China-Germany Low-Carbon Sustainable Development Summer Camp 2024

On July 8, 2024, the 12-day Tongji University Environmental Science German Summer School officially commenced. A team of 42 faculty members and students from diverse academic backgrounds, including Environmental Engineering, Guohao Academy, and Chengcai Honours Class, travelled to cities such as Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Munich, and Karlsruhe to engage in learning and practice cantered on cutting-edge environmental issues. Through a variety of activities, including field research, lectures, and site visits, participants enriched their international practical knowledge and enhanced their professional expertise.

First Stop: BASF Headquarters

The team visited the headquarters of BASF, a century-old chemical company, where they gained in-depth insights into its efforts in Industry 4.0, energy conservation, carbon reduction, and sustainable development.

Exploration in Heidelberg

In Heidelberg, participants not only experienced the city's historical culture, represented by Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architectural styles, but also visited the world’s largest passive energy-efficient housing project, learning about innovative energy management models.

Munich: A Blend of History and Modernity

In Munich, the team witnessed the perfect fusion of historical culture and modern industry. Visits to Poing Centre’s prefabricated energy-efficient buildings and BMW’s industrial exhibition hall offered a profound understanding of Germany’s commitment to low-carbon, energy efficiency, environmental protection, and industrial excellence. A weekend eco-tour further allowed participants to experience the harmony between urban development and nature in German towns.

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT): The Academic Highlight

KIT served as the academic centrepiece of this study program. Participants immersed themselves in the scholarly atmosphere of one of Germany’s top institutions and attended thematic lectures delivered by professors and doctoral researchers. Active exchanges took place on topics such as urbanization development in China and Germany, renewable energy utilization, water resource management, and waste sorting. Additionally, cutting-edge lectures on renewable energy storage in rock pores and geothermal energy utilization provided students with deeper insights into energy challenges.

Final Stops: Green Energy and Water Treatment

As the study tour concluded, the team visited the Insheim Geothermal Power Plant and Frankfurt Wastewater Treatment Plant to observe geothermal energy applications and innovations in wastewater treatment technologies. This exploration of green energy and water purification provided participants with a more profound understanding of the role of science and technology in sustainable development, inspiring them to contribute to the advancement of green energy and environmental protection in the future.