Sustainability

An architecture PhD student at ETH Zurich has developed a simple solution for building concrete floors in a more climate-friendly way. Significant amounts of concrete and steel can be saved thanks to a lightweight, robust and reusable formwork design.

How can decarbonisation be implemented cost-effectively in the Rhine Valley? The canton of Graubünden, the energy suppliers and leading industrial companies in the Graubünden Rhine Valley have investigated this question together with Empa using innovative modelling techniques. The results confirm the assessments of the Economic Forum: Decarbonisation is technically feasible and economically interesting. The Empa study provides concrete technical implementation steps and serves as a model example that can also be transferred to other regions.

Researchers from ETH Zurich and ZHAW Winterthur are simulating in a new study how the future Swiss power system could be structured to withstand a drastic fall in gas and electricity imports. By doing so, they aim to contribute to the discussion surrounding Switzerland’s supply security.

Scientists led by EPFL, the University of Copenhagen, and Shanghai University have developed a copper catalyst that can efficiently convert carbon dioxide into acetaldehyde, a key chemical used in manufacturing. The breakthrough offers a green alternative to fossil-fuel-based processes.

An international team of researchers has examined the environmental, social, economic and legal aspects of wind energy. In this interview, Russell McKenna, an expert in energy system analysis, explains where he sees the greatest need for action to further develop wind energy.

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a climate-friendly covering for walls and ceilings that temporarily stores moisture, creating a comfortable environment in heavily used indoor spaces. The covering components are made of mineral waste materials and are produced by means of 3D printing.