The department Infrastructure & Municipal Development focuses on research questions related to efficient supply and disposal infrastructure as well as to sustainable development of the built environment. The research approach is strongly systemic. Existing interactions, influencing factors and dependencies of the system "human-technology-environment" are analysed in defined system boundaries (regions) and taken into account during the development of concrete measures and recommendations for action.
The aspects of infrastructure planning (supply and disposal) and sustainable development of the built environment are considered under the premises of sustainability, climate protection and resource conservation, and are put into the context of climate change, demographic change and economic change. The holistic approach involves the consideration of the entire process-, utilisation- and value chains along life cycles (life cycle assessment). This includes the development of regional zero-emission strategies, material flow management concepts, the initiation, support and scientific monitoring of concrete project implementations, as well as the building and support of regional and transnational stakeholder networks.
In addition to the technical feasibility, the economic viability of the developed concepts and measures is crucial. Therefore, economic evaluation including the regional value added concept as well as the development of financing models lies also within the focus of this department.
Since the acceptance as well as the institutionalisation of transformation processes are required for a sustainable and lasting realisation, the department considers also governance and participation processes as well as legal analyses. In particular, this includes political and municipal advice, stakeholder management and public relations.
Our scope of activities at a glance:
-
Sustainable infrastructure planning
Efficient and adapted supply & disposal concepts considering especially circular economy, resource efficiency/ urban mining, climate protection, climate change adaption, demographic change and economic change
-
Sustainable development of the built environment
Urban/ rural development concepts, climate protection concepts, district concepts focussing especially on energetic restoration of existing buildings, sustainable building & living
-
Economic evaluation
Economic feasibility studies, cost-benefit analyses, regional added value, financing concepts, fund models -
Ecological evaluation
Life cycle assessment, carbon/water/environmental footprint -
Governance and legal analyses
Legal frameworks, administrative structures, municipal consultation, stakeholder management, stakeholder participation, transformation & change management
Our team consists of engineers, architects/urban planners, political scientists, lawyers and economists.