IEA PVPS Task 12: Photovoltaics (PV) Sustainability Activities (working period 2024 - 2027)

Photovoltaics (PV) is a renewable energy source that is an important technology for the energy transition. For this reason, or rather despite this, it is important to consider sustainability aspects in PV as well. End-of-life solutions in particular play an important role, as a strong increase in the number of end-of-life modules is expected in the coming years. Well-functioning recycling methods, repair possibilities or reuse options are of great importance. In this project, these existing methods and capacities in Austria are being researched and published in reports and workshops.

Facilitated decision-making procedures for sustainable refurbishment of residential properties

Participation in the refurbishment process: Monitoring of concrete refurbishment projects and development of guidelines to optimise the planning, information and decision-making processes in the course of the refurbishment of residential properties

SüdSan - Socially acceptable, climate-compatible refurbishment of two multi-family-houses as a model for the refurbishment of the Südtiroler-Siedlung Bludenz

Planning, energetic-economic optimisation, construction and monitoring of the costs, comfort and energetic performance of two socially acceptable and climate-target-compatible refurbished smaller apartment buildings in the Südtiroler-Siedlung Bludenz.

GEMA – Assessment of the performance of energy-efficient demonstration buildings

In GEMA, the project team will study and analyse the energy consumption of at least 10 commercial and residential buildings in Austria, which include innovative technologies or concepts for minimising their energy requirements. The results will allow for the potential optimal performance in terms of energy, environmental and social indicators of buildings in future construction projects.

Further Investigations and Monitoring of the Green Walls at GRG7 Kandlgasse

Following on from the completed research project "GrünPlusSchule", in which various greening measures were implemented at and in a school in Vienna's 7th district (GRG7), this follow-up project takes up further unanswered questions and is dedicated to detailed measurement data evaluations of the effects of indoor and outdoor greening.

greenWATERrecycling – utilization of greywater for energy recovery and for providing greywater-filtrate for watering green walls

Development of a system for energy-recovery of waste heat of greywater and of greywater-filtrate in ordert o reduce the energy consumption of hot water supply and the water consumption for irrigation.

EnergieAudioAkademie - Development and usage of audiofiles for the training of professionals from the building sector

Important issues in building energy efficiency will be prepared as audio files. The target groups are builders and plumbers. The files complement existing training and educational programs and will be disseminated via CDs and/or USB sticks to the target groups via craftsmen networks and an internet platform.

IEA AFC Annex 35: Fuel cells für portable applications (Working period 2014 - 2017)

The aim of Annex 35 of Technology Collaboration Programm on Advanced Fuel Cells of the International Energy Agency (IEA) included information exchange on the status and new developments of portable fuel cell systems such as the direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC) and the direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC) and comprised the development and manufacture of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) all the way through to system components such as electronic converters or gas supply units.

Solar cooling machine with a cooling power of 2 kW

Development and building of a prototype of a coolingmachine with a cooling power of 2 kW, tests and optimizing on a test facility, connection to a solar unit and utilization for air conditioning.

LightFromFacade - Optimized Day- and Artificial Lighting by Facades

Multfunctional facades with integrated artificial- and daylighting systems had been simulated and evaluated regarding lighting and energy (lighting quality and energy demand). The results create basics for further façade developments and for academic education.

OPENing Re-Use – Optimal planning decisions in the re-use sector

In an operational context, companies in the circular economy are faced daily with the question of whether a used product should be repaired, remanufactured, refurbished or recycled. The decision on what to do with used products is fraught with a great deal of uncertainty and must be made on a case-by-case basis - product-individually and depending on factors such as brand, condition, age, demand or recycling possibilities. As part of the "OPENing Re-Use" project, a business planning tool is being developed to support companies in their re-use planning, thereby increasing the efficiency of re-use processes and making re-use activities even more competitive with the purchase of new products.

CoolAIR - Predictive control of natural nighttime ventilation and daylight-optimized shading for passive building cooling

Natural nighttime ventilation and daylight-optimized shadowing are high potential approaches to efficiently and economical cool buildings. Nevertheless, the full potential cannot be acquired, since, if at all, such behavior is manually initiated by users. Goal of this project is the development of an automated, self-learning system that can assess the full cooling capabilities and establish an alternative to conventional air conditioning systems.

KlimaStadtLinz2030: Linz and its path to climate neutrality by 2030 - Preparation for the EU - Mission “100 Climate-neutral Cities by 2030”

The research project investigates whether and how it is possible for the city of Linz to achieve climate neutrality by 2030 within its own sphere of influence. A common vision, which is being developed with the citizens in a participatory manner, unites the opportunities that arise for the city through the measures necessary for this goal.

ZSG - Sustainable Concepts in urban redevelopment and building refurbishment

Project on research and implementation for ecological and energy efficient concepts, urban redevelopment and building refurbishment. Performance of a routing project on a former ter-ritory of the Austrian armed forces in Steyr.

Development of a starch based thermoplastic Biopolymer as substitution of standard polymers in niche applications

Developement of a businessnetwork for the market implementation of biodegradable products made out of renewable substances.

Reconstruction of residential buildings "Tschechenring": ecologically reconstruction of monumental-protected residential buildings for workers (1880) in Felixdorf

Planning and realisation of a demonstration project for the exemplary reconstruction of monumental-protected residential buildings of the late 19th century or comparable housing estates of the 30s under consideration of energetic optimization, renewable energy sources and regenerating raw materials.

HEROES - Houses for Energy- and ResOurce Efficient Settlements

A simplified method will be developed for the calculation of environ­mental indicators for so far not considered building elements (eg. constructions, which are not thermally relevant and HVAC-components). The theoretical principles for the calculation of the primary energy demand and the CO2-Emissions for operating and raising a building will be harmonized.

Criteria catalogue for quality assurance in the construction of passive houses built in wood

By means of a criteria catalogue possible sources of error in the construction of passive houses built in wood will be identified both craft specific and concerning the installation of house automation facilities. Solutions will be acquired, a controlling tool for construction sites will be offered.

Investigation of Industrial Processes (IEA- Solar Heating and Cooling Program, Task 33)

The central aim of this international research cooperation is to make industrial processes accessible for solar thermal plants. To achieve this aim basic information is elaborated and components as well as system engineering concepts are developed. Furthermore the intention of Task 33/IV is to survey a detail state of the art in the field of solar process heat that has a validity for Europe. The work of JOANNEUM RESEARCH - Institute of Sustainable Techniques and Systems focuses mainly on the contents of Subtask B.

Cross building energy exchange: legal and economic framework and influencing factors (GebEn)

Using an interdisciplinary approach, the legal, technological and economic aspects of the cross-building exchange of heating and power were analysed separately within a metho­dological framework which includes different system configurations relevant to the specific situation in Austria.