Edgar Hertwich conducts research on options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He has shown that the production of materials causes 23% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The focus of his current work is on the contribution of material efficiency and the circular economy to emission reductions, in particular in buildings and transportation. Since 2007, Hertwich has served as a member of the International Resource Panel, and this research has been requested the G7 environment ministers of the Resource Panel. Another area of research focus is on lifestyles and greenhouse gas emissions. Hertwich has collaborated with social scientists to evaluate the effect of changes in consumption patterns on carbon footprints and the effectiveness of social initatives to ensure lower carbon footprints of their participants.