Plant manager from Kommunalservice Jena at the "75 years of VKU" ceremony

The plant manager of Kommunalservice Jena (KSJ), Uwe Feige, discussed the importance of the municipal economy in Germany with other experts at a ceremony in Berlin. Feige has been the new Chairman of the VKU Steering Committee for Waste Management and Urban Cleanliness since May 2024 and was recently elected Vice President for Waste Management.

Panel discussion

During the panel discussion to mark the association's 75th anniversary, Uwe Feige was able to present a comprehensive picture of the developments and challenges that municipal companies have mastered in recent years. Among other things, the discussion focused on special measures to attract skilled workers, such as the integration of people with disabilities.

Costs and fees were also discussed.

"Environmental regulations, CO₂ levies and energy efficiency requirements are driving up costs, but these cannot be passed on in full - which affects market development," said Feige.

Issues and challenges

Energy shortages and rising energy prices are also challenging. Both have a major impact on energy generation and mobility.

"This is where we are called upon to guarantee the implementation of sustainability goals," emphasized Feige.

Prior to the panel discussion, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz gave a detailed welcome address to the participants as guest of honor. The KSJ plant manager saw the ceremony not only as a celebration of the success to date, but also as an inspiring outlook for the future of the municipal economy in Germany.

"The event impressively demonstrated the importance of cooperation and exchange between the various players in municipal companies," said Feige.

Association of Municipal Enterprises

The Association of Municipal Enterprises (VKU) represents over 1,500 municipal companies in the energy, water/wastewater, waste management and telecommunications sectors and supports them in overcoming the challenges posed by digital change and the energy transition, among other things. The association was founded in 1949.