News: Climate-Neutral TU Graz

TU Graz
Graz University of Technology

Here you can find the latest news and stories about the Climate Neutral TU Graz 2030.

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Progress and Evaluation Reports

Climate-Neutral TU Graz

Since the start of the project a lot has already happened on the way to climate neutrality. This is documented in the progress and evaluation reports:

Zweiter externer Evaluierungsbericht des österreichischen Umweltbundesamts (in German), January 2025
Third Progress Report to the Rectorate, July 2024
Second Progress Report to the Rectorate, February 2023
Erster externer Evaluationsbericht des Wegener Center (in German), October 2022
First Progress Report to the Rectorate, December 2021

Sustainability Report

Sustainability Report 2024

Trees, skyscrapers and solar panels.

Guide for Businesses: "The Path to Climate Neutrality"

A new publication by the CCCA provides science-based and practice-oriented information for all Austrian businesses on their path to climate neutrality by 2040. The authors of the guide are Günter Getzinger (TU Graz) and Holger Hoff (Uni Graz).

A woman looks into the camera. She is wearing a white lab coat and sitting at a table. In front of her is a laptop displaying diagrams.

Green Hydrogen without Forever Chemicals and Iridium

In the EU project SUPREME, an international research team with the participation of TU Graz is developing an electrolyser to produce green hydrogen more sustainably and efficiently.

26. February 2026

Image of a cup of espresso with roasted coffee beans next to it. On the right, an electron microscope image of a circular alga.

Coffee as a Staining Agent Substitute in Electron Microscopy

Researchers at TU Graz have proven that espresso is a favourable alternative to the highly toxic and radioactive uranyl acetate in the analysis of biological samples.

8. January 2026

A bowl of tomatoes, in front of it a glass container with liquids.

Aviation Fuel Production from Tomato Residues: TU Graz Coordinates Visionary EU project

Residual biomass from tomato production is turned into climate-friendly aviation fuel. The aim of the EU ToFuel project is to develop a waste-free and CO₂-neutral biorefinery concept that produces sustainable and economically competitive aviation fuel.

18. December 2025

Photo of the underside of a car currently on a test bench. Hoses and pipes lead from the brake of a tyre to the side of the image.

Tyre and Road Abrasion as the Biggest Source of Particulate Emissions in Road Traffic

TU Graz study shows: Exhaust particles account for less than ten per cent of fine dust emissions from road traffic. Compliance with new air quality limits in 2030 will still be difficult to achieve.

4. December 2025

An aircraft engine without its cover in a maintenance hangar.

More Efficient Aircraft Engines: TU Graz Reveals Optimisation Potential

Using an AI-supported model developed in-house, an interdisciplinary team at TU Graz has sought new methods to enhance the efficiency of aircraft engines.

27. November 2025

I Spy Science: What is a fuel cell?

What is a fuel cell and why does it break down? The technology is an important topic when it comes to the mobility of the future. TU Graz researcher Merit Bodner explains.

26. September 2025

A footpath and a cycle path are separated by a row of trees. A road runs along the left edge of the picture, with cars parked at the side.

Less Pollution During Heavy Rainfall: TU Graz Calculates Potential of Nature-Based Measures

Decentralised urban drainage systems on private and public lands could absorb half a million cubic metres of water in Graz alone.

11. September 2025

A square, orange piece of plastic with protrusions that hook into corresponding counterparts in a concrete part.

TU Graz Develops a Hook-and-Loop Fastener for Building Components

The simplified connection and separation of individual elements can save time, material and construction waste during repairs, renovations or changes of use.

20. August 2025

Many small white cubes on a black-and-white image.

Light-active MOF films as a solution for future climate protection technologies

An international research team involving TU Graz has developed flexible MOF films that can bind and release carbon dioxide (CO₂) based on light and temperature stimuli – a promising approach for future climate protection technologies.

11. August 2025

Model of a battery housing made of wood and steel for electric cars.

Protective Housing in Wood-Steel Hybrid Construction

Researchers at TU Graz have developed an environmentally friendly housing for electric car batteries. Their wood-steel construction performs excellently in safety experiments and simulations; it even outperforms the market standard in the fire protection test.

14. July 2025

A skateboard with green wheels, the end of which someone is pushing down with one foot so that it is pointing upwards at the front. The word ‘BreadCell’ can be read at the bottom of the skateboard.

Cellulose instead of Crude Oil: Team with Participation of TU Graz Develops Sustainable Foams

An international research team has developed certified biodegradable and recyclable multi-purpose foams.

2. July 2025

Eight images of various fungi with a microscope.

