Research interest

Transdisciplinarity in the context of climate change with a focus on the built environment

Current Projects

DeCO2 – Dynamic Decarbonization Pathways Framework: Integrating Technological, Social, and Policy Innovations for Sustainable Renovations in the Built Environment 

DeCO2 aims to promote a more climate friendly building sector, currently accounting for 40 % of energy use and 36 % CO2 emissions in Europe. Current practices consume vast raw materials and produce significant waste. Rising material extraction and reduced global circularity exacerbate these issues. DeCO2 aims to close this gap by advancing innovative technologies in building elements, materials, and products. The project seeks to establish strong partnerships across the value chain: targeting developers, policymakers, and the construction industry, DeCO2 aligns with the EU's sustainability goals, emphasizing health, wellbeing, and inclusivity.

Funded by Horizon Europe (project no. 101147781).

Team (Uni Graz): Andrea Jany (Wegener Center), Maria Bertel, Miriam Hofer, Negar Ghezel Sefloo (Institute of Public Law and Political Science)

 

GO4CO – Governance for Cohousing in Austria

A sustainable transformation of the housing sector is crucial to achieving climate targets. Cohousing, community-based housing initiatives, have gained recognition in Europe and could play a key role in decarbonizing the sector. However, their results have not yet been adequately reflected in housing strategies, financing systems and decision-making processes. The GO4CO project aims to support Austrian decision-makers by providing scientific background knowledge for the implementation of cohousing strategies that promote a climate-friendly housing sector. The project will analyze case studies in three Austrian provinces, highlight governance practices and develop a policy roadmap to promote cohousing as a sustainable alternative and have a positive impact on the wider housing system.

Funded by the Austrian Climate Research Program (ACRP).

Project management: Andrea Jany

 

HeriSol

The overarching aim of HeriSol is the innovative integration of clean energy technologies into Europe's architectural heritage. Listed buildings become active elements of the energy systems. In particular, it involves the development of component-integrated colored photovoltaic elements, micro heat pumps and energy communities. In addition to the Terrassenhaussiedlung in Graz, these measures are being developed and tested in three other demonstrators in Spain, Latvia and Ireland. Wegener Center is leading the implementation of the measures in the four European demonstrators. Methodologically, this will be implemented in a transdisciplinary and thus participatory manner by initiating individual living labs. The project runs from December 2024 to November 2027.

Funded by: CET – Clean Energy Transition
Team (Wegener Center): Andrea Jany, Holger Hoff, Johanna Pfeifer, Sophia Lehner

 

CHARM – Conservation of Heritage Architecture, buildings and sites by Resilient Methods: hydro-climate factors

The doctoral network CHARM aims to train 13 doctoral candidates in response to unfulfilled recruitment needs in research and innovation sectors on cultural heritage conservation and restoration. CHARM puts together researchers from universities and research organisms, national and local organizations in charge of Cultural Heritage conservation, Small and Midsize Enterprises, industrial producer of building materials, and Non-Governmental Organization, from 9 European and 1 South American countries.
CHARM develops new sustainable conservation and restoration solutions, adapted to the current and future climate conditions, designed in a circular economy philosophy, having a low environmental footprint and high handprint. CHARM also responds to socio-economical requirements of wellbeing and proposes conservation/restoration solutions economically acceptable and respecting the cultural value of buildings.

Funded by Horizon Europe (project no. 101226989)

Project lead (Wegener Center): Andrea Jany