What do you do when you want to actively shape the future? When you see many opportunities and want to set new trends, but the existing conditions aren't suitable? Exactly, you set something up yourself. That's what the founders of the green energy provider also envisioned. Polar Star thought. And just did it.
Jakob Assmann, Simon Stadler, and Florian Henle had a vision: They wanted to help shape the future of energy. Entering the market as an energy supplier themselves wasn't the initial plan at all:
"We initially focused on the green gas market and developed a product based on 100 percent organic waste that was still competitive. Then, as now, there were fewer than a handful of green gas offerings made from 100 percent renewable energy sources. The majority are mixed products consisting primarily of fossil natural gas and a small proportion of renewable raw materials, as well as climate or offset products."
Starting your own business as a logical step
Your real and competitively priced alternative to the existing green "Sham productsThe three Munich-based energy suppliers offered the new product to existing energy suppliers. However, none of them was interested in including it in their portfolio. The only logical step was to establish their own company.
"We founded Polarstern with the goal of offering only credible green energy products, all based on 100 percent renewable energy. We also firmly believe that responsible action is a guiding principle for our entire company."
With Polarstern, Simon, Jakob and Florian not only want to contribute to the global energy transition, but also to the common good, keyword: Social BusinessThis means that from a corporate perspective, the focus is not only on financial growth, but also on social and sustainability aspects. Or as Florian puts it:
"We don't take anything away from society, but rather try to give something back. Responsible, community-oriented action is a principle that shapes our entire company, our products, and our relationships with employees, partners, and customers.
That these are not just empty words can be seen in the Company's social balance sheet And it's very practical in everyday office life. For example, the office coffee for the now 20 employees is sourced from fair trade, the weekly shopping is done at an organic supermarket, used computers are purchased, and great importance is placed on a nearly paperless office. Furthermore, working hours should feel like meaningful time in life, one that is more than just a way to earn money. Working from home is nothing exotic; it's part of the office culture.
Environmental and animal protection also in electricity generation
The origin of the Polarstern eco-gas from organic residues and the Polarstern hydropower: Because it comes from the Inn power plant near Feldkirchen. It is the only power plant in Germany whose electricity is supplied by EKOenergy, the first international green electricity label. The label places great emphasis on sustainable power plants. Hydropower, for example, may only come from power plants that have been approved by the EKOenergie Board after consulting local environmental organizations.
Florian explains why they chose this particular power plant:
The Inn River Power Plant impressed us with its environmental and animal protection measures. Fish ladders and special measures during fish migration periods protect the animals in and around the water. This is particularly important for flowing water power plants, such as those common in Germany and Austria, to ensure that the fish's natural migration routes are not obstructed. Bypass channels also help with this. Flood refuge areas have also been created. We regularly visit the power plant – sometimes together with customers – and inform ourselves about current developments and plans.
And in doing so, they create electricity awareness among consumers. According to Polarstern, consumers are often unaware of a) the immense importance of electricity in our daily lives and b) how we can use it responsibly. Electricity from the socket is taken for granted – just like tap water from the faucet. But a look beyond our own horizons reveals that this isn't the case.
A change can only be a global one
Against this background, Polarstern also in Cambodia. Here, less than 10 percent of the people in rural areas have access to public electricity. They use wood from the forests for cooking and kerosene lamps. This harms the environment and the climate. Open fireplaces in the room cause eye and respiratory diseases. International Energy Agency speaks of 3.5 million premature deaths worldwide each year due to this harmful smoke. To change this situation, Polarstern has come up with a tandem principle:
By supporting a family in Cambodia in building their own micro-biogas plant for each customer in Germany, they transform their lives: They not only produce clean biogas for cooking and providing light, but also save money on firewood and kerosene, as well as artificial fertilizer for their fields. Biogas production produces natural fertilizer. This increases their field yields and ultimately their income. Their overall quality of life noticeably improves thanks to clean energy production.
In other words, anyone in Germany who switches to sustainable electricity from Polarstern is simultaneously supporting clean electricity in another part of the world. After all, a change can only be a global one.
All of this sounds plausible. Nevertheless, Polarstern also faced some challenges. As a young energy supplier with a social entrepreneurial approach, they remain an oddity in an industry that is fiercely competitive and has a strong lobby:
"As lateral thinkers and doers, we simply don't fit into the traditional boxes and therefore repeatedly encounter resistance. I'm just reminded of the beginnings of our company. You simply have to fight your way through, believe in yourself and your goals. But we're passionate about Polarstern, and our employees and partners are too. This creates a bond, and the resistance suddenly seems half as great."
says Florian.
“We are in the black”
Is this euphoria also reflected in the business figures? The founders are satisfied with the development of their startup. According to their own statements, the customer base is growing continuously. They are also exploring new business areas, such as decentralized energy generation, to further advance the energy transition.
However, concrete figures are not communicated. Out of conviction – as Polarstern tells us:
In our eyes, it's about what a company achieves for each customer and how responsibly it acts. Communicating customer numbers, however, creates the false impression that size has something to do with quality. But I don't use the number of handbags or bicycle helmets sold to evaluate their quality. But to satisfy your curiosity: We're in the black and have already helped more than 20,000 people in Cambodia to a better life.
And Polarstern is certain: A common good-oriented approach will be even more perceived by consumers in the future — and will have a decisive influence on purchasing decisions.
