Already today, we all feel the effects of climate change: heatwaves, more frequent heavy rainfall, and rising sea levels are a reality. The three sectors of buildings, industry, and mobility are currently responsible for almost 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in Germany. Therefore, climate protection and digitalization must be integrated. Digital technologies are crucial for decarbonization, including smart buildings, resource-efficient production, and CO2-neutral mobility.

However, such solutions do not develop on their own. To achieve this goal, the German Business Initiative for Energy Efficiency (DENEFF) and the HPI School of Design Thinking (HPI d-school) at the Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) have joined forces. To fully harness the potential of digital technologies for climate protection, HPI d-school and DENEFF have developed the platform digistainable NOW! This platform uncovers innovation potential and collaboratively develops new, sustainable business models using Design Thinking. The goal is to collaboratively bring digital climate protection solutions to market!

This toolkit results from over two years of intensive program design, coaching, and support for founders and startups through innovation processes with Sustainable Design Thinking, from the initial spark to market-ready, sustainable business models. We designed this card set for founders, as well as for individuals and teams aspiring to start their own ventures. It provides the right tools, strategies, and essential questions every founder team should ask themselves when designing sustainable digital solutions for climate protection. Additionally, it offers guidance through innovation processes to develop or enhance ideas, maximizing their potential with a sustainable business model.

We wish you much success and joy in experimenting with it!