LOW TECH innovation-lab - real laboratory for the transformation to climate and resource-saving energy regions with innovative LOW TECH solutions

LOW TECH innovation-lab aims to set up an innovation laboratory in which innovative model solutions are developed, tested and widely rolled out in cooperation with suitable pilot regions on the basis of an optimized approach with regard to the use of technology on the one hand and the potential of the circular economy, local environmental resources and social innovations on the other.

Short Description

Starting point / motivation

In preparation for a real laboratory, the exploratory study examines various aspects and relevant issues in the direction of an energy transition based on renewable energy. In the project in question, low tech is understood as an optimized approach with regard to the "use of technology" on the one hand and the greatest possible use of existing potentials in the environment, local resources and social innovations on the other.

Contents and goals

The aim is to examine fundamental questions and aspects of low tech model solutions and to prepare their successful implementation in a specific pilot region.

Methods

For this purpose, the possibilities and potentials of a synergetic interaction of relevant factors as well as sufficiency potentials are explored in selected model regions. With the aim of demonstrating scalable and multipliable prototype model solutions for 100% renewable energy (and more), on the one hand the broad integration of different sectors (energy system, transport, industry and commerce, agriculture) is mandatory, but - equally important - the participatory participation of Citizens and consideration of regional drivers of innovations and value chains is planned.

Strategic constellations of actors as well as municipal and civil society engagement are the supporting pillars of the integrated energy system to be developed, alongside sectoral coupling between the energy systems of transport, industry, trade and agriculture as well as geographical, microclimatic and local resources.

Furthermore, the formation of system cycles and the use of possible supply and disposal cycles with buildings in the network or other sectors is a decisive factor. With the ecological and social approach of including nature-based solutions, circular economy, material ecology, life cycle costs, usage mix and sufficiency potential, a holistic interpretation of low tech is pursued.

Expected results

The results are brought together in a guideline for the implementation of the "LOW TECH Reallabor 100% Renewable Energy". In an overall concept based on integrated system solutions and the interaction of partial aspects of individual sectors, the transformation to a region supplied with 100% renewable energy should be represented.

Project Partners

Project management

DI Dr. Edeltraud Haselsteiner, URBANITY

Project or cooperation partners

  • Fachhochschule Technikum Wien
  • IBO - Österreichisches Institut für Baubiologie und -ökologie
  • alchemia-nova research & innovation gemeinnützige GmbH
  • Technische Universität Wien Institut für Verkehrswissenschaften
  • EVN AG

Contact Address

DI Dr. Edeltraud Haselsteiner
Märzstrasse 158/20
A-1140 Vienna
Tel.: +43 (699) 126 980 82
E-mail: edeltraud.haselsteiner@aon.at
Web: www.urbanity.at