A Year of Transformations and Innovations for the Climate and the Built Environment

The year 2023 marked a decisive turning point for climate, with significant advancements at local, national, and global levels. On June 18, the Swiss people approved the Federal Law on Climate and Innovation, setting greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for the building sector, including net zero by 2050, and encouraging the replacement of oil and gas heating systems. Additionally, on June 30, the Grand Council of Fribourg adopted an ambitious cantonal law aiming for a 50% reduction in direct emissions by 2030. Internationally, COP28, held in December 2023, highlighted the carbon footprint of buildings and construction. The UNEP and the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction brought together key industry players to launch new initiatives aimed at circularity and net zero goals.

These developments confirm that the built environment is both a cause and a victim of climate change, and that scientific innovations are more necessary than ever to address its challenges. The Smart Living Lab combines fundamental and applied research, education, and innovation led by EPFL, HEIA and the University of Fribourg. Thus, it positions itself as a crucial driving force in the field of sustainable construction. With leading partnerships at local, national, and European levels, it stands out for its experimental approach, moving from prototype development to industrial-ready solutions.

This activity report presents a selection of the extensive range of work carried out at the Smart Living Lab in 2023: from construction practices based on circularity and bio-sourced materials to energy performance coupled with indoor environmental quality and its effects on human health and well-being, including habits related to the built environment, its transformation and renovation, and the use of augmented reality and digital twins in the service of sustainability.

At the same time, it is gratifying to see that international talents trained at the Smart Living Lab are meeting the needs of the Swiss industry. This report features the profiles of two PhD students who won European scholarships and completed their thesis in close collaboration with regional companies: Honeywell / Saia-Burgess Controls in Givisiez and Estia, a leading building physics firm based at the EPFL Innovation Park. Nestlé and Siemens Switzerland are now benefiting from their expertise.

Finally, two startups continue to demonstrate the Smart Living Lab's ability to turn cutting-edge research into concrete market solutions. Aeternum, which develops circular construction systems, has built its first full-scale prototype. As for Vizcab, which offers tools for assessing the carbon footprint of construction projects, it has completed a new fundraising round of 9 million euros, anticipating a significant international expansion in 2024.