FOODCoST - FOOD Costing and Internalisation of Externalities for System Transition

This EU-funded project aims to develop a standardised True Cost Accounting (TCA) methodology and promote its integration into business decision-making processes. The goal is to better assess the "true costs" of products and enable more sustainable decisions.

Project type:	Research project:
Responsible person:	Prof. Tobias Gaugler
Funder / contractor:	European Commission under EU Horizon
Project period:	2022-2026

ASAN: From Field to School – True Cost Accounting in Nuremberg Primary and Secondary Schools

The project introduces True Cost Accounting (TCA) to schoolchildren in a playful and age-appropriate manner. Educational modules will be developed that illustrate the environmental, health, and social costs of food in a tangible way, raising awareness of sustainability.

Project type:	Research project:
Responsible person:	Prof. Tobias Gaugler
Funder / contractor:	Staedler Foundation
Project period:	Dec. 2024 - Oct. 2025

Proposal: True Cost Accounting (TCA) Alliance

The TCA Alliance is an action network advocating for responsible business practices and sustainable corporate accounting in the agricultural and food sectors. Activities include building research and networking structures, hosting monthly expert meetings, conducting research projects to calculate externalities, and organising various events, in collaboration with TMG Research gGmbH and Regionalwert Research gGmbH.

Project type:	Research project:
Responsible person:	Prof. Tobias Gaugler
Funder / contractor:	Misereor e.V. Aachen
Project period:	2024-2026

Curriculum Z. Future Competences for Transformation and Sustainable Management in the 21st Century I & II

As part of this project, a curriculum was developed to provide companies and organisations with practical skills for sustainable management. It specifically addresses competencies needed for the transformation to resource-efficient and climate-friendly processes.

Project type:	Research project:
Responsible person:	Prof. Jan Niessen
Funder / contractor:	The Ohm, internal funding
Project period:	2021- 2024

GemüseWert

The project strengthened the value chains for vegetables from the “Knoblauchsland” region in Nuremberg by analysing existing processes and deriving recommendations for sustainable development. The goal was to promote regional cycles and enhance the competitiveness of local producers.

Project type:	Practical project
Responsible person:	Prof. Jan Niessen
Funder / contractor:	Franken-Gemüse Knoblauchsland eG
Project period:	2020-2023

REWE & PENNY Price Signs – True Prices

This project examined how the integration of "true prices" in retail influences consumer perception and decision-making regarding sustainable products. The goal is to make ecological and social costs visible and raise awareness for sustainable consumption.

Project type:	Practical project
Responsible person:	Prof. Tobias Gaugler
Funder / contractor:	Rewe Group
Project period:	2023

SHIELD - Safe Domestic Food (Organic and Conventional) through Sensor Detection Methods

The project investigated innovative sensor technologies to improve food safety. Its goal was to ensure the quality and safety of domestic organic and conventional foods through technological innovations, thereby building trust among producers and consumers.

Project type:	Research project:
Responsible person:	Prof. Jan Niessen with Prof. Carolin Hauser
Funder / contractor:	Bavarian Research Foundation
Project period:	2021-2024

Sustainable Food Retail – Monitoring Report 2024 (LEH2024)

The project evaluates the sustainability strategies of German food retailers. The goal is to analyse current trends and measures, identify strengths and weaknesses, and derive specific recommendations for sustainable development.

Project type:	Research project:
Responsible person:	Prof. Jan Niessen
Funder / contractor:	German Environment Agency
Project period:	Oct. 2023 - Feb. 2025