Living Tattoos for Buildings

An international research team, including Graz University of Technology, wants to integrate selected microorganisms into façade coatings to bring building walls to life. The microorganisms are intended to protect surfaces, store CO2 and filter pollutants from the air.

21. May 2025

[Translate to Englisch:]

GAM 21 “Confronting the Environmental Crisis: New Approaches in Architecture”

The 21st edition of Graz Magazine of Architecture will be published on 20 May 2025. 13 essays highlight perspectives and approaches towards climate neutrality in the construction industry. GAM 21 is available in bookshops as well as online from JOVIS Verlag.

16. May 2025

A footpath between terraced houses, which are vegetated on the outside with many plants.

Guide for Municipalities on Measures to Combat Climate Change

The consequences of global warming are also becoming increasingly noticeable in Styria. TU Graz has analysed how they affect individual municipalities and derived suitable recommendations for action.

16. May 2025

A computer image of a road with a sidewalk and a cycle path. There is a runner on the pavement, a cyclist on the cycle path and a car on the road.

“We Should Rethink the Hierarchy in Mobility”

A good urban climate also needs a good traffic concept. Aglaée Degros, head of the Institute of Urbanism at TU Graz, explains what such concepts could look like and how they could succeed.

15. May 2025

Computer graphic of a house attic that has been extended with modules.

Expansion of Inner-City Living Space without New Soil Sealing

A consortium involving TU Graz has developed technical methods for the sustainable extension of existing Wilhelminian (Gründerzeit) buildings using modular timber constructions.

7. May 2025

Four men are standing on a building site holding a large envelope in their hands.

Topping-out ceremony at Cybersecurity Campus Graz

The shell of the new research centre for IT security at TU Graz was completed at the end of March 2025. Commissioning is scheduled for March 2026.

7. May 2025

Six men are cutting a red ribbon with scissors.

Hydrogen university TU Graz: Austria’s first university-based, megawatt-scale H2 electrolysis test centre opens

With EUR 10m in federal funding, Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) is enhancing its hydrogen infrastructure. The new electrolysis test centre and expanded testing facilities are reinforcing Styria’s position as a leading European hydrogen research hub.

23. April 2025

Three men are standing together looking at a round piece of paper that one of them is holding up.

Researchers at TU Graz Turn Textile Waste into Paper

Until now, old clothes have mainly been incinerated. Using adapted processes from paper production, it is possible to recover the cellulose fibres from used clothing and use them to produce cardboard and other packaging materials.

27. February 2025

A glacier lies above a steep rock face, under which a meltwater lake can be seen.

Global Retreat of Glaciers Has Strongly Accelerated

International researchers with the participation of TU Graz present a global assessment of ice loss since the beginning of the millennium. In a global comparison, the glaciers in the Alps and Pyrenees are melting the fastest.

19. February 2025

Four people stand together and look into the camera. The two people in the centre are holding folders.

Starting Signal for Innovations in Sustainable Construction

TU Graz and Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft (BIG) lay the foundations for pioneering sustainable construction projects and for a flagship project in the form of an experimental building with international appeal in a joint memorandum of understanding.

7. February 2025

Image source: Markus Kaiser - TU Graz

Green Location TU Graz for Environmentally Friendly Events

TU Graz has been certified as a “Green Location” since last year. This makes it even easier to organise environmentally friendly events.

30. January 2025

Three men are standing behind a motorbike with a yellow case containing a measuring device.

Realistic Emission Tests for Motorbikes, Mopeds and Quads

As part of an international project consortium, TU Graz has developed new measurement techniques and methods to measure emissions from category-L vehicles in realistic operation and to determine corresponding limit values.

9. January 2025

Three juxtaposed computer graphics of a high-rise building assembled from modules.

TU Graz Develops Modular Timber High-Rise Building for Resource-Efficient Construction

Repairable and exchangeable skeleton modules with open load-bearing structures enable different types of use and uncomplicated adaptations in the event of future changes. Building heights of up to 24 storeys are possible.

19. December 2024

A man wearing a black jacket and a white protective helmet in the midst of solar panels.

Solar Power for TU Graz

TU Graz wants to become a climate-neutral university by 2030. Photovoltaic systems on the roofs are helping to achieve this ambitious goal – and they are being continuously expanded.

14. October 2024

A hand over a photovoltaic system covered in dust.

PV Soiling: The Dirt Has to Go!

Dust, pollen and bird droppings reduce the performance of solar modules, but automatic cleaning systems are expensive. Armin Buchroithner from the Institute of Electrical Measurement and Sensor Systems is working on a solution that promises both higher yield and cheaper cleaning.

