Bioinspiration @ FIT

Biomimetics—What is it all about?
Bioinspired Architecture
Smart Material Systems
Bioinspired Sustainability

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Learning from Living Nature

Since several decades, biologists, physicists, chemists, mathematicians, engineers, material scientists, architects, and computer scientists have been working closely together to learn from nature’s functional principles and problem solutions. This process is referred to as bioinspiration, which involves transferring ideas from nature to technical products.

On the other hand, biomimetics deals with the systematic search for suitable biological models, the deciphering of their functional principles, and the transfer of these principles to technical products. Basically, we distinguish two biomimetic approaches. In the biomimetic bottom-up approach (= biology push process), a technical product is developed on the basis of a functional principle found in basic biological research. In the biomimetic top-down approach, also known as the technology pull process, biomimetic improvements are sought for a functioning technical product.

Biomimetics in Everyday Live

There are already many objects in our lives that are inspired by biological models. Often, we are not aware of this, and biomimetic products do not advertise it. Well-known examples include Velcro fasteners, self-cleaning surfaces, and the optimization method called Evolution Strategy—as well as barbed wire.

Contributions to Sustainable Development

Biomimetics is the systematic transfer of biological knowledge to artificial products.
Biomimetics creates knowledge about the common functional principles in living nature and inanimate technology.
Biomimetics raises awareness of biodiversity.
Biomimetics is not a guarantee, but an opportunity for sustainable solutions.

Peer Review Publications

O. Speck, T. Speck, S. Baur, S., M. Herdy, M. (2024): The Basics of Evolution Strategies: The Implementation of the Biomimetic Optimization Method in Educational Modules. Biomimetics, 9(7): 439. DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9070439
O. Speck, T. Speck (2023): Biomimetics in Botanical Gardens—Educational Trails and Guided Tours. Biomimetics, 8(3): 303. DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8030303
O. Speck, D. Speck, R. Horn, J. Gantner, K. P. Sedlbauer (2017): Biomimetic Bio-Inspired Biomorph Sustainable? An Attempt to Classify and Clarify Biology-Derived Technical Developments. Bioinspiration & Biomimetics, 12(1): 011004. DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/12/1/011004
F. Antony, R. Grießhammer, T. Speck, O. Speck (2016): The Cleaner – The Greener? Product Sustainability Assessment of the Biomimetic Façade Paint Lotusan^® in Comparison to the Conventional Façade Paint Jumbosil^®. Beilstein J. Nanotechnol., 7: 2100–2115. DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.7.200
T. Speck & O. Speck (2008): Process Sequences in Biomimetic Research. In: Brebbia, C.A. (ed.), Design and Nature IV, 3 – 11. WIT Press, Southampton, UK. DOI: 10.2495/DN080011

Project Funding in the Field of Basic Research

The FIT is a research institution of national and international importance that is exclusively active in the field of basic research. All projects carried out at FIT, including those in the fields of bioinspiration and biomimetics, are restricted to basic research.

Biomimetic Shell @ FIT – Pavilion

Biological Model: Plate Skeleton of Sea Urchins

Over the course of evolution, sea urchins have adapted to various environmental conditions in the sea. Their shells consist of many highly porous and therefore lightweight plates with different geometries that are firmly connected to each other. However, they can still increase in size due to the growth of the individual plates. A variety of sea urchin shells are displayed in a showcase in the FIT gallery.

Pavillion livMatS Biomimetic Shell @ FIT with flower meadow

Bioinspiration: livMatS Biomimetic Shell @ FIT

This modular lightweight construction of sea urchin shells served as a model for the shell structure of the robotically manufactured wooden pavilion designed by civil engineers and architects from the University of Stuttgart as an extension to FIT.

The pioneering research building itself is a research project of the two Clusters of Excellence Living, Adaptive and Energy-autonomous Materials Systems (livMatS) at the University of Freiburg and Integrative Computational Design and Construction for Architecture (IntCDC) at the University of Stuttgart.The researchers are investigating an integrative approach to planning and construction to create sustainable architecture.

Contributions to Sustainable Development

The wooden materials used for the building envelope replace the CO₂-intensive materials, steel and concrete.
The building envelope consists of hollow cassettes that reduce material consumption and weight by more than 50%.
As a result, the greenhouse gas potential is reduced by almost 63% compared to conventional timber construction.
The building is equipped with a thermally activated floor slab made of recycled concrete that heats and cools the building using geothermal sources.
A shading system that reacts to temperature and humidity allows for CO₂-neutral operation.
The entire building structure can be easily dismantled and reused, and its components can be separated by type.
The intended use of the building as an event venue will make it possible to present the livMatS cluster’s research to a broad public.

