From May 18 to 20, 2025, this year’s East German Economic Forum (Ostdeutsches Wirtschaftsforum OWF25) took place in Bad Saarow, Brandenburg. For Green City Solutions, it was a very special event. As reported by rbb Brandenburg Aktuell in the feature “Economic Award for Moss Gardeners”, “an entrepreneur from Bestensee, who relies on air filters made from moss mats, was also present”.
Copyright: rbb
next level
On the occasion of receiving the prestigious VORSPRUNG Economic Award from the OWF, our CEO and co-founder Peter Sänger accepted the invitation and, under this year’s motto “next level”, demonstrated how companies from Eastern Germany are setting new standards with sustainable technologies and bold ideas. The OWF25 is all about “shaping the future together with decision-makers from business, politics, and science in politically and economically challenging times”.
Saving the Climate with Moss
Peter Sänger explained to a team from rbb/ARD — during a visit to our offices, production facilities and the moss farm in Bestensee — how sustainable future strategies can look in practice and how Green City Solutions leverages “environmentally friendly air conditioning made from moss” to drive “innovation and location advantages”. He emphasized that the company feels very much at home in Brandenburg, but is also aware of the challenges faced by companies in Eastern Germany. Green City Solutions itself has “done a great deal to improve energy efficiency and reduce our dependencies”.
Daniel Keller, Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour, Energy and Climate Protection (MWAEK) in Brandenburg, congratulated the award winners from his state: “I am very pleased that two companies from Brandenburg have been honored with this award. It shows that Brandenburg’s innovative strength sets standards for tomorrow’s technological solutions. Intelligent, sustainable, and climate-friendly ideas and developments are a key driver of our state’s economic success.”
Photo: GCS, Daniel Keller and Peter Sänger at the OWF25.
Exchange and Networking
Peter Sänger used the forum primarily for exchange and networking — and he hopes for more optimism and “tailwind” to counteract the sometimes negative mood.
In the interview, he said:“There are very, very many, even lesser-known, companies in Eastern Germany that are developing a wide range of technologies and are highly innovative.” He added: “That’s why we are delighted to have been recognized for our innovative approach. We hope that we can help demonstrate what is possible here, how the business location works, and what cool ideas are being developed here that can then become successful across Europe and the world.”
For more on the East German Economic Forum, the topics discussed, and the interview with Peter Sänger (starting at Minute 9:50), see the Tagesschau from May 19, 2025:
Copyright: ARD tagesschau
Philipp Mehne, Managing Director of “Germany – Land of Ideas” (Deutschland – Land der Ideen) and Director of the OWF, emphasized:
“The award-winning companies impressively demonstrate that innovation, sustainability, and economic success go hand in hand in Eastern Germany—and inspire confidence for what lies ahead.”
We would like to thank the East German Economic Forum, Germany – Land of Ideas, the jury and everyone involved!
By winning the VORSPRUNG Award, we have been able to underline our role as an “innovation driver for green cities and sustainable technologies”. We are committed to making cities more livable, improving air quality, and meeting the challenges of climate change with intelligent solutions.
For more information, see the article: “Green City Solutions wins VORSPRUNG Economic Award – Recognition for Innovation and Sustainability from Brandenburg”.
Copyright: Deutschland – Land der Ideen
When used correctly, our solution — in addition to existing urban greening — can help reduce urban heat islands, capture fine dust particles from the air and effectively support rainwater management.
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