Federal Cross of Merit for Konrad Kutt: pioneer of sustainability honored

Federal Cross of Merit for Konrad Kutt: pioneer of sustainability honored

On November 6, 2025, Konrad Kutt, the founder of the Institute for Sustainability in Education, Work and Culture (INBAK), was awarded the Cross of Merit with Ribbon of the Federal Republic of Germany. District mayor Kirstin Bauch presented the award on behalf of the Federal President. In doing so, the Federal Republic is honoring his remarkable commitment to social cohesion, culture of remembrance and international understanding. Kutt, who founded INBAK after his retirement in 2010, has made a significant contribution to promoting a sustainable society with his projects.

A central project by Kutt is the “BücherboXX”, in which vocational students convert discarded telephone booths into public street libraries. These bookboxes not only function as exchange and meeting places, but also deal with challenging political topics such as Europe, the Holocaust and German-Polish friendship. Kutt not only promotes the exchange of knowledge, but also cross-border cooperation between civil societies and intergenerational dialogue.

Sustainability in focus

Konrad Kutt's commitment exemplifies the principle of sustainability, which is understood in today's society as the equal implementation of environmental protection, long-term economics and social justice. The word “sustainable” comes from the verb “nachhalten”, which means “to last longer”. The term originally developed in forestry, where the aim was to only cut as much wood as could grow back. Today, sustainability is a principle of action that permeates all areas of life and is becoming increasingly important as it involves the responsible use of resources in order to secure the livelihoods of future generations Greenpeace explained.

In modern understanding, sustainability includes three dimensions, often referred to as the three-pillar model: ecological, economic and social sustainability. Environmental sustainability refers to the protection of the climate and ecosystems and the preservation of biodiversity. Economic sustainability emphasizes the avoidance of debt and the long-term use of resources. Social sustainability, on the other hand, requires stable and peaceful coexistence within society. Important aspects are education, health and equal opportunities.

Awards and recognition

Kutt has received numerous awards for his efforts, including honors from the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development and the Council on Sustainable Development. In 2019 he was also awarded the Citizens' Medal of the Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf district. His work shows how local initiatives and projects can contribute to promoting sustainability and social participation.

In summary, Konrad Kutt's work is an excellent example of how sustainable development can be advanced through education and cultural projects. The award of the Federal Cross of Merit illustrates how important such initiatives are for a common future and that sustainability is not just a trend, but a fundamental principle for the preservation of our society and environment.