Institut für angewandte Nachhaltigkeit (inas)

What Institut für angewandte Nachhaltigkeit (inas) does

The Institut für angewandte Nachhaltigkeit (inas) is a Germany-based applied sustainability institute headquartered in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, that operates as an affiliated institute (An-Institut) of Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI) and Katholische Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt (KU). Founded by Prof. Reinhard Büchl and embedded in the Büchl Gruppe—a mid-sized disposal and logistics company—inas runs a micro-team of approximately seven professionals and organizes its work into four pillars: ESG/CSRD compliance consulting (Beratung), circular-economy and disposal planning (Planung via ELOGplan), applied sustainability research (Forschung), and continuing education (inas Akademie under the REGION 10 SEMINAR brand). Its primary customer segment is the German Mittelstand (SMEs) facing ESG regulatory pressure (CSRD, ESRS, LkSG), alongside larger enterprises, public/university institutions, and waste-management companies in the DACH region.

The institute's core technology is the ELOGplan/ELOG SYSTEM 4.0 digital planning platform—built from decades of in-house disposal operations at the Büchl Gruppe—for sustainable disposal, logistics, and circular-economy concept development. Additional tools include the Schnellcheck Ressourceneffizienz quick-check (hosted via abfallonline.de) for SME resource-efficiency screening and the DINA ESG software, developed in partnership with Sustaineration, which inas implements for clients. Research outputs feed the NewAiste initiative on AI-based digital models for material, energy, and waste-flow analysis. Academy deliverables include certificate courses such as Nachhaltigkeitskoordinator in KMU (with THI accreditation conferring 2 ECTS) and Nachhaltigkeitsmanagement in der Kreislaufwirtschaft.

The revenue model is primarily professional-services based: project-based ESG/circular-economy consulting on multi-year contracts, paid academy enrollment, applied research contracts with public institutions and partner universities, and ELOGplan planning engagements. Distribution is sales-led through direct outreach, the unverbindliches Erstgespräch (initial consultation), parent-group referrals, and partnerships with associations (BDE, VBS EV Bayern, Umweltcluster Bayern, BVMW), supplemented by community-led content channels including the ENKELTALK podcast (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music) launched in 2025 and a Brevo/email newsletter.

Name

Institut für angewandte Nachhaltigkeit (inas)

Legal name

inas GmbH Institut für angewandte Nachhaltigkeit

Website

https://inas-institut.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Germany-based applied sustainability institute (An-Institut of THI and KU) offering ESG/CSRD consulting, circular-economy planning via ELOGplan, applied research, and certificate-based academy programs, primarily serving the DACH Mittelstadt.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sustainability Consulting & ESG Advisory

NAICS

Environmental Consulting Services (541620), Software Publishers (5132)

SIC

Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)

akta.pro primary industry

Sustainability & ESG Consulting (BPAHACAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

ESG/Sustainability Reporting & Disclosure Platforms (EUABAEAB), Enterprise Carbon Accounting & GHG Inventory Platforms (EUABAEAA), Certified Compliance & Reporting Services (R2/e-Stewards, Audit, ESG) (BPALAIAL), Supply Chain (Scope 3) Emissions & Supplier Engagement Platforms (EUABAEAE)

Keywords

• Sustainability consulting
• ESG compliance advisory
• Circular economy planning
• CSRD reporting services
• Sustainability academy training

Headquarters

HQ city

Ingolstadt

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Sustainability Consulting & ESG Services: Core revenue stream from professional consulting engagements covering ESG strategy, CSRD/ESRS reporting, sustainability management systems (ISO 14001, 50001, EMAS), materiality assessments, energy and CO₂ accounting, and compliance (LkSG). Billed as project-based or retainer engagements.
2. Academy / Continuing Education: Revenue from certified courses, workshops, seminars, and lectures on sustainability, ESG, and circular economy. Includes the 'Zertifikatslehrgang Nachhaltigkeitskoordinator in KMU' (with 2 ECTS from THI) and Efb (Entsorgungsfachbetrieb) training courses delivered under REGION 10 SEMINAR. Fees charged per participant or module.
3. Research Contracts & Applied Research: Applied research contracts funded by public institutions, industry partnerships, and the affiliated universities (THI, KU). Research focuses on sustainability in organizations, SME transformation, circular economy, and sustainable energy systems.
4. ELOGplan Planning Services: Planning and consulting services centered on ELOGplan (ELOG SYSTEM 4.0) for sustainable disposal, logistics, and circular economy concept development. Covers compliance, procurement, environmental logistics, process and logistics optimization, and plant disposal planning.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

inas provides applied sustainability research and consulting, supported by proprietary digital planning tools, for SMEs and larger enterprises. Its portfolio spans ESG and CSRD compliance consulting, circular economy and waste/disposal planning (anchored in the ELOGplan platform), management systems for environment and energy (ISO 14001, 50001, EMAS), GHG accounting, and a continuing-education academy issuing THI-certified certificates on sustainability coordination and circular economy.

