University of Innsbruck

The Unit of Energy Efficient Building at the University of Innsbruck conducts interdisciplinary research and education to support the transition towards climate-neutral, energy-efficient, and resilient buildings. Research activities range from building physics, façade technologies, and energy-efficient renovation to heat pumps, thermal energy storage, ventilation, daylighting, smart buildings, digital twins, and energy systems, combining fundamental research with practical solutions developed in close cooperation with industry and public partners.

A particular strength of the Unit is its close collaboration with the Testing Centre for Structures and Materials (TVFA) at the University of Innsbruck. Combining expertise in building physics, façade technologies, structural engineering, and material testing, this partnership provides access to complementary research infrastructure and enables the development, testing, and validation of innovative building envelope and construction solutions, from component-level characterization to full-scale performance assessment.

Facilities and capabilities

• Hydraulic Building Services Laboratory for testing heat pumps, thermal storage, ventilation systems, hydronic systems, façade-integrated HVAC, renewable energy integration
• PASSYS Test Cells for real-scale outdoor testing of façade systems, glazing and advanced building-envelope technologies under real climatic conditions
• Building Physics Laboratory for thermal, hygrothermal and acoustic assessment of building materials, components and façade systems
• Window Laboratory for solar and energy performance assessment of glazing and façade systems
  • In-situ g-value measurement system for operational testing of installed windows, façades and shading systems
  • 2D g-value measurement facility for the characterisation of angular solar transmittance and g-value performance of complex façade components
• Lighting Laboratory for photometric and spectral characterisation of façade shading and daylighting systems, including visual comfort assessment
• Access to complementary structural, façade and material testing facilities through the Testing Centre for Structures and Materials (TVFA)

Through its combination of scientific excellence, advanced laboratory infrastructure, and close collaboration with industry, the Unit of Energy Efficient Building at the University of Innsbruck supports the development, testing, validation, and market uptake of innovative building envelope and energy technologies, contributing to a more sustainable and climate-neutral built environment.