Summer University „Alternative Economic and Monetary Systems (AEMS)”

13. - 31. July 2026
Vienna

The AEMS Summer University is designed for students and professionals from all fields who have an interest in economy, finance, and ecology. Participants will explore innovative alternatives to the current profit-driven economy and gain a deeper understanding of the complex interconnections shaping our world.

Ternitz 2040

The municipality of Ternitz has been a Climate Alliance municipality since 1991, a member of the KEM Schwarzatal region since 2010/2011, an e5 municipality (with 4e) from 2011 to 2024, and was awarded the title "Energie.Vorbild.Gemeinde" in June 2023 within the LEADER region NÖ-Süd. Key focus areas include the expansion of photovoltaics, the promotion of walking, cycling, public transport and e-mobility, energy efficiency in the public sector, the use of synergies with local industry, and the implementation of energy-efficient residential building concepts.

Summer University: "Alternative Economic and Monetary Systems (AEMS)"

17. July - 4. August 2023
Vienna, AT

Alternative Economic and Monetary Systems (AEMS) is an academic program offering a holistic approach to sustainability and the interconnections between economy, society and the environment. The summer school comprises lectures, (panel) discussions and workshops, as well as extracurricular activities and is open for students and professionals from all walks of life.

ThermoCluster - Heat generation from infrastructure projects and integration into decentralised low-temperature heating and cooling networks for plus-energy districts

Integrative assessment of the geothermal potential of the Brenner base tunnel and the northern portal area, and the subsequent distribution of the heat generated from these sources to the end-consumer in potential plus-energy districts of the city of Innsbruck.

Innovative heat pump solutions: Research for efficient and sustainable heating and cooling

Heat pumps are considered a key technology for the energy transition. The Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure is therefore promoting research into innovative heat pump technologies.

BTTAB - Broad-based testing of energy-efficient demonstration buildings with thermally activated building components

Buildings with thermal building component activation that have not yet been researched in as many federal states and application categories as possible will be monitored, which will include operating data as well as the experiences of those involved. The aim of this study is to take a general look at the various applications of the thermal building component activation technology and to evaluate and compare the pilot projects with the help of suitable evaluation criteria.

Informing Land-Use decisions about consequences for biodiversity

24. March 2026
Online, AT

Growing awareness of the biodiversity crisis has prompted businesses and decision-makers to address biodiversity loss and promote the sustainable use of natural resources. To accomplish this, governance systems are necessary to help accelerate the incorporation of biodiversity considerations into decision-making processes.

IEA Bioenergy Task 39: Biofuels to Decarbonize Transport (Working period 2026 - 2027)

IEA Bioenergy Task 39 is a network of international experts promoting decarbonisation through sustainable biofuels with low fossil carbon intensity. In the current triennium, the focus is on: implementation and promotion of emerging markets, demonstration of advanced biofuel technologies, development of biofuels for aviation, shipping and heavy-duty transport, and synergies with e-fuels and BECCUS technologies.

IEA AFC: Technology Collaboration Programme on Advanced Fuel Cells

In the AFC TCP, both technology-oriented R&D activities (polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cells, electrolysers) as well as analysis to implement fuel cells in commercial applications (stationary and mobile applications) are carried-out. System investigations and modelling complement the activities of this TCP.

LenA circular houses - Demonstration of the circular architecture design process for circular andreuse building based on the lighthouse project LenA

The LENA project demonstrates in practice how resource-efficient use of materials can be achieved in architecture. LENA documents circular design methods and shows why planning begins at the end-of-life phase. By using digital methods and technologies to recover existing building elements and manufacture new ones with a focus on reuse, it determines what savings in gray energy and CO₂ can be achieved in the manufacture of re:use products and detachable/demountable/replaceable connections for our built structures, urban and residential areas.

StirliQ+ Component development of the expansion Stirling generator with supercritical fluid as working & lubrication medium

Technical research and further development of details or components of the novel StirliQ engine, which has the potential to overcome the technical hurdles of conventional Stirling engines. On the basis of simulations as well as a laboratory plant, a narrowing down of the process parameters with regard to a resilient pre-dimension of apparatus components is carried out.