Umwelttechnik BW - modern multisite platform
CHALLENGE
UTBW’s digital presence was fragmented across multiple CMS systems and static websites, each with separate design, search, and maintenance needs. With no data exchange between platforms, inefficiencies arose in security, upkeep, and usability. The challenge was to unify these systems into a secure, scalable, and accessible platform that balanced compliance, performance, and user needs.
SOLUTION
1xINTERNET partnered with UTBW to unify their online presence on a modern Drupal multisite platform. The solution consolidated content and microsites, introduced a global search and filter system, and ensured intuitive access to information. Existing content and features were migrated, creating a scalable, modular CMS as the backbone of UTBW’s statewide digital network.
HIGHLIGHTS
The new UTBW platform centralises environmental and technological knowledge, powered by Elasticsearch for fast results and delivering over 99.5% uptime, WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility, and lightning-fast load times. It provides a consistent user experience that drives engagement and long-term value. In 2024, it was further modernised with the launch of Kongress BW, extending participation through full integration with UTBW’s event database.
Umwelttechnik BW GmbH
Since 2011, a state agency has existed in Baden-Würtemberg with the aim of bringing together all relevant information, activities and professionals in the field of environmental technology and resource efficiency. At a regional level, it brings together stakeholders from business, science and politics, with the aim of enabling strategic project development as well as advising and supporting companies.
Umwelttechnik BW GmbH focuses in particular on small and medium-sized enterprises. With professionally focused events, national and international location-based marketing, established working groups and operational support for funding programs, it helps companies in the state on their way to a more environmentally compatible future.
Multisite solution connecting businesses, scientific research, and policy
Umwelttechnik BW (UTBW) set out to create a central digital hub to unite knowledge, services, and stakeholders, advancing sustainable innovation and accelerating strategic projects. In partnership with 1xINTERNET, UTBW replaced a fragmented landscape of CMS platforms and static websites with a powerful Drupal-based multisite solution. Previously, each site had its own design, search, and no data exchange, making it impossible to leverage connections.
The unified multisite now enables cross-platform content discovery, consistent design, secure hosting, and integrated maintenance, ensuring scalability and long-term sustainability. A sophisticated Elasticsearch-driven search allows users to quickly find companies, funding programs, projects, news, events, and more, with clear topic pages guiding them through UTBW’s diverse offerings.
Unified data architecture
The multisite management system established a uniform foundation with a shared code base for all sites. Unifying the data from six different websites within a single architecture allows content to be shared across the platform while preserving the individuality of each site.
Search and filter functionality
A faceted search and filter system, powered by Elasticsearch and React and integrated into Drupal, allowed users to access all agency resources, from companies and funding programs to projects, awards, and news, through a single search box.
Brand consistency
Consistent UI and UX design updates, aligned with UTBW’s brand guidelines, ensure a cohesive visual identity across platforms. The responsive, mobile-first design strengthens brand recognition, reinforces system reliability, and builds user trust.
Company profiles
Umwelttechnik BW
Umwelttechnik BW is the main portal for Baden-Württemberg’s state agency for environmental technology, resource efficiency, and industrial climate protection. It serves as a central hub, helping companies navigate global environmental challenges through networking, consulting, and funding opportunities. The portal links resources across multiple sites and features a powerful search, guiding users to information, events, services, and funding programs.
GreenTech BW
GreenTech BW unites companies, start-ups, research institutions, and ministries to accelerate green technology adoption in Baden-Württemberg. Companies can showcase expertise via detailed profiles and an interactive map, while a translation tool makes content available in five languages. Initiatives like the GreenTech BW Atlas, networking events, and knowledge resources foster innovation, positioning the region as a leading GreenTech hub.
Events Umwelttechnik BW
The Events platform centralizes upcoming conferences, workshops, and symposia in Baden-Württemberg. It supports all event types, from simple info sessions to multi-day conferences, and features integrated booking and registration tools for a smooth experience for organizers and attendees.
Kongress BW
Kongress BW is the platform for the annual two-day congress uniting business, science, and political leaders to advance industrial climate protection, resource efficiency, and the circular economy, promoting knowledge transfer and Baden-Württemberg’s role in sustainable industry.
Performance impact in numbers
The 2024 platform optimization transformed user acquisition, engagement, and technical performance fundamentals. Traffic grew across all channels, direct +186%, organic +222% and campaigns +2,064%, while conversions and engagement both rose.
Returning visitors spent 26% more time on site demonstrating that platform improvements create genuine value for users who come back. Most importantly, new user engagement stayed strong despite the massive traffic increase, indicating acquisition quality remained high.
Device usage also evolved, once dominated by desktop (90%+), mobile now accounts for 18.2% of visits and provides higher performance in Core Web Vitals. Mobile users enjoy faster load times (82.5% good LCP). Near-perfect responsiveness was achieved with 98.4% INP (Interaction to Next Paint).
The results show that the technical modernisation strategy delivered sustainable business value through superior performance while serving a growing user base.
"The project has been a great success..."
"For us, the new website was a revolutionary step towards the digital linking of all services offered by our state agency as well as the stakeholders involved, thanks to the networking of all content and the intelligent search with suggestions for keywords. At last, users can not only find the information they are looking for, but also see additional, relevant content. The project has been a great success so far and we look forward to further collaboration!"
Katja Berg, Project Manager Digital Media at UTBW
Integrated security, maintenance and support
A unified code base consolidates security, maintenance, and technical support across all platforms, reducing complexity and costs. The multisite solution meets strict public-sector security and regulatory requirements while enabling continuous innovation without compromising stability. UTBW has achieved a flexible and resilient platform that continues to grow with its mission of advancing environmental innovation.
Open-source technology serving public good at scale
UTBW’s Drupal-based platform unites business, science, and political stakeholders in a secure, cost-efficient, and adaptable digital ecosystem, meeting the stringent compliance standards of the public-sector. It advances environmental innovation, enables cross-sector collaboration, and delivers lasting value to thousands of stakeholders across Baden-Württemberg.
Drupal hosting by 1xINTERNET
Hosting for the UTBW platform is provided by 1xINTERNET. Our hosting solution offers a modern infrastructure, automated development workflows, solid performance and security with support from a dedicated DevOps team. As a government agency UTBW needed a reliable and solid hosting solution for the entire digital infrastructure.
A unified Drupal foundation
The state agency had previously operated on Drupal 7 and 8 and was both familiar and satisfied with the platform. Upgrading to a unified Drupal 9 code base enabled a seamless networking across all pages while preserving the individuality and unique content of each site. The multisite architecture streamlines maintenance, reducing recurring costs for support and updates, and ensures consistent functionality, security, and user experience across the network.
Other projects
VfSt - optimised e-commerce solution