Publications

M. Gorki, O. Speck, M. Möller, J. Fenn, L. Estadieu, A. Menges, M. Schiller, T. Speck, A. Kiesel (2025): Challenging the Biomimetic Promise – Do Laypersons Perceive Biomimetic Buildings as More Sustainable and More Acceptable? Biomimetics, 10: 86. DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics10020086
T. Speck, M.E. Schulz, A. Fischer, J. Rühe (2023): Cluster of Excellence Living, Adaptive and Energy-Autonomous Materials Systems (livMatS). In: Future Automotive Production Conference 2022 (pp. 239-252). Wiesbaden: Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden.
T. Schwinn, S. Sonntag, T. Grun, J.H. Nebelsick, J. Knippers, A. Menges (2019): Potential Applications of Segmented Shells in Architecture. In: J. Knippers, U. Schmidt, T. Speck (eds.) Biomimetics for Architecture. Birkhäuser, Basel, 116-125.
T.B. Grun, L. Koohi Fayegh Dehkordi, T. Schwinn et al. (2016): The Skeleton of the Sand Dollar as a Biological Role Model for Segmented Shells in Building Construction: A Research Review. In: J. Knippers, K. Nickel & T. Speck (eds.) Biomimetic Research for Architecture and Building Construction: Biological Design and Integrative Structures. Springer, Cham, Vol. 9, 217-242.

Press Releases

Project Funding

The basic research for this project was funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) under Germany’s Excellence Strategy – Cluster of Excellence livMatS (EXC-2193/1 – 390951807) and Cluster of Excellence IntCDC (EXC 2120/1 – 390831618).

Biomimetic Shell @ FIT – Solar Gate Shading System

Biological Model: Movement of Pine Cone Scales

The scales of pine cones open and close due to the interaction of several tissue layers, all of which respond to moisture. Thus, the pine cone only opens in dry conditions, and the seeds are released and spread by the wind. This movement is interesting for technical applications because it is passive, requiring no metabolic energy.

Pine cones in various degrees of opening

Bioinspiration: Shading System in the Solar Gate Skylight

A humidity-responsive shading system made of bio-based materials produced using 4D printing regulates the interior climate of the Biomimetic Shell via the large “Solar Gate Skylight”. Inspired by the movable scales of pine cones, the 424 self-forming shading elements adapt passively to weather conditions. During the summer and when the humidity is low, the elements flatten, providing more shaded coverage. During the winter and on cloudy days when the humidity is high, the elements curl, allowing sunlight to pass through.

Contribution of the Shading System to Sustainable Development

The shading system that reacts to temperature and humidity allows for CO₂-neutral operation.

Peer Review Publications

T. Cheng, Y. Tahouni, E.S. Sahin, K. Ulrich, K., S. Lajewski, C. Bonten, D. Wood, J. Rühe, T. Speck, A. Menges (2024): Weather-Responsive Adaptive Shading Through Biobased and Bioinspired Hygromorphic 4D-Printing. Nature Communications, 15(1): 10366. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-54808-8
K. Ulrich, L. Genter, S. Schäfer, T. Masselter, T. Speck (2024): Investigation of the Resilience of Cyclically Actuated Pine Cone Scales of Pinus jeffreyi. Bioinspiration & Biomimetics, 19(4), 046009. DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ad475b
S. Poppinga, N. Nestle, A. Šandor, B. Reible, T. Masselter, B. Bruchmann, T. Speck (2017): Hygroscopic Motions of Fossil Conifer Cones. Scientific Reports, 7(1): 40302. DOI: 10.1038/srep40302

Press Releases

Project Funding

Fiber Pavilion @ Freiburg Botanic Garden

Biological Model: Cactus Wood

The Fiber Pavilion was inspired by the fiber courses of the wooden structure elements in columnar cacti, such as saguaros, which can grow up to 20 meters tall, and shrubby-to-tree-like prickly pears, which can grow up to 10 meters tall. The cacti have hollow wooden bodies whose elements are interwoven in a reticulate structure. These lightweight structures are characterized by their high mechanical stability.

