Düsseldorf – ‘Zukunftsorte’, the joint podcast from Rheinische Post Mediengruppe and EUREF-Campus Düsseldorf, is entering its second season. Since Tuesday (21 May), new episodes on the topics of the energy transition, sustainable mobility and innovation have been running wherever podcasts are available.

NRW Minister President Hendrik Wüst also joined the live podcast on the EUREF-Campus. In an interview with Helene Pawlitzki, Project Manager Audio & Podcasts at Rheinische Post, he reported on the transformation of Germany’s most populous federal state into a climate-neutral industrial region. In front of around 100 listeners, the CDU politician also spoke about his personal confidence despite the many crises. On a scale of 1 to 10, he rated his optimism as follows: ‘11! There’s every reason to be optimistic and not to look at the world with gloom’. This is another reason why the ‘Future Places’, which focus on new ideas and solutions, are a great format.

When asked about the climate-neutral thermal supply of the EUREF-Campus via the neighbouring quarry pond and why this was not happening at more quarry ponds in NRW, Wüst said: ‘I have nothing against this happening.’ NRW is very well positioned in the field of renewable energies, for example with 359 authorised wind turbines last year. Bavaria, by comparison, had ‘just 17’ approved. However, the head of government was not sparing in his criticism of too much state aid: ‘I think it must also be a requirement that we manage to attract new companies without subsidies. Where is it all supposed to come from?’

This was Wüst’s second visit to the privately financed flagship project during the construction phase. This also shows the importance that the EUREF-Campus Düsseldorf already has. The podcast episode with the NRW head of government can be heard from 28 May 2024.

However, Wüst’s visit was not the only reason for EUREF founder and CEO Reinhard Müller to be happy. After the podcast recording, two other companies signed long-term leases. Implenia and MOD21 GmbH will be driving their business forward from the campus from 2025 – and both fit in perfectly with the sustainability strategy of the innovation hub at Düsseldorf Airport’s long-distance railway station.

Implenia, the general contractor for the construction of the EUREF-Campus, will be a partner of the community. Dr Matthias Jacob, Country President of Implenia: ‘Implenia has completed several projects in the Düsseldorf area in recent years. We plan to bundle our project activities in the region at the new Campus from 2025 onwards and create a modern, attractive working environment for the teams here. We will utilise the inspiring environment of established companies, start-ups, science and research and the associated opportunities for cooperation to innovate even more and exchange ideas more intensively with our customers and partners.’

As a leading Swiss construction and real estate services provider, Implenia develops, realises and manages living spaces, working environments and infrastructure for future generations in Switzerland and Germany. Implenia also offers tunnelling and related infrastructure services in other markets. Founded in 2006, Implenia can look back on around 150 years of construction tradition and supports customers throughout the entire life cycle of their buildings. The focus is on the needs of customers and a sustainable balance between economic success and social and environmental responsibility.

MOD21 GmbH develops and constructs buildings for generations – using sustainable modular timber construction, flats, kindergartens, schools, hotels and accommodation are built up to 70 per cent faster and with significantly lower emissions compared to conventional construction methods. MOD21 Managing Director Theodor Kaczmarczyk: ‘We have found the perfect environment for our innovative ideas on the EUREF-Campus and are very much looking forward to MOD21’s move to the innovative campus in Düsseldorf. The green concept and modern infrastructure are ideal for us to further advance our vision of sustainable construction. Thanks to the network in the building, we can benefit from valuable contacts and synergies.’

Twelve new episodes of ‘Zukunftsorte’ will be released by August. You can already listen to ‘Skilled labour shortage is a myth’ and what New Work means for 1comma5-degree – with Philipp Schröder, CEO of the rapidly growing full-service provider that makes homes climate-ready. The podcasts are published every Tuesday.