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Ecotechnology Research Group

Ecotechnology

Ecological Engineering is an approach to design and planning that uses insights from ecology as paradigm for problem solving. Its main elements are ecological principles and processes, (eco-) systems and thorough systems thinking combined with an engineering mindset.

Activity

In our work, we promote the sustainable use of natural resources, both through research and the development of technologies and concepts that are in line with the principles of Ecological Engineering. We develop sustainable solutions, with a focus on reusing water, nutrients, and biomass resources, considering avoidance and eliminate of pollutants. We focus on all aspects of the anthroposphere, particularly on the interface between agriculture and buildings.

Teaching offer

Our research has an impact on a wide range of courses on offer at the Institute of Natural Resource Sciences. You can specialize in our research focus areas for your semester, bachelor's or master's thesis on the basis of exciting research questions.

KREIS-Haus

KREIS-Haus stands for Klima und Ressourcen-Effizientes Suffizienz Haus (English: climate and resource efficient sufficiency house). The project shows how a functioning circular economy can be implemented in the smallest of spaces. From the building materials to the nutrients in the wastewater – everything is in circulation.

Eco-Tech Demo Object (MODO)

Our research group has developed a mobile eco-tech demo unit «MODO», which serves as a demonstration and research facility for eco-technologies and new sanitation systems on the Grüental Campus. MODO is a washroom facility which is self-sufficient in terms of both energy and water in that it produces its own energy and cleans polluted water in a container, making it available for reuse. The wastewater from the washing machine (grey water) is circulated.

Ecological Engineering Living Lab

With the project "Ecological Engineering Living Lab", visitors can experience the research on circular technologies on Grüental campus. The researchers present six new ways in which resources can be reused sustainably and innovatively in closed-loop systems:

  • Full cycles instead of empty oceans
  • Microalgae as do-gooders
  • The urban farmer
  • Food Waste
  • Closed-loop washing machine
  • Treasure hunt in the toilet

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