Bioinspiration: Fiber Pavilion @ Freiburg Botanic Garden

The net-like arrangement of the fibers of the pavilion components, which were produced by coreless winding, draw inspiration from the wooden structures of saguaro and prickly pear cacti. The fifteen load-bearing fiber elements and the fiber keystone element at the center of the structure were computer-designed. All structural elements are made entirely of robotically winded, resin-souked flax fiber bundles reinforced with sisal cords. The transparent ceiling elements are made of recyclable polycarbonate. The entire pavilion weighs just 1.5 tons and covers 46 m². It is located in the outdoor area of the Freiburg Botanic Garden and serves as an event venue.

The pioneering research building itself is a research project of the two Clusters of Excellence Living, Adaptive and Energy-autonomous Materials Systems (livMatS) at the University of Freiburg and Integrative Computational Design and Construction for Architecture (IntCDC) at the University of Stuttgart. The researchers are investigating an integrative approach to planning and construction to create sustainable architecture.

Fiber Pavilion at the Freiburg Botanic Garden

Contributions to Sustainabe Development

The flax fibers and sisal cords are made from 100% renewable materials sourced from local cultivation.
Because of these materials and the resource-efficient, lightweight construction method, the pavilion has the potential to significantly reduce the ecological footprint of buildings.
The flax fibers and sisal cords are biodegradable.
Robot-assisted coreless winding was chosen as a cost-effective production method.
Using the building as an event venue will allow the livMatS cluster to communicate its research to a broad public.

Publications

M. Gorki, O. Speck, M. Möller, J. Fenn, L. Estadieu, A. Menges, M. Schiller, T. Speck, A. Kiesel (2025): Challenging the Biomimetic Promise – Do Laypersons Perceive Biomimetic Buildings as More Sustainable and More Acceptable? Biomimetics, 10: 86. DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics10020086
T. Speck, M.E. Schulz, A. Fischer, J. Rühe (2023): Cluster of Excellence Living, Adaptive and Energy-Autonomous Materials Systems (livMatS). In Future Automotive Production Conference 2022 (pp. 239-252). Wiesbaden: Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden.
T. Speck (2023): Der livMatS Pavillon im Botanischen Garten der Universität Freiburg: Vom Kakteenholz inspiriert und mit nachwachsenden Flachsfasern gebaut. Gärtnerisch Botanischer Brief, 223: 30-39.

Press Releases

Project Funding

Self-Repairing Material Systems

Sukkulente Blätter von Delosperma cooperi

Biological Model: Wound Reaction of the Ice Plant

Rapid wound sealing is essential for the survival of plants that grow in arid areas. The ice plant, Delosperma cooperi, seals external injuries by deforming the entire leaf. Within a maximum of 60 minutes the edges of the wound meet, protecting the plant from further loss of water stored inside the leaf. Then, a prolonged self-healing phase begins. As seen in the center of the picture, permanent leaf curvature can persist.

Bioinspiration: Self-Repairing Materials and Material Systems

The process of sealing damage through deformation until the damage edges meet served as a model for a self-repairing metamaterial¹ consisting of unit cells, as well as a self-repairing material system² and polymer material³ with a shape memory effect. In all bioinspired material developments, cracks can be sealed within maximum 60 minutes. The metamaterial¹ and polymer³ undergo an additional self-healing process so that the repaired area can hardly be distinguished mechanically from undamaged material.

Self-Repairing Metamaterial (from Ghavidelniaa et al. 2024 under Licence CC BY 4.0)

Contributions to Sustainable Development

The self-repairing function of products saves resources.
Products with a self-repairing function have a longer service time and lifetime.
The self-repairing function of products contributes to reduced waste generation.