2. October 2024

Four people, three men and one woman, smile into the camera.

Ceremonial launch of the TU Graz Cybersecurity Campus

Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft constructs climate-friendly new building for high-tech research in Styria.

27. September 2024

A man is leaning against a railing, looking into the camera. The word energy is written on the wall in the background.

Store or Export?

In 2040, electricity production from solar installations will often significantly exceed demand, especially at midday. Robert Schürhuber from the Institute of Electrical Power Systems at TU Graz explains how grid stability can be guaranteed in the future without having to take PV systems off the…

24. September 2024

A man holds a pair of tweezers in his hand, four people stand in the background.

Dormant Capacity Reserve in Lithium-Ion Batteries Detected

Batteries undercut their theoretical capacity in practice, sometimes significantly. In a lithium iron phosphate cathode, researchers at TU Graz have now been able to observe exactly where the capacity loss occurs.

21. August 2024

Two men are sitting on the rails of a test bench and are looking into the camera.

Battery4Life: New COMET centre led by TU Graz

Researchers at the Vehicle Safety Institute will team up with national and international partners to make batteries safer, extend their service life and make them more sustainable. The FFG, the provinces Styria and Upper Austria as well as companies are investing about 19 million euros in total.

9. July 2024

Eleven people are standing next to each other holding an long banner.

New Professorship for Large Engines Research at Graz University of Technology

As Professor for "High-performance Large Engine Systems", Nicole Wermuth is researching sustainable fuels, emission reduction and higher efficiencies for the green transformation of large engines.

1. July 2024

An image from a computer simulation showing a rotating disc and a representation of a room on it.

Energy-Efficient Building Design in Real-Time Simulation

An interdisciplinary team at TU Graz offers revolutionary insight into the design of sustainable buildings. The advantages and disadvantages of different construction measures are visualised in real time using VR simulation.

20. June 2024

A man is standing in front of a building with his arms folded and is looking into the camera.

Thomas Rath wins “Zero Emissions Award”

The chemist works on the next generation of organic solar cells at the Institute of Chemical Technology of Materials at Graz University of Technology. The alpha+ Foundation of the Austrian Science Fund FWF is funding his pioneering research with 460,000 euros.

13. June 2024

A man smiles at the camera. In front of him is a large electronic component.

Jan Hansen wants his CD Lab to become a “Green Lab”

With his new CD Laboratory, Jan Hansen not only wants to make electronic components more robust, but also contribute to making TU Graz climate-neutral.

31. May 2024

Two men sit next to each other on the rails of a test bench and look into the camera.

A Second Life for Batteries

Discarded lithium-ion cells from electric cars could be re-used as stationary power storage units. Researchers at TU Graz have established the first indicators for a reliable assessment of their condition.

2. May 2024

A map showing various elements of a water supply system.

TU Graz Provides Water Planning Tool with Future Forecasts up to 2055

When water suppliers are faced with the question of how well their systems are prepared for future developments such as climate change and population growth, they now have an answer.

3. April 2024

A parabolic trough solar module orientated towards the sun stands on the roof of an office building.

Hybrid Electricity and Heat Generation: Innovative Parabolic Trough Solar Module Being Developed at TU Graz

Solar rays focused on concentrator photovoltaic cells using parabolic mirrors not only supply electricity, but also thermal energy for industrial processes, heating or cooling. Three technological innovations significantly reduce costs.

20. February 2024

A fork in the river with green banks, houses and a road

A Healthy Heart Needs a Healthy Environment

Western dietary habits and the industrialised food production required for them are harmful to the microbiome of plants and thus ultimately also to humans and their hearts. What can be done about this?

9. February 2024

sketch of a house

COOL-KIT: Modular solutions for integration of cooling in buildings of the founders' period (Gründerzeit)

In the COOL-KIT project, TU Graz researchers are developing and demonstrating system solutions for cooling buildings from the founders' period (Gründerzeit).

15. December 2023

A lot of vegetables lying closely together

Proven for the First Time: The Microbiome of Fruit and Vegetables Positively Influences Diversity in the Gut

In a meta-study, a research team from the Institute of Environmental Biotechnology at TU Graz has provided evidence that the consumption of fruit and vegetables contributes positively to bacterial diversity in the human gut.

24. October 2023

Two hands in rubber gloves are holding a tray containing organic solar cells.

A Longer Life for Organic Solar Cells

Photovoltaic cells made of organic materials are light and flexible, which is why they are considered very promising. An international research network led by TU Graz is now aiming to increase the stability of the materials.

