More than 15 years experience in the chemical process industry, large production infrastructure projects and technology development with focus on green transition of various industries via ClimateTech related innovation (renewable fuel, green chemistry, sustainability, environmental management systems, environmental certification, etc.)
About Us
Driving and defining change
with expertise, compassion
and persistence.
Our Mission
Driven by a passion to expedite change in our pursuit of a sustainable future, we partner with businesses and industries to catalyse innovation, enable smarter decision-making and deliver positive impact.
Our Circularity Approach
The Circle at CBR represents the many positive aspects of working together towards our mission to drive positive sustainable change.
Sustained Focus
The Circle represents commitment, enlightenment, and infinity – much like CBR’s unwavering focus on sustainability and innovation to overcome challenges and unearth opportunities as we navigate the green transition.
Technical Focus
The Circle stands for regeneration, an important step towards imitating Mother Nature. It symbolizes unity, parity and wholeness – capturing the togetherness of the CBR team and the common goals shared with our clients.
See Beyond
There is no benchmark, the possibilities are endless, and CBR will continue to learn and push boundaries as we make progress as a society.
CBR Sustainability Partners
We are consultants, technical project developers and deal advisors, providing technology, business and regulatory expertise with execution power.
CBR Sustainability Partners is a pioneering consultancy dedicated to advancing green transition through technological innovation and sustainable practices across various industries. Our core values center on innovation, integrity, and a commitment to a sustainable planet and healthier society, driving us to deliver solutions that are not just environmentally sound, but also economically viable.
Our service areas at CBR encompass Strategy & Advisory, Technology & Innovation, Finance & Investment, and Project Development. We offer expertise in regulation & policies, ESG compliance, R&D advisory, market analysis for energy carriers & green products, financial advisory, investment strategy, techno-economic feasibility studies and technical project management, all tailored to enable sustainable business practices and technological advancements.
Our Specialist Areas
Driving and defining change with expertise, compassion & persistence.
Our Purpose
We believe that, together, we have the competence, the compassion, and the responsibility to drive positive change with lasting impact.
Our Team
CBR's team consists of deeply committed experts and seasoned professionals, united by a belief in their work's transformative impact, supporting our clients in pursuing their vision of being a successful player in a clean and sustainable future.
Christoph Behrendt-Rieken
CEO
At CBR, we merge profound regulatory expertise with hands-on industry experience and a deep understanding of technology's role in shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future. Our mission is to drive decarbonization across industries and support our clients through every stage of project realization.
Frank Roth
Principal
With over two decades in healthcare- and project-management roles, on the corporate side and as a management consultant, I am committed to driving business development, innovation and sustainable strategies. My focus lies in enhancing regulatory compliance and developing business models that adapt to evolving environmental, social, and governance obligations.
Dr.-Ing. Georg Markowz
Senior Technology Expert
I am deeply passionate about advancing sustainable innovations in chemical engineering. With over 25 years of experience, I specialize in renewable fuels and green chemical technologies, committed to transforming energy and chemical industries sustainably.
Vladimir Ivanov
Senior Project Manager
I bring extensive experience in the energy sector and am passionate about supporting organizations in their transition to renewable energy and decarbonization. My work focuses on techno-economic analysis and feasibility studies in renewable fuels, green hydrogen, Power-to-X technologies, and the marine industry. I advise clients on decarbonization policies, green chemicals, and strategic pathways, with a strong emphasis on life-cycle analysis, CO₂ reduction, and optimizing feedstock use to drive both environmental and economic value.
Dr.-Ing. Fabian Schmitt
Technology Expert
Global climate challenges can be met with tailored strategies based on responsible technologies and innovative processes. At CBR we identify these opportunities, unveil their potentials and develop projects by bringing together ideas, expertise and implementers to jointly shape a sustainable future.
Raphaela Spielberg
Project Manager
As part of CBRs team, I strive to help our partners in their path to future-proof and defossilize their business activities. As such, my motivation is driven by advising companies to understand their strategic and technological options, and the impact of their decisions, all while assessing, managing, mitigating or adapting the inherent risks of developing new decarbonization strategies. I believe that it is time to walk the talk and take action. I am convinced that through the power of collaboration across our diverse fields of expertise, merged with relentless discipline and commitment, we can maximize the positive impact we have in this world.