Peer Review Publications

¹N. Ghavidelniaa, V. Slesarenko, O. Speck, C. Eberl (2024): Bio-Inspired Pressure-Dependent Programmable Mechanical Metamaterial with Self-Sealing Ability. Advanced Materials: 2313125, DOI: 10.1002/adma.202313125
²J. Becker, O. Speck, T. Speck, C. Müller (2022): Learning from Self-Sealing Deformations of Plant Leaves: The Biomimetic Multilayer Actuator. Adv. Intell. Syst. 4(12): 2200215. DOI: 10.1002/aisy.202200215
O. Speck, T. Speck (2019): An Overview of Bioinspired and Biomimetic Self-Repairing Materials. Biomimetics 4(1): 26. DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics4010026
³Y. Yang, D. Davydovich, C.C. Hornat, X. Liu, M.W. Urban (2018): Leaf-Inspired Self-Healing Polymers: Chem, 4(8): 1928-1936. DOI: 10.1016/j.chempr.2018.06.001
O. Speck, M. Schlechtendahl, F. Borm, T. Kampowski & T. Speck (2018): Humidity-Dependent Wound-Sealing in Succulent Leaves of Delosperma cooperi – An Adaptation to Seasonal Drought Stress. Beilstein J Nanotech 9: 175–186. DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.9.20
H. Klein, L. Hesse, M. Boljen, T. Kampowski, I. Butschek, T. Speck, O. Speck (2018): Finite Element Modelling of Complex Movements During Self-Sealing of Ring Incisions in Leaves of Delosperma cooperi. J. Theor. Biol. 458: 184–206. DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2018.08.023
W. Konrad, F. Flues, F. Schmich, T. Speck, O. Speck (2013): An Analytic Model of the Self-Sealing Mechanism of the Succulent Plant Delosperma cooperi. J. Theor. Biol. 336: 96-109. DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2013.07.013

Project Funding

The basic research for the development of the self-repairing metamaterial¹ and the self-sealing multilayer material system² was funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) under Germany’s Excellence Strategy – Cluster of Excellence livMatS (EXC-2193/1 – 390951807).

The Cellular Actuator

Biological Model: Hydraulic Plant Movements

Each plant cell contains aqueous cell sap surrounded by a thin membrane and a rigid cell wall. From a technical perspective, the plant cell is a hydraulic system with pressure values measured between 0.7 and 40 bar. The wilting of plants is an indication of very low internal pressure (turgor) in the plant cells.

The interaction of many cells can move entire plant organs, as with the movement of grass leaves. The schematic drawing of the cross-section of a leaf reveals a midrib that acts as an abutment. The two leaf halves move through the action of so-called motor cells. When these cells are full of water (shown in red), the leaf opens. If the plant lacks water, the motor cells “wilt” (shown in blue) and the leaf folds together along the midrib.

Schematic drawing of leaf halves in the closed (top) and open (bottom) position. The motor cells are either wilted (blue) ore turgescent (red).

The cellular actuator with additional load, which was lifted.

Biomimetics: Pneumatic Actuator

Inspired by hydraulic leaf movement using motor cells, finite element models were created, which were the prerequisite for the development of the cellular actuator. The biomimetic actuator consists of a series of individual pneumatic cells arranged on a plate. When the internal pressure of the cell increases, the upper side lengthens considerably while the lower side remains unchanged. This results in bending of the entire structure, allowing the cellular actuator to be used for slat movement in bioinspired shading system demonstrators, such as Flectofin and Flectofold. The cellular actuator is displayed in showcases in the FIT.

Contributions to Sustainable Development

The cellular actuator, which consists of many individual pneumatic cells, is less susceptible to failure than a single pneumatic cushion.
Understanding the transfer of hydraulic plant movements to pneumatic, technical material systems is a source of ideas for the development of further technical solutions.

Peer Review Publications

A. Mader, M. Langer, J. Knippers, O. Speck (2020): Learning from Plant Movements Triggered by Bulliform Cells: The Biomimetic Cellular Actuator. Journal of the Royal Society—Interface 17: 20200358. DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2020.0358
L.-S. Lehmann, T. Kampowski, M. Caliaro, T. Speck, O. Speck (2019): Drooping of Gerbera Flower Heads: Mechanical and Structural Studies of a Well-Known Phenomenon. Biol. Lett. 15: 20190254. DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2019.0254

Project Funding

The basic research for this project was funded by the German Research Foundation in the framework of the CRC-Transregio 141 “Biological Design and Integrative Structures—Analysis, Simulation and Implementation in Architecture” (project A03).

Artificial Venus Flytraps

Biological Model: Trapping Mechanism of the Venus Flytrap

The Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) is one of the most well-known carnivorous plants. Each trap leaf consists of two lobes connected by a midrib. If the trigger hairs on the inside of the lobes are touched twice by a prey within 20 seconds, the trap closes. In this case, the typical concave spatial curvature of the pre-tensioned, open trap lobes suddenly changes to the convex shape of the closed trap. This bistable trapping mechanism, which lasts up to 100 milliseconds, is one of the fastest plant movements. Unlike the passive closing of the trap, opening is an active, energy-consuming growth process.

