Research

CLIMATE-Arch investigates the dynamic relationships between climatic conditions, climate change and vernacular architecture in the Alps and the Himalayas. Vernacular architecture is rooted in local knowledge, regional building traditions and locally available materials, and is closely connected to the climatic conditions of its region. Climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events are driving new adaptations in the design, construction, materiality, use and protection of vernacular buildings, particularly in mountainous environments. The interdisciplinary project examines these transformation processes at selected sites and across different altitudes in the Alps and the Himalayas. It considers environmental, social, economic and technical factors in an integrated way. The aim is to develop a comparative methodology for understanding the complex transformation of vernacular architecture in response to climate and climate change across the past, present and future.

The goal of the climate data analysis is to document climate-related changes in Austrian national parks over the past few decades and to investigate their potential impacts on relevant environmental parameters. At the same time, the analysis aims to identify existing data gaps that are significant for the long-term monitoring of these protected areas, with the aim of addressing them in a targeted manner. For the analysis, existing data from representative weather stations in all six national parks are systematically reviewed, processed, and evaluated. Additionally, various abiotic parameters are to be considered, including air temperature, precipitation, snow cover, wind conditions, and water runoff. For example, snow cover trends can be examined using remote sensing data, or conclusions can be drawn regarding potential flood frequencies. The selection of relevant parameters is carried out in close coordination with the Research Working Group, in which colleagues from each national park are represented. This coordination, together with the determination of the temporal resolution of the datasets, forms the basis for the subsequent, well-founded evaluation. In the long term, the plan is to include additional indicators, such as data from pollen analyses or avifauna, to analyze potential correlations between climate change and ecological developments.

The KLIRES project addresses the central challenges of decarbonizing and transforming energy systems to combat climate change while ensuring security of supply. It focuses on stronger coupling of electricity, heating/cooling, and renewable gases, as well as expanding power generation from hydropower, wind, and photovoltaics. To balance weather-related fluctuations, measures are being developed to increase system flexibility and to expand energy infrastructure for sector coupling. A particular focus is on the impacts of climate change on generation, demand, and infrastructure. Regional climate projections are used to analyze the risks and opportunities of climate change and to develop integrated planning and adaptation measures. By involving research institutions and industrial partners across the entire value chain, the project creates technical and economic added value that supports the development of future-proof energy systems.