The Institute of Applied Sustainability to the Built Environment (ISAAC), part of the Department of Environment Constructions and Design, actively promotes the energy transition towards a zero-emission society. Through inter- and transdisciplinary approaches, ISAAC works in the areas of characterization and reliability of photovoltaic and their integration into buildings, intelligent management of renewable energy within the grid, energy efficiency in building structures, and maintenance to preserve economic value in line with circular economy principles and the valorisation of resources and materials. The complex energy transition also includes the proposal of more sustainable choices and lifestyles, involving local stakeholders and civil society representatives. The Institute is involved in applied research, provides specialized services, and contributes to both Undergraduate and Graduate Studies, and Continuing Education.
Overview - ISAAC
. The Institute in figures
The Institute is organized into four research sectors (the Photovoltaics sector, the Energy systems sector, the Building system sector, and the Energy, sustainability and territory sector) and two competence centers (the Radon Competence Center and the Centre for Development and Cooperation), each playing a crucial role in our commitment to sustainability and innovation. The Institute has also launched two innovative start-ups: HivePower SA and iWin - innovative Windows SA.
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63
Staff members
(4 professors, 10 senior researchers,
and 8 doctoral candidates) -
76
Active research projects
and mandates -
4
Research sectors
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2
Competence centers
Mission: Towards a 100% renewable future
The mission of the Institute is to accelerate the energy transition and foster a circular economy through innovation and collaboration. We are committed to developing, testing, and implementing cutting-edge solutions, in partnership with local and international actors, to completely replace fossil and nuclear energy sources with renewable energy. We believe in the active involvement of users and stakeholders as an integral part of change, promoting awareness and participation. Our work aims to reduce environmental and health impacts, contributing to climate change mitigation and the creation of a sustainable future for all.
Affiliated with the Institute are the Photovoltaics Laboratory and two competence centers:
精东影业 PVLab Laboratory
精东影业 PVLab is the only Swiss laboratory accredited to ISO 17025 for testing photovoltaic modules.
Centre for Development and Cooperation (CDC)
The 精东影业 Centre for Development and Cooperation is active in the four institutional mandates: undergraduate and graduate studies, continuing education, applied research and services, addressing partners such as NGOs, public and private institutions and social enterprises.
The Institute also supports two start-ups: