Bonn/Frankfurt, November 08, 2017. Deutscher Naturschutzring, BUND and EUROSOLAR call for the nature-friendly expansion of renewable energies. The interests of climate and environmental protection, citizens, and the energy industry must be constructively weighed against each other, explain the supporting associations of the Grüner Strom Label e.V..

"The energy transition is a necessity for global climate protection and an essential step towards transformation. It is imperative for a sustainable model of society and a response to numerous crises," said Florian Schöne, Secretary General of the environmental umbrella organization Deutscher Naturschutzring (DNR), in his keynote speech at the 4th Energy Transition Forum of Grüner Strom Label e.V. "In addition to a climate protection law, we call for the halving of energy production from coal and oil. 'Efficiency First' must also be anchored as a guiding principle, whether in energy generation and consumption or in the building sector. An enormous amount must also happen in the transport sector for decarbonization - keyword clean electrification," he explained some of the DNR's core demands.

The topic 'Nature-compatible energy transition' is more topical than ever, also against the backdrop of the ongoing coalition negotiations and the UN World Climate Conference COP 23, which will take place in Bonn between November 6 and 17.

"Our goal is an ecologically compatible and socially just energy transition," also explained Dr. Werner Neumann, spokesman for the energy working group of the Bund für Umwelt- und Naturschutz Deutschland (BUND). "In shaping the energy turnaround, nature compatibility and proximity to citizens play a decisive role. Trust in comprehensive examination and minimization of impacts on nature conservation creates acceptance. Own participation and involvement creates benefits through participation. This allows the environmentally compatible, citizen-oriented and equitable expansion of renewable energies to move forward."

"Environmental and consumer associations and energy industry players need to work together at different levels, not against each other," agreed Rosa Hemmers of EUROSOLAR, the European Renewable Energy Association. "The Green Electricity and Green Gas eco-energy labels show that this works: the seals of approval ensure that the high demands of environmental associations are taken into account. At the same time, they show energy suppliers practical ways of investing in a sustainable energy future without ignoring economic aspects," Hemmers explained further.

As part of the 4th Energy Transition Forum, the annual conference of Grüner Strom Label e.V., the three environmental associations gave their views on the risks and opportunities of the future energy transition. On October 19 and 20, around 70 participants came together in Frankfurt am Main, from the energy industry, environmental protection and nature conservation, public institutions as well as research and development. The Energy Transition Forum was held at Mainova AG, a long-standing supplier of green electricity with the Green Electricity Label, supported by Deutsche Kreditbank and the Energy Department of the City of Frankfurt am Main.

A review of the 4th Energy Transition Forum can be found at: www.energiewendeforum.de

About Grüner Strom Label e.V.
The Grüner Strom Label e.V. certifies green energy products. The association awards two seals of approval for this purpose: the Green Electricity Label for green electricity with added value and the Green Gas Label for environmentally compatible biogas. The association is backed by seven non-profit environmental and consumer associations and peace organizations. The Green Electricity and Green Gas labels are the only quality seals for green electricity and biogas in Germany that are supported by leading environmental associations.