Oak Forest CO2 ReservoirUnique research initiative

Audi has launched the “Oak Forest CO2 Reservoir” research project in cooperation with the Bavarian State Forestry and the Chair of Forest Yield Science at the Technical University of Munich.

The oak ecosystem

The research project spearheaded by the Technical University of Munich aims to research the "oak ecosystem". Oaks provide a valuable biotope for countless animal and plant species. These broad-leaved trees also store large amounts of carbon. Oak forests thus act as CO2 sinks. The oak forest research laboratory is now investigating the interaction between the tree’s living conditions, its potential for capturing CO2 and the biodiversity that it creates.

Replanting with English oaks

36,000 young English oaks: an area of around six hectares in the Kösching Forest near Ingolstadt has been replanted as part of the “Oak Forest CO2 Reservoir” research project. The former stand of firs on the trial site was almost entirely destroyed in 2007 by bark beetle, dry conditions and hurricane Kyrill. The more stable, ecologically superior broad-leaved trees are proving better at withstanding the changing climatic conditions of the future.

Expanding internationally: 13,000 oaks in Györ

The research project will in future be extended to include international sites offering climatically different conditions. A second trial site of four hectares is already being planted up with over 13,000 English oaks at the location of Audi’s Hungarian production plant in Györ. This trial site will likewise be managed by the Technical University of Munich – in partnership with the University of Sopron. Plans are already underway for additional sites at international Audi locations.