Our second members' event at ETH Zurich on 5 November was a complete success! The Zero Carbon Building Systems Lab is a state-of-the-art research centre at ETH Zurich that focuses on the development of technologies that can drastically reduce or even completely eliminate CO₂ emissions in the building sector. Various sustainable construction methods and technologies are tested in the laboratory under real-life conditions in order to minimise the energy consumption and emissions of buildings. The aim is to find solutions that make a significant contribution to combating climate change.

At the beginning of the event, Sarah Crosby gave an exciting insight into the research of the Zero Carbon Building Systems Lab at ETH Zurich. In her short presentation, she explained the innovative approaches to developing carbon-free buildings. We then had the opportunity to visit the lab, where physical simulations are carried out under various room and boundary conditions. Particularly impressive was the Artificial sunwhich is unique in this form worldwide and makes it possible to simulate natural lighting conditions under controlled conditions.

In the further course of the event, three specialist presentations were given on the subject of "Cost and resource savings through simulations" was held. The practice-orientated examples illustrated how simulations can lead to a real win-win-win situation - to the benefit of clients, contractors and the environment.

The event concluded with a lively discussion on why simulations have not yet been widely used in the industry. In this context, the association identified some important to-dos to promote the spread of these technologies. Of course, there was also a networking aperitif, which provided an opportunity to exchange ideas and make new contacts.

A big thank you to all participants, especially to our speakers:

Stefan Barp from AFC AG
Philipp Bruggmann from BOP | Building Optimisation Platform
Moritz Zwahlen from EPRO ENGINEERING