The Venus flytrap can thrive in nutrient-poor soil because it has evolved the ability to obtain phosphorus and nitrogen by catching animal prey, including small flies, ants, and spiders, and digesting them in its snap traps.

The Venus flytrap is shown in the open state (top) and closed state (bottom).

Artificial Venus flytrap with pneumatic actuation in open (top) and closed state (bottom).

Biomimetics: Artificial Venus Flytraps

The project focused on answering the key question whether artificial Venus flytraps can pass the so-called Turing test. The test is passed if the function of the artificial Venus flytraps does not differ from the function of their living models.

Inspired by the trapping mechanism of the living Venus flytrap, demonstrators consisting of a compliant foil system with a bistable closing mechanism were developed. The biological model was abstracted, so the demonstrator consists of two lobes on the right and left, as well as two ears at the top and bottom of the rigid backbone.

The artificial Venus flytrap opens actively using various energy sources, such as pneumatic or magnetic actuation. When touched the artificial Venus flytraps close rapidly and passively. Like the biological model, the artificial lobes invert their curvature from concave to convex while closing. Conclusion: Therefore, the artificial fly traps have passed the Turing test.

Peer Review Publications

F. Tauber, P. Auth, J. Teichmann, F.D. Scherag, T. Speck (2022): Novel Motion Sequences in Plant-Inspired Robotics: Combining Inspirations from Snap-Trapping in Two Plant Species into an Artificial Venus Flytrap Demonstrator. In: Gorb, S.N.; Carbone, G.; Speck, T.; Taubert, A. (eds.): Advances in Biomimetics: Combination of Various Effects at Different Scales. Biomimetics 2023, 8: 329. DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics7030099
F. Tauber, L. Riechert, J. Teichmann, N. Poovathody, U. Jonas, S. Schiller, T. Speck (2022): Unit Cell Based Artificial Venus Flytrap. In: Hunt, A., et al. (eds.), Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems. Living Machines 2022. Lecture Notes in Computer Science (pp. 1–12), vol 13548. Springer, Cham. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-20470-8_1
G.M. Durak, T. Speck, S. Poppinga (2022): Shapeshifting in the Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula): Morphological and Biomechanical Adaptations and the Potential Costs of a Failed Hunting Cycle. Frontiers in Plant Science 13: 970320. DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.970320
G.M. Durak, R. Thierer, R. Sachse, M. Bischoff, M., T. Speck, S. Poppinga (2022): Smooth or With a Snap! Biomechanics of Trap Reopening in the Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula). Advanced Science 2201362. DOI: 10.1002/advs.202201362
R. Sachse, A. Westermeier, M.D. Mylo, J. Nadasdi, M. Bischoff, T. Speck, S. Poppinga (2020): Snapping Mechanics of the Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 117(27): 16035-16042. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2002707117
F. Esser, P. Auth, T. Speck, T. (2020): Artificial Venus Flytraps: A Research Review and Outlook on their Importance for Novel Bioinspired Materials Systems. Frontiers in Robotics and AI 7: 75. DOI: DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2020.00075
S. Poppinga, A. Metzger, O. Speck T. Masselter, T. Speck (2013): Schnappen, schleudern, saugen: Fallenbewegungen fleischfressender Pflanzen. Biologie in unserer Zeit 43(6): 2-11. DOI: 10.1002/biuz.201310520

Project Funding

Bio-inspired Sustainability Assessment (BiSA)

Biological Model: Relationship of provided function and needed resources

A suitable basis for developing a bio-inspired sustainability assessment is the common denominator between biological and technical systems—the relationship between the provided functions and the required resources.

Although the flow of ideas from biology to technology seems to have the specific potential to contribute to sustainable technological development (so-called “biomimetic promise”), using a biological model or biological material does not necessarily guarantee a sustainable product. Instead, a contribution to sustainability must be a central goal of the development process.

Bio-inspired Sustainability Assessment (BiSA)

Bio-inspired Sustainability Assessment (BiSA) was developed with special attention being paid on the relationship of social, economic and environmental aspects of intended functions and unintended burdens (= resource demands) in the construction sector. The function is depicted in the top pf the circle chart, the burdens (resource consumption) is shown in the bottom of the circle chart. Each aspect is shown in relation to a selected reference product, depicted by the violet dotted circle.

