Department for Building and Environment

The built environment is undergoing profound transformation. Buildings and districts must be further developed to become more climate-friendly, resource-efficient, and economically viable. The Department of Building and Environment is dedicated to these challenges through research, teaching, and strong partnerships.

The focus lies on the sustainable renovation and decarbonisation of the existing building stock, questions of climate resilience, and the transformation of the construction and real estate sectors under changing ecological, technological, regulatory, and economic conditions.

Another key area is digitalisation and data-driven methods. Artificial intelligence is used wherever it meaningfully supports research, analysis, and decision-making - for example, in assessing building stock, comparing courses of action, or developing new control and management approaches.

• Sustainable renovation and decarbonisation of the building stock
• Climate resilience of buildings, districts, and infrastructures
• Construction and real estate industries in structural transition
• Digitalisation and artificial intelligence in research, planning, and management
• Life-cycle orientation, resource assessment, and transfer into continuing education

The Department for Building and Environment sees itself as a reliable partner for companies, public institutions, chambers, networks, and research organisations. Collaborations aim to translate scientific insights into practical solutions, joint projects, and innovative educational formats.

Transfer is not understood as a downstream communication task but as an integral part of the department’s work. It connects research, teaching, and practice with the ambition to make a visible contribution to the sustainable transformation of the built environment.

The department consolidates its expertise in two centres with clear responsibilities and complementary perspectives. This creates a structured platform for research, continuing education, and collaborations for the transformation of the built environment.

The department team is happy to support you with enquiries about study programmes, research partnerships, and strategic collaborations.