Sustainability
At the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, located in the Potsdam Science Park, sustainability is reflected not only in the research itself, but also in the way research is carried out. While the institute focuses on basic research that forms the knowledge base for future sustainable agriculture, the campus actively minimizes its own ecological footprint through energy-efficient infrastructure and extensive use of renewable energies. Environmentally conscious campus design supports sustainable research through sustainable research conditions.
Climate-Friendly Energy Supply
The Max Planck Institutes in Potsdam are continuously expanding their use of renewable energy and improving the efficiency of existing infrastructure. A photovoltaic system and a large geothermal plant provide a substantial share of the campus’s energy needs, supported by a highly efficient combined heat and power gas turbine. In the 1990s, two gas-fired power plants with an efficiency of nearly 80 percent were installed and continue to deliver reliable performance today. Since 1999, a geothermal system with around 160 probes has further strengthened the campus’s sustainable energy supply.
A key milestone in the campus’s energy transition is the innovative agrivoltaic system that was installed in 2024 on approximately 6,000 square meters at the Max Planck Campus. This system produces clean electricity while allowing plant research to continue beneath the solar panels. The electricity generated will supply the institutes in Golm directly. After construction, a flowering meadow was established to enhance biodiversity, with 1,000 square meters permanently preserved as a natural habitat. In addition, another photovoltaic system was installed on the roof of the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics.
Together, these measures enable the three Max Planck Institutes in Potsdam to reduce their CO₂ emissions by more than 600 tons per year.
Beyond energy production, the institute places strong emphasis on reducing energy consumption. Ultra-low temperature freezers have been replaced with energy-efficient models that consume up to 65 percent less electricity. LED lighting is being introduced across all buildings, with the greenhouse fully converted to LED technology in 2022. These measures significantly reduce energy demand while ensuring optimal research conditions. The extensive investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency are largely funded by the State of Brandenburg and supported by the Max Planck Society.
Biodiversity and Campus Life
Sustainability on campus extends beyond technology. Green spaces, flowering meadows, lookout perches for birds of prey, and a bee hotel support local biodiversity and create valuable habitats for wildlife. A community garden and accessible rooftop terraces offer space for ecological engagement and informal exchange among staff and visitors. Sports fields for football and beach volleyball round out campus life and underline the close connection between research, recreation, and environmental awareness.
