On the Road to Climate Neutrality With KEK

With the launch of  KEK, the Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises has created a central point of contact to support companies on their path toward climate neutrality – practical, free of charge and focused on measurable impact. In this interview, Sen. Giffey explains why KEK has already become a key driver of Berlin’s economic transformation, what new momentum is being created through the partnership between Berlin Partner and the Berlin Energieagentur, and why issues such as energy efficiency, energy resilience and circular value creation will be critical to maintaining competitiveness in the future.

Sen. Giffey, the Coordination Office for Circular Economy, Energy Efficiency and Climate Protection in Business (KEK) was established in 2022 as an advisory service for Berlin companies. Why is KEK important for Berlin?

We want to further strengthen Berlin as one of Europe’s leading business and innovation hubs while also making our city climate-neutral by 2045.  That’s an ambitious goal, but it’s achievable if we expand the use of renewable energy, significantly improve energy efficiency and provide businesses with practical support on their path toward climate neutrality.
That’s exactly where KEK comes in. It serves as the central, free point of contact for Berlin businesses navigating the wide range of funding and support programs available to them. Companies receive practical solutions tailored to their needs – from more efficient equipment and renewable energy systems to circular economy strategies. One example illustrates this particularly well: A Berlin manufacturer specializing in steel series and custom parts turned to KEK for advice and is now replacing an inefficient compressed-air compressor. At the same time, the company evaluated the potential return on investment of installing a rooftop photovoltaic system. The investment in the new compressor is expected to pay for itself in about a year.  It is a strong example of how timely, high-quality guidance can help companies reduce costs and become less dependent on volatile energy prices.
Since 2022, KEK has conducted more than 600 initial consultations, over 70 in-depth advisory sessions and 25 workshops. Feedback from participating companies has been consistently positive, and a large share of them go on to implement concrete measures. KEK has therefore become an important catalyst for achieving our climate goals while helping make Berlin’s economy more resilient, innovative and future-ready.

Berlin Partner and, since the beginning of this year, the Berliner Energieagentur (BEA) have jointly managed KEK. Why is now the right time for this next step, and what new services or synergies are emerging from the partnership?

Transformation and decarbonization are a major undertaking for many Berlin companies. Rising energy prices, fragile supply chains and growing regulatory requirements are putting small and medium-sized businesses in particular under pressure. At the same time,  we know that the decisions being made now will determine who remains competitive 10 or 20 years from today. As Berlin’s state-owned business development agency, Berlin Partner works closely with companies every day. It understands both their challenges and their innovative potential. The teams there know where support programs need to be targeted to make a real difference in day-to-day business operations.
With the BEA, we have a partner that has spent many years demonstrating how the energy transition can work in practice – from efficiency measures in buildings and production processes to renewable energy solutions. A new addition is the clear focus on energy resilience, ensuring that companies remain operational during crises and are better protected against risks. The importance of this became especially clear in the wake of the attacks on our energy infrastructure and their consequences.
This collaboration creates a strong alliance that combines consulting, funding and implementation in one place. We’re opening new pathways for Berlin businesses to improve energy efficiency, expand their own renewable energy generation and establish functioning circular processes within their operations. In doing so, companies can lower costs, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of our business hub.

The concept of circular value creation is growing in popularity. What role does it play in the Berlin Senate’s industrial policy?

Circular value creation is not a passing trend – it’s a pragmatic response to scarce raw materials, volatile prices and increasingly fragile supply chains.  If we use materials only once and then discard them, we waste valuable resources, increase our dependence on imports and gradually weaken the competitiveness of our business location.
For me, the key is taking a practical approach.  We will not become fully circular overnight, but we can continue developing products and processes in ways that generate less waste, encourage more repair and reuse, and keep raw materials in circulation for longer.  Environmental responsibility, economic strength and quality jobs have to go hand in hand. That’s why we’re making it easier for companies to access consulting services and funding opportunities.
With the Master Plan for Industrial City Berlin, we’ve therefore made the circular economy a strategic priority, analyzed its potential and launched concrete projects through ProFIT, Berlin’s central funding program for research, innovation and technology.  We’re now strengthening this network of companies, research institutions and startups through KEK by facilitating knowledge transfer, networking and hands-on consulting directly where decisions are made — within businesses themselves. Our goal is an industrial Berlin that is more resilient to raw material risks, drives innovation through circular systems and secures economic growth and high-quality jobs for the future.

Looking ahead:  What momentum do you hope to generate by expanding and strengthening the program?

In a relatively short period of time, KEK has shown just how much potential lies in smart, targeted consulting.  Many companies have taken the opportunity to improve their energy efficiency, conserve resources and take their first steps toward a circular economy.
What matters now is looking ahead.  KEK is the place where companies can see in very concrete terms how these investments pay off:  They reduce costs, lower risks and open up new market opportunities.  As a central, neutral point of contact, KEK combines consulting services, access to funding and the development of viable project ideas. Climate action works in practice for businesses – and it makes economic sense.
For us, achieving climate neutrality by 2045 is not an abstract environmental target; it is a core strategic project for Berlin as a business location.  By expanding and strengthening KEK, we’re ensuring that companies experience transformation not as a burden, but as an opportunity to secure their own long-term competitiveness while further reinforcing Berlin’s role as a strong and innovative economic powerhouse.

This interview with Sen. Giffey was conducted in May 2026.

©Hans-Christian Plambeck