The reduction of CO₂ emissions is one of the key goals in implementing the European Green Deal, which aims to become the driving force for sustainable development and the transition to a modern, resource-efficient, and competitive economy in Europe by 2050. When analyzing the sources of CO₂ emissions, three main sectors stand out: according to recent reports [1], more than 75% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions result from the generation and consumption of energy, followed by transport and buildings.
In this context, research conducted by interdisciplinary teams into the development of sustainable and resilient infrastructures, mobility solutions, and energy systems for both urban and rural areas is gaining increasing importance.
At TU Braunschweig, for example, alternative energy carriers such as hydrogen are being intensively researched in combination with suitable energy storage technologies to make transport more climate-friendly and ensure the supply of clean energy to both urban and rural communities. Additionally, the development and application of new bio-based, recyclable, and high-performance materials contribute to reducing the ecological footprint and enabling more environmentally friendly construction. One of the main challenges is to consider infrastructure holistically and to prepare it for partly still unknown natural and climate-related scenarios. Measurement data offer valuable insights: whether assessing the condition and lifespan of bridges, roads, and buildings, or simulating extreme weather events, urban climate changes, and fires – digital technologies, virtual models, and real-time data support research, planning, and decision-making processes in urban development. Furthermore, intelligent monitoring systems combined with innovative materials enhance safety in urban environments, for example in the event of fires, accidents, or extreme weather conditions.
Mobility is a central prerequisite for social participation, has a significant impact on individual quality of life, and is an indispensable element of any modern society. TU Braunschweig has therefore established a dedicated research focus on innovative technologies for sustainable and environmentally friendly mobility – from automobiles to aerospace and rail transport. The close interconnection of public transport design, urban development, and quality of life opens up new interfaces for collaboration and specific research questions regarding the city of the future. Measures that restrict car traffic in urban areas and shift mobility towards alternative, eco-friendly modes of transport help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil-fueled traffic, improve local air quality, and lower noise pollution for city residents. Reclaiming urban spaces offers opportunities to redesign public areas, develop new usage concepts, and enable more diverse lifestyles.
[1] United Nations Environment Programme (2023). Emissions Gap Report 2023: Broken Record – Temperatures hit new highs, yet world fails to cut emissions (again). Nairobi. https://doi.org/10.59117/20.500.11822/43922
