The DIHK Committee for Environment and Energy consists of around 100 companies from across Germany. In addition to businesses in the energy sector and circular economy, it includes industrial companies that are directly affected by energy and environmental policy decisions. The committee is complemented by IHK managers from the fields of environment and energy, who contribute regional perspectives and entrepreneurial concerns to the discussions.

© Matthias Wuttig

Interview Energie

"Energy shapes my life"

In April 2021, the DIHK Committee for Environment and Energy elected its new chairman: His name is Dr. Christof Günther, and he is the Managing Director of Germany's largest chemical park. We wanted to know his views on climate protection and what drives him in his voluntary commitment.

On 4th and 5th December 2025, the committee met in Berlin for an evening event and a session. During the evening event, Sepp Müller (Member of Parliament, CDU/CSU) participated with the lecture "Energy transition – how can we manage the costs?" followed by discussions with the members.

After the welcome address by the committee chairman Dr. Christof Günther, Dr. Helena Melnikov provided updates on current developments in Berlin and Brussels.

A key focus was on climate protection and emissions trading, presented by Berthold Goeke from the BMUKN. This was followed by the initial presentation of the supplementary study to the "Plan-B-Study".

Subsequently, impulses on transformation, circular economy, and lead markets in the industry were presented. Under the theme "Committee for the Committee", members like Ulf Gehrckens, Lars Baumgürtel, Franz-Josef Feilmeier, and Dirk Schramm contributed their points.

In conclusion, the DIHK team provided a workshop report on hydrogen, EU environmental and energy omnibus, and national energy topics.

The next meeting will take place on 11th June 2026 with an evening event jointly with the DIHK Committee for Industry and Research in Berlin.

The DIHK Committee for Environment and Energy includes the following members: