Outlooks, Perspectives, Opportunities

In 20 years—in a sustainable utopia?—the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals will have been either fully or nearly achieved. This, of course, will also affect our working world—and all companies, worldwide. They can pay adequate and fair wages—and do so—since there is no significant competition and, consequently, no wage dumping. Corporate profits are primarily invested in sustainable growth rather than used to fund short-term dividends. This benefits, above all,

the employees who make economic success possible. Thanks to good working conditions, including fair wages, they can realize their full potential for the benefit of the company. The company, in turn, uses renewable energy and protects the environment, which benefits everyone. This also applies to the companies themselves, which depend on people as customers and workers, as well as on the environment as a (di)rect supplier of resources. Through the global promotion of education for all and strong democratic 

Everyone also benefits from these guidelines, which is why companies benefit from stable supply chains and markets free of corruption and discrimination. Sound utopian? Just like the goals set in the 1990s to halve global poverty and expand renewable energy. Here, through small but consistent steps, we’ve managed to make reality exceed even the most optimistic forecasts…

Jeremy Hotchkiss
, Senior Architect and Partner

“Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Brundtland, G. (1987) The idea of aligning the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals with those of the industrial sector by 2044 is quite a challenge, as the industrial sector—particularly the construction and building sector—bears significant responsibility for 39 percent of global carbon emissions. 

On the one hand, this is discouraging, but on the other hand, it could be an opportunity for the industrial sector to turn things around and become a pioneer and catalyst for intergenerational sustainability. It should focus on a mission of reconciliation with nature and strive for a mutually symbiotic relationship with it. In my vision, it will be a mix of hundreds of things, starting with the use of GIS technology for the

scientific spatial analysis of the global ecosystem, the implementation of regenerative architecture, the use of renewable resources, research into green building materials, the application of biological and mathematical patterns, construction automation, global cooperation—and so on. Times may be bleak, but we should not lose hope, because our world is worth fighting for.

Sylvia Anggraeni
, Architectural Draftsman in Training

As a recent college graduate, I face the fascinating challenge of helping to shape the architecture of the industry of the future. In a world beset by crises, I view climate change and its consequences as the most significant problem facing my generation. One of the ideas I find most exciting is the growing integration of natural models and advanced technologies. Inspired by incredibly diverse and

By drawing inspiration from nature’s sophisticated structures, we can develop innovative design concepts that blend harmoniously and naturally into their surroundings. From self-cooling materials inspired by the thermoregulation of termite mounds to solar cell technologies based on the principles of leaves: Nature offers us inexhaustible sources for efficient and sustainable design—especially in industrial construction. In my view, a key factor in this urgently needed transformation is the

Education at universities and colleges. If future architects and designers are to follow this path, there needs to be a greater exchange of knowledge and a completely revamped curriculum. This symbiosis not only enables the fulfillment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals but also creates architecture that can serve as a pioneer for a future, sustainable industrial landscape.

Luca Kunzmann
, Architecture Analyst

In the period leading up to 2044, the financial sector will undergo a profound transformation characterized by a strong focus on sustainability. My vision is inspired by something I came across somewhere a while ago: One of the key developments is the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into all investment decisions. Companies will be evaluated primarily based on their social and environmental performance, and innovative financial instruments such as green bonds and sustainable investment funds will specifically support projects that have a positive impact on people and the environment. The technologies available to us are particularly groundbreaking as catalysts for sustainable financial systems in 2044. Artificial intelligence (AI)

Blockchain technology enables transparent and secure tracking of financial transactions as well as comprehensive monitoring of the ESG criteria that have been established. These technologies build trust and allow investors to track the actual impact of their investments in real time. At the same time, government initiatives have created a unique opportunity for private individuals to actively contribute to sustainable development. Citizens have the option to invest a portion of their own income tax—at their own discretion and directly—in a sustainability sector (ESG criteria). When filing their annual tax returns, individuals can specify their preferences by allocating a desired percentage of their income tax to one or more sustainable funds. This personalized approach—

This approach allows everyone to make a contribution while also reflecting on their own values. This participatory process is intended to make the investment process transparent, from tax payments to the implementation of projects. This approach raises awareness among companies and citizens about sustainable finance and fosters a deep connection to sustainability goals. Overall, this development marks a significant step toward a global economy that prioritizes not only economic success but also social justice and environmental sustainability. Finance is thus viewed not merely as a means of generating returns, but as a binding tool for actively shaping a sustainable future.

Lukas Bauer
Human Resources Department