The Audi Environmental Foundation marked its 15-year milestone with an evening of discussions at the Ingolstadt Cultural Center, reflecting on its significant contributions to environmental sustainability. The event gathered around 300 guests, including prominent figures such as astrophysicist Harald Lesch, time researcher Jonas Geissler, Gerd Walker, Member of the Board of Management for Production and Logistics at AUDI AG, and former ski racer Felix Neureuther.
Founded in 2009, the Foundation focuses on “greenovation,” a concept that blends innovative technology with environmental protection. “The results of human-driven climate change are well known, as is what we can do to slow the pace. Every individual can do their part,” said Rüdiger Recknagel, Director of the Audi Environmental Foundation. “Environmental protection is a race against time.”
The Foundation’s journey began with the oak forest project in collaboration with the Technical University of Munich, aimed at understanding how to maximize CO2 storage through strategic oak planting. Over the years, the Foundation has expanded its scope beyond Germany, partnering with universities and NGOs to address global environmental challenges.
Among its standout initiatives is the URBANFILTER project, which developed smart filter modules for storm drains in partnership with the Technical University of Berlin. These filters effectively prevent pollutants like tire particles and cigarette butts from entering water bodies.
Another highlight is the Foundation’s collaboration with green startup Nunam, led by co-founder Prodip Chatterjee. This partnership repurposes used batteries from electric Audi prototypes, creating second-life charging solutions. In 2023, Nunam installed a second-life charging station in India, empowering women to transport goods to local markets while collecting data on battery durability. The project’s findings are shared as open-source data on circularbattery.org.
The Foundation has also supported Litro de Luz Brasil, an initiative providing solar-powered lights to remote Amazonian villages. This project enables access to education and safety in areas lacking electricity, while training locals to manufacture and maintain their own lights.
Additionally, the Foundation supports the use of drones for biodiversity monitoring through an eDNA project in South America with ETH Zurich. This method allows for efficient, non-invasive data collection, filling research gaps in remote areas.
The Audi Environmental Foundation’s commitment extends to environmental education and grassroots efforts. It has established awards for students at the Technical University of Munich and Technical University of Ingolstadt, recognizing achievements in sustainable resource management. The Foundation also engages Audi employees in “MACH MIT!” projects, where they can sponsor local environmental actions with support from the Foundation.
From preserving biodiversity to repurposing technology, the Audi Environmental Foundation’s initiatives demonstrate its dedication to a sustainable future. As it celebrates 15 years of “greenovation,” the Foundation continues to inspire individuals and organizations to join the global effort in protecting natural resources.
