The city of the future should be more focused on civic participation less and focused on flashy architecture. In the era of climate change, TUD scientists are exploring a city that embodies the UN Sustainable Development Goals, making human settlements inclusive, safe and resilient.

How can buildings be designed for optimal energy use – both in the construction of new builds and in the renovation of old buildings? The open-source software SIM-VICUS simulates all of a building’s parameters and calculates the best combination of energy sources, storage and insulation.

They store water, cool through natural evaporation and ensure better air quality: Green roofs are a promising innovation for adapting to climate change. At the Botanical Garden an interdisciplinary team is researching the interplay of different planting methods and gray water irrigation.

A material of the future: Carbon concrete is light, flexible and has a climate-friendly manufacturing process. It uses significantly fewer resources than reinforced concrete and can be recycled. TU Dresden’s campus features the first building in the world to be made of carbon concrete – the CUBE.

Tremendous resource and energy consumption, emissions and waste make construction one of the most problematic industries in the context of the ongoing climate crisis. At the same time, there is enormous potential for new, climate-friendly construction just waiting to be tapped into. TUD students are invested in the incorporation of this potential as a key element in teaching and academics.