Christel Lubenau
Consultant
I am driven to find innovative and sustainable solutions to complex problems. In a rapidly changing environment, an in-depth understanding of sustainability regulations is a basic requirement. With my expertise in the areas of regulation and life cycle assessment, my goal is to support companies on their path to sustainable transformation.
Ann-Kathrin Heinrich
Senior Consultant
I am passionate about driving sustainable transformation by leveraging ESG software and innovative technology. In today’s dynamic landscape, integrating sustainability strategies with business intelligence and regulatory compliance is essential. With expertise in business strategy, software management, and regulatory frameworks such as the EU Taxonomy, CSRD, and CCF, I help organizations implement impactful, measurable solutions
Natasha Schaufler
Consultant
I am dedicated to advancing sustainability through robust reporting and effective ESG strategy communication. My focus lies on integrating sustainability standards into corporate processes and using change management techniques to support companies in achieving their ambitions climate goals. With expertise in international project coordination and interdisciplinary collaboration, I support companies in making informed, impactful sustainability decisions.
Dr. Johannes Pauleikhoff
Senior Consultant
Motivated by the desire to help companies to attain their sustainability-related objectives, I strive to support clients in establishing and using practices targeted at improving their sustainability performance. My interest lies in how sustainability considerations can become integrated into an organization’s daily activities as well as strategic decision-making and how various tools can be configured to serve these ends.
Janina Buttkus
Consultant
I am dedicated to driving sustainable transformation by developing impactful climate strategies and supporting businesses in navigating global environmental challenges. With expertise in international climate policy, life cycle assessment, and climate mitigation, I help companies shape a sustainable future while adapting to climate risks.
Marnie Peetz
Marketing & Communications
I am dedicated to making sustainable impact visible by shaping clear, authentic communication — both inside and outside CBR. I connect ideas, people and projects, translate complex topics into stories that resonate, and help strengthen our shared vision to see beyond today’s challenges. For me, marketing and sustainability go hand in hand: good communication inspires action.
Christoph Behrendt-Rieken
CEO
Professional Experience
Consulting Focus @ CBR
Renewable fuel and chemical regulatory, commercial and technology expertise
Commercial project development and deal advisory (due diligences, etc.) of green energy, fuel and chemicals investments and production plant projects
Education
EMBA -Executive Master of Business Administration-, Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University / WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management
Diploma -International Business Studies-, University of Paderborn, Germany / École Supérieure de Commerce de Reims, Grande École / NEOMA Business School, France
Frank Roth
Principal
Professional Experience
More than 20 years of experience in project management roles with + 200 (sub-) projects. Many years of management and management consulting practice in the healthcare industry with a focus on process optimization, strategy & business development, transformation, competence development, sustainability and regulation
Consulting Focus @ CBR
Regulatory, commercial and technological expertise in the healthcare industry
Development and implementation of sustainable business strategies in the course of existing and upcoming “ESG obligations”
Implementation of regulatory frameworks and ensuring of compliance (EU taxonomy, CSRD, LkSG, net-zero approaches, green energy and raw materials requirements, etc.)
Education
EMBA -Executive Master of Business Administration-, Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University / WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management
Dipl.-Ing. (FH) – Biomedical Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Gießen
Certified business trainer & coach (dvct standard)
Dr.-Ing. Georg Markowz
Senior Technology Expert
Professional Experience
More than 25 years in the chemical industry with focus on process- & technology development for chemical energy conversion for fuels and chemicals production
Consulting Focus @ CBR
Technology assessments, feasibility studies and techno-economic analysis on technologies related to renewable liquids and gases, electrical and chemical energy storage, etc
Expert in green product transformation and in regulatory policies with major focus on renewable fuels, green chemicals, hydrogen, carbon capture & utilization/sequestration, etc
Focus on renewable fuels process technologies, global feedstock availabilities (biomass, waste, electricity, etc.) and CO2 reduction opportunities (Life-cycle-analysis)
Education
Engineering Doctorate , RWTH Aachen University, Germany
Graduate Mechanical Engineer, RWTH Aachen University, Germany
Bachelor in Engineering, Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth, USA
Vladimir Ivanov
Senior Project Manager
Professional Experience
More than 17 years of experience in the energy and renewables sectors, with a focus on integrating market intelligence with techno-economic and regulatory analysis to support companies in navigating the energy transition. Proven track record in hydrogen, biogas, renewable fuels, and carbon capture technologies, including the execution of numerous assessments and projects aimed at process optimization and sustainable growth. Extensive experience in advising companies on policy frameworks, technology selection, and life-cycle emissions analysis.