27. September 2023

A standing in front of a red traffic light looks in the direction of the camera

“I can’t install 100 wall boxes in a block of flats with 100 parking spaces”

Electromobility is not only a drivetrain issue but also an infrastructure issue. Martin Fellendorf from the Institute of Highway Engineering and Transport Planning talks about the challenges involved.

21. September 2023

Daniela Fuchs-Hanusch sits on a raised bed and looks into the camera.

“We have to make the urban water cycle close to nature again”

How can we deal with droughts and floods? To what extent are we ourselves to blame? An interview with Daniela Fuchs-Hanusch from the Institute of Urban Water Management and Landscape Water Engineering at TU Graz.

7. September 2023

A woman smiles into the camera. With her elbow she leans on a wall. Behind her the word Energy can be seen.

ERC Starting Grant for TU Graz Researcher Sonja Wogrin: Innovative Data Aggregation for Decarbonised Power Systems

The aggregation of data for modelling highly complex power systems leads to inaccuracies. With her ERC project, Sonja Wogrin wants to change this and make the planning of future energy systems much more efficient.

5. September 2023

A small bowl with a powder, a small glass with a powder and two large glasses with a liquid stand in front of an experimental setup on a table

AI Designs Sustainable Electricity Storage at TU Graz

Based on the vanillin made usable for electricity storage in 2020, an AI-optimised prototype of an environmentally friendly electricity storage system is now being developed in an international project.

8. August 2023

A cylindric cask which contains a fly wheel energy storage device stands next to a computer rack

Flywheel Energy Storage System as a Fully Automatic Charging Station

In the form of “FlyGrid”, a project team led by TU Graz presents the prototype of a flywheel storage system that can store electricity locally and deliver it using fast-charging technology.

15. June 2023

Two men stand in front of a car and a construction part of a railway. The man on the left holds a board with metallic circles, the man on the right holds a computer

When Trains Charge Electric Cars

If you want to drive long distances with an electric car, you have to think about charging stops. TU Graz’s RailCharge project hands over the charging process to the tracks and thus solves several problems.

2. June 2023

numerous power poles in backlight

Decarbonisation of Energy Systems: Research Center ENERGETIC

Urgent questions from the energy industry and energy analytics are the focus of the research centre ENERGETIC, whose opening on 14th April will be flanked by a deep dive workshop on Europe’s energy supply organised by the World Energy Council.

10. April 2023

Ice from a glacier that terminates in a lake

Hidden Ice Melt in the Himalaya: Revealing the 'Invisible' Glacier Loss Underwater

A study by a multinational research team with the participation of Graz University of Technology shows that the actual mass loss of numerous glaciers in the Himalayas has been significantly underestimated so far.

3. April 2023

Two hands hold cuboid gray blocks.

New CD lab: Building Material from Residual and Waste Materials

The “CD-Laboratory for waste-based geopolymer construction materials in the CO2-neutral circular economy” is dedicated to the development of building materials based on inorganic industrial waste and secondary raw materials.

3. March 2023

Three smiling men stand between to electric vehicles, two of them hold a charging cable

TU Graz and Energie Steiermark Take a Joint Approach to E-Mobility

Start of the largest e-mobility project of the state's energy company: TU Graz and Energie Steiermark are building 200 charging stations for e-cars.

7. February 2023

Three men joyfully hold a certificate informing of an award into the camera. The man on the left wears a dark beard, the man on the right wears glasses and a beard.

How energy saving can succeed

TU Graz was able to record the first successes from its energy savings measures. And the energy-saving ideas of our employees in the competition of the same name are also superb.

1. February 2023

A computer generated satellite view of Europe with many areas coloured in red to show the lack of ground water.

Satellite Data Shows Sustained Severe Drought in Europe

Europe lacks groundwater – a lot of groundwater. The continent has already been suffering from a severe drought since 2018. This is confirmed by satellite data analysed at the Institute of Geodesy at TU Graz.

25. January 2023

Detail of a construction machine on rails lifting a piece of a trackbed.

Step by Step to Fossil-Free Track Work Machinery

Rail infrastructure is currently largely built and maintained using diesel-powered track-work machinery. Together with partners, TU Graz is investigating alternative drives for special machinery.

18. January 2023

Woman with two small windmill models.

New Executive MBA in Green and Digital Transition

The university course Executive MBA in Green and Digital Transition at TU Graz combines the topics of the future digitalization and decarbonization. The course will be launched in March 2023, with an early booking bonus until 24 December.