Product overview

inas (Institut für angewandte Nachhaltigkeit) is a research institute and sustainability consultancy that offers an integrated portfolio of consulting, planning tools, research, and education services. The core offering centers on ELOGplan for sustainable disposal and circular economy planning, supported by the digital ELOG SYSTEM 4.0 and Dina ESG software tools. The Beratung (consulting) division provides ESG compliance, CSRD reporting, and sustainability strategy services. The Akademie division delivers training programs under the REGION 10 SEMINAR brand, including certificate courses like Nachhaltigkeitskoordinator in KMU and Nachhaltigkeitsmanagement in der Kreislaufwirtschaft. The Forschung (research) division conducts applied research on organizational sustainability and circular economy. A Schnellcheck platform helps SMEs assess resource efficiency potential. The ENKELTALK podcast provides sustainability content. All services are oriented toward SMEs and medium-sized enterprises, with scientific backing from university partnerships (THI and KU).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ELOGplan: A planning tool for sustainable disposal, logistics, and process concepts, including resource stream planning, value chain optimization, and circular economy solutions.
• Start Future Now (SFN)
• DigiACT
• ForCycle-Technikum
• ENKELTALK
• REGION 10 SEMINAR

Products and services

• ELOGplan Digital planning tool for developing sustainable disposal, logistics, and process concepts—from ideation to implementation—covering resource streams, value-creation optimization, and circular-economy solutions for SMEs through to large enterprises.
• Schnellcheck Ressourceneffizienz Self-service platform tool that helps SMEs identify and utilize their potential for waste avoidance and resource efficiency, supporting waste reduction, more efficient resource use, and cost reduction.
• DINA Digitales Nachhaltigkeitsmanagement (ESG Software) Digital ESG management software (co-developed with Sustaineration) that enables data collection, KPI management, and sustainability reporting for SMEs; inas serves as test and implementation partner and resells/exports it at preferential pricing.
• inas Beratung (Sustainability Consulting) Sustainability consulting covering ESG compliance, CSRD/ESRS reporting, materiality analyses, climate (CO2) balances under GHG Protocol/ISO 14064, ISO 14001/50001/EMAS management systems, LkSG compliance, and sustainability strategy development for SMEs and larger enterprises.
• inas Forschung (Applied Sustainability Research) Applied scientific research on organizational sustainability, SME transformation (Start Future Now), resources and circular economy, and sustainable energy systems, funded by public institutions, industry partners, and the affiliated universities THI and KU.
• inas Akademie (Continuing Education & Training) Continuing-education arm of inas offering certificate programs, workshops, seminars, Efb (Entsorgungsfachbetrieb) courses, and online modules on sustainability, ESG, and circular economy for SMEs, disposal companies, and public-sector participants.
• Zertifikatslehrgang: Nachhaltigkeitskoordinator in KMU Certificate program qualifying participants as sustainability coordinators in small and medium enterprises, covering ESG requirements, CO2 accounting, stakeholder engagement, and reporting, with a THI university certificate and 2 ECTS upon completion.
• Nachhaltigkeitsmanagement in der Kreislaufwirtschaft Certificate course qualifying sustainability coordinators in medium-sized waste-management companies, covering ESG/CSR, regulatory requirements (CSRD, LkSG, Taxonomy), GHG accounting, and sustainability reporting.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduced waste volumes and improved resource efficiency for SME clients through Schnellcheck tool and ELOGplan planning
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partnerinas is an officially affiliated institute (An-Institut) of THI, giving it academic legitimacy, access to research networks, and the ability to grant university-certified qualifications (2 ECTS for Nachhaltigkeitskoordinator certificate). This is the primary academic partnership underpinning inas's scientific credibility.
• Katholische Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt (KU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partnerinas is an officially affiliated institute (An-Institut) of KU, providing academic oversight, scientific quality assurance, and interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities across theology, social sciences, and sustainability research.
• Büchl GruppecoreStrategic or Co-development Partnerinas is an integral part of the Büchl Gruppe, a mid-sized commercial group with decades of operational experience in waste disposal, logistics, and recycling. This operational anchor provides real-world practice grounding for inas's consulting and planning services and a built-in client referral base.
• ELOGplan (www.elogplan.com)coreTechnology or IntegrationELOGplan is a proprietary digital planning tool for sustainable disposal, logistics, and circular economy planning developed from decades of Büchl Gruppe operational experience. Operated as a separate platform (elogplan.com) but closely integrated with inas's consulting services.
• Sustaineration (DINA ESG Software)majorTechnology or Integrationinas collaborates with Sustaineration as test and implementation partner for the DINA digital ESG management tool. inas was involved from the outset in developing DINA 'from practice for practice,' using it to support its consulting engagements and offering it to clients at preferential pricing.
• VBS EV Bayern (Verband Bayerischer Entsorgungsunternehmen)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for delivering Efb (Entsorgungsfachbetrieb) training courses. VBS EV Bayern hosts inas academy courses on its seminar platform, driving enrollment for Efb Grundlehrgänge and Efb-Fortbildung seminars. This is a key channel for academy revenue.
• BDE (Bundesverband der Deutschen Entsorgungswirtschaft)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerBDE is the German Federal Association of the Waste Management Industry. inas Akademie partners with BDE for enrollment of the 'Nachhaltigkeitsmanagement in der Kreislaufwirtschaft' certificate program, with registrations handled through bde.de.
• Umweltcluster BayernminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional environmental cluster in Bavaria that inas cooperates with for academy seminars, workshops, and knowledge exchange. Strengthens inas's regional visibility and client referral within Bavaria.
• REGION 10 SEMINARmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerSince 2016, ELOGplan/inas Akademie seminars have been marketed under the 'REGION 10 SEMINAR' brand to emphasize the strong connection to regional customers and companies in the Ingolstadt area (Region 10 in Bavaria: Ingolstadt, Eichstätt, Neuburg-Schrobenhausen, Pfaffenhofen).