Consulting Focus @ CBR
Supporting clients in adopting sustainable energy solutions by analyzing market trends and forecasting future energy demands.
Assisting companies in integrating decarbonization strategies and reducing emissions through analytics and scenario modeling.
Conducting techno-economic analysis, feasibility studies, and technology assessments in renewable fuels, green hydrogen, biogas, and Power-to-X technologies.
Advising on renewable fuels, green chemicals, carbon capture, and decarbonization policies, particularly for hard-to-abate industries.
Education
MBA in International Management, Munich Business School, Germany (2017 – 2020)
M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering (Honors), Baku State University, Azerbaijan (2005 – 2007)
B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Baku State University, Azerbaijan (2001 – 2005)
Dr.-Ing. Maximilian Hungsberg
Technology Expert
Professional Experience
Specialized in reaction engineering and chemical recycling, with a strong emphasis on process development and integration. Expertise encompasses designing tolerant processes for the circular economy, aimed at manufacturing key base chemicals and renewable fuels. Demonstrated success in applying innovative, data-driven strategies to optimize process tolerance and efficiency for diverse industrial applications.
Consulting Focus @ CBR
Techno-economic analyses and feasibility studies focusing on the scalability and integration of renewable energy technologies together with processes for a circular economy
Expert in alternative feedstock (waste, biomass and CO2) utilization through gasification, pyrolysis, and electrolysis, coupled with deep knowledge in downstream processes
Education
PhD in Chemical Engineering, TU Darmstadt, Germany
Master in Chemical Engineering, TU Darmstadt, Germany
Bachelor in Chemistry, TU Darmstadt, Germany
Dr.-Ing. Fabian Schmitt
Technology Expert
Professional Experience
Expertise in electrochemical methods and processes, electrochemical and thermochemical utilization of carbon dioxide for the production of base chemicals, methanol and FT-synthesis, as well as metals as alternative carbon-free energy carrier
Consulting Focus @ CBR
Technology assessments and techno-economic analysis for the sustainable production of green chemicals and renewable fuels from alternative resources via electrochemical and thermochemical routes
Education
PhD in Chemical Engineering, TU Darmstadt, Germany
Master in Chemical Engineering, TU Darmstadt, Germany / Aalto University Espoo, Finland
Bachelor in Chemistry, TU Darmstadt, Germany
Sebastian Koch
Senior Finance Expert
Professional Experience
15 years in M&A and Strategic Corporate Finance in major Private Equity funds, large multinational corporations and consultancies
Consulting Focus @ CBR
Financial modelling and due diligence for SAF and Carbon-based Renewables Projects
M&A transaction advisory and fundraising for asset-heavy SAF project developments (first-of-its kind plants, technology roll-outs)
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Tsinghua University, China / MIT – Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
Master -Economics, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Germany
Bachelor – International Business Studies, University of Paderborn, Germany / Universidad de Alcalá de Henares, Spain
Raphaela Spielberg
Project Manager
Professional Experience
Experienced consultant in Asset Management, Transaction Advisory and Climate Risk Analysis with a focus on low-carbon innovations and technologies.
Consulting Focus @ CBR
Project management, business planning and financing, e.g., funding realization for large capital-intensive, heavy asset projects in Climate Tech area (EU Innovation Funding, USAID Development innovation ventures)
Sustainability and ESG concept development and implementation (strategy, roadmaps, reporting, labels, CO2 reduction measures, offsetting)
Education
Sustainability & Climate Risk Professional, Global Association of Risk professionals (GARP)
Master in International (Sustainable) Finance, NOVA SBE, Lisbon
Bachelor in International Management, ISM, Hamburg
Andreas Egloff
Project Manager
Professional experience
More than five years of experience in multinational, multi-site and interdisciplinary projects in MedTech, especially in production, process validation, equipment qualification and implementation of the European Medical Device Regulatory.