15. December 2022

Three men and a woman look at the camera

100 per cent Renewables for Energy-Intensive Industry (EII)

Energy-intensive industries (EIIs) must drastically reduce their dependence on fossil fuels if the EU is to be climate neutral by 2050. A consortium consisting of representatives from industry, interest groups and science present solutions on how to switch to 100 per cent renewable energies.

19. October 2022

Two men are holding a concrete object and talking.

Building lighter with concrete? How concrete 3D printing saves material and CO2

Concrete construction must become more sustainable and lower in CO2 emissions. Concrete 3D printing can contribute significantly to a reduction in materials. TU Graz wants to put this young technology into practice.

25. May 2022

Two gentlemen in suits in front of and in a passenger coach respectively

TU Graz and ÖBB Forge Mobility Alliance for Climate

On its way to climate neutrality by 2030, TU Graz is working together with ÖBB as a mobility partner. The goal is to increase employees’ awareness of climate-friendly travel through targeted offers and to further reduce the University’s mobility-induced greenhouse gas emissions.

17. May 2022

a concrete wall with a green plant in front of it

What is Concrete?

Concrete is a widely used building material. It is durable, robust and locally available. And it has a reputation for not being very sustainable. Experts from TU Graz explain what concrete is and how it can become (more) sustainable.

7. April 2022

Researcher stands in front of a glass parapet

TU Graz Fills Endowed Professorship for Sustainable Construction

Alexander Passer is the new Professor of Sustainable Construction at TU Graz. The focus is on life-cycle-based sustainability assessment and low-emission, climate-robust construction methods. The professorship is endowed by the Trade Association of the Stone and Ceramics Industry.

1. February 2022

Several small plants in black soil.

How Can We Counter the Climate Crisis?

The clear answer at TU Graz is by diverse research and green innovations. And this is exactly how the University is working for a more sustainable future.

12. October 2021

Two women and two men in high-visibility vests on a railroad track

Our future – definitely back on the rails

Climb aboard, sit back comfortably in the compartment, relax and travel with a clear conscience. That's what travelling by train is all about. So, everything on track? As a sustainable means of transport, rail has the edge. But all told, there is still potential for mitigation of environmental…

24. September 2021

Four gentlemen and a woman in festive dress in front of a wall with railway pictures

Railway System: Styria as International Centre of Research & Innovation

TU Graz, voestalpine, ÖBB, Siemens Mobility Austria and Virtual Vehicle pool their railway expertise. The Research Cluster Railway Systems research initiative marks the start of measures aimed at further enhancing the competitiveness of the railway through sustainable overall optimization.

23. June 2021

Two men operate battery crash plant

Electric Vehicle Batteries: The older they get, the safer they are

Studies at TU Graz show that the older an traction battery of electric vehicles (EV) is, the lower the danger it poses. Now the researchers and industry partners want to define parameters for the subsequent use of discarded batteries.

3. May 2021

Glasfront mit Blick auf Stadtgebiet und Baustellen

"Sustainable Construction": Austrian Association for Building Materials & Ceramic Industries endows TU Graz professorship

The Stones and Ceramics Association supports endowed professorship for sustainable construction at TU Graz with a focus on lifecycle-based sustainability assessment as well as greenhouse gas-free and climate-robust construction projects. The appointment will take place in the summer of 2021.

12. April 2021

Woman holding mobile phone

Mobile App Generates Data for the Energy Management of the Future

Researchers at TU Graz are linking energy consumption data and user feedback with AI applications to optimize energy consumption in households, buildings and higher-level energy systems.

25. March 2021

Three men and two women mind MNS protection and boards in front of an LED screen

TU Graz on the Way to Becoming Austria's First Climate-Neutral University

TU Graz takes its social responsibility in climate protection seriously and has adopted an ambitious roadmap for its path to climate neutrality by 2030.

1. March 2021

Samir Kopacic stands in his office wearing a white lab coat. He is holding a piece of paper in the one hand and a piece of plastic in the other.

Samir Kopacic: From crude oil to bioplastics

TU Graz researcher Samir Kopacic would like to contribute to less plastic and more biodegradable materials being used in the future. Meanwhile he is developing his own paper-based packaging.

18. November 2020

Mann mit Brille vor Bildschirm und Apparatur

Ecological power storage battery made of vanillin

Researchers at TU Graz have found a way to convert the aromatic substance vanillin into a redox-active electrolyte material for liquid batteries. The technology is an important step towards ecologically sustainable energy storage.

1. October 2020

Young woman lying on the lawn looking at her tablet and a page of the TU Graz website. Photo source: BillionPhotos.com - fotolia.com

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