Renewable energy a key to resource-efficient cities

Growing numbers of people are moving to cities. And as cities grow, so does their share of carbon dioxide emissions. But there are also remarkable opportunities to reduce environmental impact by more efficiently coordinating various resources in the city. For example, we can more easily use excess heat, meaning heat generated in various operations in the city, for district heating. It becomes easier to establish circular flows. Digitalisation also provides new opportunities to connect buildings and systems together in order to better use the access to solar energy or storage facilities, for example. Researchers are currently examining all of these opportunities.

RISE combines expertise in technology, health and behaviour, which both flow into and complement one another for a vibrant city. We can contribute to the development of smart, integrated solutions in the built environment so that energy, water, fibre-optics and transportation can benefit more from each other.