We promote innovation in environmental protection, conservation and climate action
And have done so since we were formed in 2018. Specifically, we work on behalf of several federal ministries to develop and support a wide range of funding programmes and strategic projects. We play our part in making the world more climate-neutral, and to support biodiversity conservation and the sustainable handling of ecological resources. All of our work is based on and guided by the German Federal Government targets for environmental protection, conservation and climate action.
A flexible service provider
From conventional funding programmes to new competitions, model projects, centres of excellence or knowledge platforms: we design and build the necessary structures, assist in their implementation and evaluate the results. We advise applicants, review funding applications and ensure the targeted and efficient use of the funds provided. Our task spectrum also encompasses additional services, such as press and public relations work for specific target groups as well as professional event management. The basic maxims that guide all our work are quality, cost effectiveness and efficiency.
A proactive mediator between policy and practice
ZUG sees its role as being a pioneer of innovative, integrated solutions, and provides advice and assistance to its clients in public administration as well as to grant recipients. Experience and know-how from practice is incorporated into the advice given to federal ministries and the establishment and expansion of centres of excellence and knowledge platforms – such as the Competence Centre on Climate Change Mitigation in Energy-Intensive Industries (KEI), PtX Lab Lausitz and the AI Ideas Workshop.
A trailblazer with strategic expertise
The initiatives ZUG supports accelerate transformational processes and encourage imitation: they demonstrate what is actually possible in environmental protection, conservation and climate action, whether in local communities, social organisations, start-ups or multinationals – in Germany and the wider world. We network stakeholders together, and work with them to create new ideas and approaches. We also work on the constant improvement of our products and services. We combine know-how in the design and implementation of funding programs with strategic expertise in environmental protection, conservation and climate action. Our service portfolio allows us to offer many solutions ourselves, thereby ensuring the use of contextual synergies beyond individual commissions.
An organisation focused on growth
ZUG has grown steadily since its formation. At our offices in Berlin, Bonn and Cottbus, nearly 950 employees are now working towards bringing policy and practice closer together. From professionals in funding management, lawyers and engineers, to researchers in politics and social sciences, communications experts and, naturally, experts in environmental protection, conservation and climate action, our staff draw on qualifications and expertise in many different fields. Anyone interested in working for us is welcome to check the vacancies on our Careers Portal.
A non-profit federal company
ZUG is a non-profit organisation that operates solely in the public interest. The Federal Republic of Germany, represented by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), is the sole shareholder of ZUG gGmbH. As a service provider, ZUG works on behalf of a number of federal ministries alongside the BMUV, including the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and the Federal Foreign Office (AA).
Corinna Enders has been the Managing Director of ZUG since January 2018. In March 2021, ZUG appointed Stefan Demuth as its Business Development Director. A Supervisory Board was established for ZUG in October 2021.