Consulting focus @ CBR
Life Science, Medtech and Sustainability
Circular economy in healthcare including new products and business models
European Medical Device Regulation with focus on manufacturing
German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Sustainability Management, Leuphana University, Lüneburg, Germany
Master in Mechanical Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany / University of Zagreb, Croatia
Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
Christel Lubenau
Consultant
Professional Experience
Several years of experience in project management in the field of sustainability and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
In-depth understanding of the analysis and evaluation of regulations and legislation.
Consulting Focus @ CBR
Impact assessment of sustainability measures on business models, strategy development, life cycle and sustainability indicators.
Audit-proof implementation of legal requirements in internal procedural instructions, process flows and SOPs.
Implementation support in the areas of CSRD, LkSG/CSDDD, EUDR and LCA.
Education
LL.B. Bachelor of Laws, FernUniversität in Hagen (currently enrolled), Germany
Master in Forestry and Wood Science, Technical University of Munich, Germany
Ann-Kathrin Heinrich
Senior Consultant
Professional Experience
Specialized in business intelligence, carbon accounting and urban analytics, with extensive experience in project management, data visualization and process optimization in various industries such as repair, waste management and urban planning.
Consulting Focus @ CBR
Development of ESG indicator reporting systems and greenhouse gas inventories to support communities and organizations.
Design of Power BI dashboards and system and software integrations to drive sustainability initiatives.
Application of agile methods and SCRUM for circular economy projects and software development
Education
Master in Information Management, Nova Information Management School, Portugal.
Focus on systems and technology management.
Bachelor in Modern Languages, Cultures and Business Studies, University of Giessen, Germany.
Natasha Schaufler
Consultant
Professional Experience
Experienced in ESG strategy communication, sustainability reporting, and project management. Specialized in integrating sustainability standards into business processes and driving climate goals through change management. Skilled in coordinating international projects and simplifying complex sustainability topics.
Consulting Focus @ CBR
Supporting companies in meeting CSRD requirements, including strategy development, data collection, and the creation of transparent and compliant reports.
Identifying, analyzing, and quantifying Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions across company-specific value chains.
Education
Bachelor in Philosophy and Linguistics, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany
Bachelor in Economics; Focus international textile industry, Reutlingen University, Germany
Certification in Sustainability Management and Change- and Innovation Management (TÜV Rhineland)
Dr. Johannes Pauleikhoff
Senior Consultant
Professional experience
Several years of in-depth research on organizational attempts to design and use management control for sustainability, paired with experience in financial valuation and financial management in various industries.
Consulting focus @ CBR
Development of customized ESG strategies that are in line with corporate goals and regulatory requirements in industries such as medical technology and life sciences
Development and improvement of ESG data collection, reporting and risk management processes.
Conducting sustainability risk assessments, e.g. in relation to LkSG, CSDDD and EUDR and recommending strategies to mitigate environmental, social and governance risks.
Education
Ph. D. in Management Accounting, WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, Vallendar, Germany
Master in Accounting, Valuation and Financial Management, Stockholm School of Economics, Stockholm, Sweden
Bachelor in Business Administration, University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
Nipun Jagtap
Technology Expert
Professional Experience
Expertise in techno-economic evaluation of the renewable energy powered chemical and fuel production processes as well as carbon capture and utilization process. Experienced in the designing and modelling of the thermochemical processes to further produce the key base chemicals of industry such as methanol.
Consulting Focus @ CBR
Techno-economic evaluation of innovative green fuel and sustainable chemical production processes, pinpointing critical bottlenecks and optimizing viability through in-depth sensitivity analysis and strategic optimization for commercial feasibility.
Education
Master in Process Engineering and Energy Technology, Hochschule Bremerhaven, Germany
Bachelor in Chemical Engineering, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India
Janina Buttkus
Consultant
Professional Experience
Extensive experience in international climate policy, focusing on climate change adaptation and mitigation, as well as project management. Expertise in Life Cycle Assessment, biomass utilization, circular economy, and international carbon markets.
Consulting Focus @ CBR
Ensuring regulatory compliance and optimizing audit processes using recognized frameworks such as RED, ISO, GRI, and the GHG Protocol.
Conducting technology assessments, feasibility studies, and techno-economic analyses to evaluate the viability of sustainable solutions.
