Ms. Saulich, why are apprentices particularly suited to advancing energy and material efficiency in companies?

Apprentices bring fresh energy into businesses. This is repeatedly demonstrated in the Energy Scouts projects of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHKs): Apprentices not only initiate improvements in company infrastructure but also sometimes complex process optimisations. Due to routines, many things in everyday life eventually go unquestioned. In contrast, apprentices come into companies with a fresh perspective and often identify unnecessary energy losses or processes in need of improvement more quickly.

Many companies associate resource efficiency with significant investments. Where are the simplest savings opportunities often found?

Often, already in everyday operations. Many losses can be avoided through small behavioural changes or simple technical measures. Particularly low-barrier actions are often very effective.

Where should companies and apprentices ideally start?

A good starting point is the production infrastructure. Typical focal points are, for instance, permanently lit side rooms, hissing compressed air lines, or uninsulated heat or cold-carrying pipelines. Almost all companies have savings potentials here that can usually be tapped with simple measures. Especially such "low hanging fruits" – i.e., quickly visible improvements with manageable effort – are particularly effective.

How important is employee behaviour in this area?

Resource efficiency is not just a technical issue. Equally crucial is questioning habits consciously. Therefore, it is essential to involve employees actively and search for improvement possibilities together.

Do apprentices also benefit personally?

Yes, absolutely. Projects like these promote teamwork, communication, and collaboration because resource efficiency often requires interdisciplinary thinking. Especially the exchange with other departments is a valuable experience for many apprentices.

How significant has this topic become for companies overall?

Many resource efficiency measures help reduce material and energy consumption and make processes more efficient. This contributes to securing competitiveness and also positively impacts climate protection.

What support does the VDI ZRE offer?

The VDI ZRE is a central contact point for resource efficiency and circularity in businesses in Germany. We offer free web tools, guidelines, resource checks, and practical examples in the form of insightful short videos on our YouTube channel. Particularly small and medium-sized enterprises can systematically identify initial savings potentials and develop concrete measures. Currently, topics such as energy efficiency and circular economy are particularly in demand. Additionally, there are specific offers for schools, vocational schools, and training companies – for example, through the BilRess network or our digital learning platform.

Many small and medium-sized enterprises are not sure where to start. What advice would you give?

Above all, it is important to start somewhere. Many savings potentials already exist within businesses – they just need to be made visible. For instance, it's almost always worth a look at the production infrastructure. Additionally, actively involving employees is crucial. Apprentices, in particular, often attentively question existing routines.

Nationwide Award Ceremony of the Energy Scouts 2026

© Jens Schicke

Service Portal

Honouring Germany's Best Energy Scouts 2026

The most successful teams from the regional IHK competitions competed in the national finals in Berlin and were awarded there.