises the development of solutions in those areas where existing risks mean that a change of direction is particularly important and urgently needed. 

- Challenging and shaping It identifies the environmental impacts of society’s actions at an early stage and develop alternative visions for the future in a global context. It raises awareness of the need for action among decision-makers and the public, convince policy-makers, industry and civil society to embrace the necessary change and support them in this endeavour. It is increasingly sharing this expertise at the international level. 

- Facilitation and organisation It believes that important decisions of relevance to the whole of society should be based on firm foundations. It therefore works to ensure that processes are transparent and fair and involve the appropriate stakeholders. It shares its research findings with as wide a public as possible and, using accessible language, advocate for the necessary change.