Performing ESG benchmarking and developing sustainability reports in line with LkSG, EU Taxonomy, CSRD, and other sustainability regulations.
Education
Master’s in Natural Resources Management and Development, TH Köln, Germany
Master’s in Environmental Sciences, UASLP, Mexico
Bachelor’s in Culture and Economy: Spanish, University of Mannheim
Marnie Peetz
Marketing & Communications
Professional Experience
Brings experience in marketing and communications, particularly in the healthcare sector and sustainability-focused initiatives.
Focus @ CBR
At CBR, Marnie supports strategic and operational marketing efforts.
She contributes to clear, consistent communication—both within the team and with clients—to foster engagement and visibility.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in International Business – Marketing & Digital Business
Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg (DHBW), Stuttgart, Germany
Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Media Management
Hochschule der Medien (HdM), Stuttgart, Germany
Our Senior Advisors
Bundling of expertise to enable successful transition.
Dr. Ralf Rieken
Senior Advisor Environmental Management Systems
With over 35 years in environmental management and extensive experience in certification, I bring deep expertise in developing, auditing, and optimizing management systems for quality, safety, waste, and energy. As a lead auditor for ISO 14001, ISO 50001, and EMAS, I’ve supported over 100 companies in achieving sustainable practices. At CBR Partner, I focus on guiding clients through EMAS, ISO standards, and the requirements of the German Energy Efficiency Act to embed sustainability and compliance into their core operations.
Dr. Axel Schönfeld
Senior Advisor Operations Excellence & Scaling
Operational excellence is what drives me. Applying lean principles and production system methodologies enables a comprehensive understanding of complex operations networks. With many years of experience in operations due diligence and manufacturing, I support companies in driving their transformation toward a more sustainable future.
Dr. Olaf Wachsen
Senior Advisor Process Technology
Professional Experience
More than 30 years international industrial know how and experience gained from projects in applied chemical engineering from lab to scale in the chemical industry
Design, implementation and executive lead of organizations for chemical engineering with high performance in project execution and transfer to production
Ensuring high efficiency and effectiveness of organizations through best people deployment and motivation as well as by avoiding dysfunctionalities
Diverse board member functions and activities in Societies and Academia (Dechema, WEF, AiF and A.SPIRE Board Member)
Consulting Focus @CBR
Senior technical advisory in chemical engineering and process technology from lab to industrial-scale operation
Senior management advisory in organizational design, transformation and change management
Senior project advisory in process development, -optimization and -innovation (Front End Loading/FEL), technology and organizational transformation projects, due diligence and organization integration (M&A), digitalization and investment execution
Education
Ph.D. in Polymerization Reaction Engineering, Technical University of Berlin
Diploma in Chemistry with focus on technical and physical chemistry, Technical University of Berlin
Dr. Ralf Rieken
Senior Advisor Environmental Management Systems
Professional Experience
More than 35 years of experience in environmental management, including more than 20 years in the management of a certification company. Extensive experience in the development, planning, implementation and effectiveness testing of management systems for quality, environmental protection, occupational safety, waste management, energy management as well as in the implementation of external audits at more than 100 companies and more than 2,000 audit days.
Lead Auditor and environmental expert for ISO 14001, ISO 50001, ISO 45001, EMAS-VO, Verifications in accordance with TEHG, waste management companies.
Consulting Focus @CBR
Eco Management Audit Scheme (EMAS)
ISO 14001, ISO 50001 and ISO 45001
German energy efficiency regulation
Education
Ph.D. in Geochemistry, University of Goettingen, Germany
Dr. Axel Schönfeld
Senior Advisor Operations Excellence & Scaling
Professional Experience
More than 30 years industrial know-how and experience gained from projects in applied chemical engineering from lab to scale in the chemical industry
Analysis, optimization and management of operations. Introduction of production systems
Design, implementation and executive lead of organizations for chemical engineering and operations
Consulting Focus @CBR
Senior technical advisory in Technical and Operations Due Diligence for M&A
Senior project advisory in Biofuels
Extensive experience in securing Operations Readiness Day One in greenfield and brownfield capital projects
Education
Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry at Max-Planck-Institute for Polymer Research, Germany
Diploma in Chemistry, University Mainz, Germany