The presentation as a six-part circle chart makes it possible to compare all sustainability aspects with the reference product at a glance. In conclusion, the larger the radius of the function slices, the greater the functionality, and the smaller the radius of the burden slices, the less negative impact is caused by the product.

Evaluation tree of the Bioinspired Sustainability Assessment (BiSA) tailored for the construction sector.

Publications

M. Möller, T. Speck, O. Speck (2024): Sustainability Assessments Inspired by Biological Concepts. Technology in Society 78: 102630, DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2024.102630
O. Speck, R. Horn, D. Speck, J. Gantner, P. Leistner (2019): Biomimetics meets Sustainability. In: A.B. Kesel & D. Zehren (eds.), Bionik: Patente aus der Natur. Tagungsbeiträge zum 9. Bionik-Kongress in Bremen, 81–91. Bionik-Innovations-Centrum (B-I-C), Bremen.
R. Horn, S. Albrecht, W. Haase, M. Langer, D. Schmeer, W. Sobek, O. Speck, P. Leistner (2019): Bio-inspiration as a Concept for Sustainable Constructions Illustrated on Graded Concrete. J. Bionic Eng. 16(4): 742–753. DOI: 10.1007/s42235-019-0060-1
O. Speck, J. Gantner, K. Sedlbauer, R. Horn (2019): The biomimetic promise. In: J. Knippers, U. Schmidt & T. Speck (eds.) Biomimetics for Architecture—Learning from Nature. Birkhäuser, Basel, 180–187.
R. Horn, H. Dahy, J. Gantner, O. Speck, P. Leistner (2018): Bio-inspired Sustainability Assessment for Building Product Development—Concept and Case Study. Sustainability 10(1): 130–154. DOI: 10.3390/su10010130
R. Horn, J. Gantner, L. Widmer, K. P. Sedlbauer, O. Speck (2016): Bio-inspired Sustainability Assessment – A conceptual framework. In: J. Knippers, K. Nickel & T. Speck (eds.), Biomimetic Research for Architecture and Building Construction: Biological Design and Integrative Structures, Bio-inspired Systems, Vol. 9, 361-377, Springer, Cham.

Project Funding

The project was funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) in the framework of the CRC-Transregio 141 “Biological Design and Integrative Structures—Analysis, Simulation and Implementation in Architecture” (project C01).

Learning from Biological Concepts for Sustainability Strategies

Biological Model: Growth Form “Liana”

During biological evolution the growth form “liana” has evolved independently several times in the plant kingdom. Although sustainability is an anthropocentric concept that does not exist in biology, the traits and general concepts of lianas can be attributed to the three sustainability strategies: efficiency, consistency, and sufficiency.

Bioinspiration: Sharpening the Understanding of Three Sustainability Strategies

The understanding of sustainability has evolved significantly since it was first introduced over 300 years ago by Chief Miner Hans Carl von Carlowitz, who originally proposed the term as a means of addressing an acute timber shortage. We can take active part in a sustainable lifestyle by taking into account the three sustainability strategies:

Efficiency (= better): By changing the production process, we can make better use of resources to achieve the performance of a product.
Consistency (= different): We can change our production process from environmentally harmful to nature-compatible technologies.
Sufficiency (= less): By changing our lifestyle, we can reduce consumption of superfluous items.

The stem of the twining liana Condylocarpon guianense wounding around a tree in the tropical rain forest of French Guyana (from Wolff-Vorbeck et al. 2019).

Biological Concepts	Sustainability Strategy
Trade-off	Efficiency
Modularity	Efficiency
Multifunctionality	Efficiency
External support	Efficiency
Function-related tissue	Efficiency
Light-weight construction	Efficiency
Damage prevention	Efficiency
Best fit	Consistency
Zero waste	Consistency
Change of function	Consistency
Damage managment	Consistency
Change of growth form	Sufficiency
Good enough	Sufficiency
Less is more	Sufficiency

Peer Review Publication

O. Speck, M. Möller, R. Grießhammer, T. Speck (2022): Biological concepts as a source of inspiration for efficiency, consistency, and sufficiency. Sustainability 14: 8892. DOI: 10.3390/su14148892

Project Funding

Funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) under Germany’s Excellence Strategy – Cluster of Excellence livMatS (EXC-2193/1 – 390951807).