Implicit in any sustainable development vision is careful treatment of the environment to preserve the basis of life for future generations. In the economy as a whole, sustainable business means considering the environmental consequences of production and consumption patterns.

Municipal economic policy must liaise with all those areas of city politics and administration with a significant influence on location quality, especially land use, environment, transport and housing policies. Current economic developments are dominated by a drastic withdrawal of large-scale industrial facilities and an increase in smaller location projects for industry-related services. Particular attention is paid to promoting innovative enterprises and sectors, and support for joint ventures between scientific facilities and businesses.