Insulating brick filled with aerogel, a highly porous solid with very high thermal insulation properties that can withstand temperatures of up to 300 °C. This new kind of brick will make thin yet highly insu-lating walls possible in the future – without any additional insulation layer. Image: Empa

In order to reduce the energy consumption of the building sector, Empa is developing novel materials and systems for new buildings and the renovation of existing buildings. These include high-performance insulation materials made from aerogels and cellulose materials, as well as easy-to-implement operational optimizations, which make use of new sensor technologies and artificial intelligence. In addition, recyclable materials with minimal embodied energy and CO₂ footprint are developed. Furthermore, Empa also conducts research into how the thermal inertia of buildings can be used to make their demand for heating energy more flexible, thus helping to stabilize the electricity grid.

Photograph of an electrolyzer located at the mobility demonstrator platform move, used to split wa-ter into oxygen and hydrogen. The hydrogen can then be stored and used as fuel. Image: Empa

In the area of mobility, Empa is researching more fuel-efficient powertrains and technologies for future passenger and freight transport that can operate without fossil fuels. For this aim, appropriate propulsion systems and energy carriers are being developed depending on the application. A major focus, particularly with regard to long-distance passenger and freight transport, lies on the conversion of renewable electricity into storable, low-emission fuels, such as hydrogen, methane or liquid synthetic fuels. Further activities of Empa in this focal topic include the development of energy-efficient production methods, such as additive manufacturing at the Empa Coating Competence Center.