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• South Pole Group: Global sustainability solutions provider offering climate strategy, carbon accounting, and ESG advisory. Overlaps with inas on ESG consulting and CSRD-adjacent services, with broader geographic reach and a much larger client base.
• Anthesis Group: Global sustainability consultancy offering ESG strategy, CSRD reporting, circular economy, and climate services. Comparable to inas in service mix (especially circular economy and ESG advisory) but at much greater scale and international footprint.
• ClimatePartner: Germany-based climate solutions company offering carbon accounting, CSRD readiness, and sustainability software for SMEs and mid-market companies. Direct functional overlap with inas's GHG accounting and ESG reporting services, with stronger SaaS productization.
• Sustaineration: German SME-focused digital ESG management software provider whose DINA tool is co-implemented by inas. Sustaineration is both a technology partner and a peer competing for the same Mittelstand sustainability reporting customers.

Emerging players

• GreenDelta GmbH: Berlin-based provider of openLCA and openESG software for sustainability assessment, life cycle analysis, and ESG reporting. Comparable to inas in targeting SME and mid-market sustainability tooling, with an established open-source software DNA.

Broad incumbents

• PwC Germany (Sustainability Services): One of the Big 4 with a large German sustainability and climate practice spanning CSRD/ESRS reporting, ESG assurance, supply chain sustainability (LkSG), and transformation consulting — broadly overlapping inas's service portfolio but at vastly larger scale and enterprise focus.
• EY Germany (Climate Change and Sustainability Services): Big 4 incumbent offering CSRD reporting, ESG strategy, sustainability assurance, and climate advisory. Competes with inas in the German Mittelstand ESG compliance segment, particularly for companies seeking Big-4 brand credibility.
• KPMG Germany (ESG & Sustainability Services): Big 4 incumbent with substantial German ESG advisory practice covering CSRD readiness, non-financial reporting, and climate risk. Overlaps with inas's Mittelstand ESG offering from a much larger, multidisciplinary position.
• Ramboll (Germany): International engineering and sustainability consultancy with a strong German environmental and ESG practice covering circular economy, energy, and climate strategy. Comparable to inas on environmental consulting and circular economy advisory, but with significantly larger scale and broader service breadth.
• Deloitte Germany (Sustainability & Climate): Big 4 incumbent operating a German sustainability practice spanning CSRD/ESRS reporting, ESG strategy, and climate services. Targets both enterprise and upper mid-market — the latter overlapping directly with inas's Mittelstand core.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeopen.spotify.com/show/1eZiwYWl8KNAflxI6QjxeK
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/inasinstitut

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Institut für angewandte Nachhaltigkeit (inas)