IoT Sustainability Lab Drives Innovation in the Lake Constance Region
The IoT Sustainability Lab, a cross-border research collaboration initiated by the Wissenschaftsverbund Vierländerregion Bodensee, is committed to promoting sustainable digitalization in the Lake Constance region. The goal is to make the building sector more efficient, environmentally friendly, and user-oriented through the use of IoT (Internet of Things) systems. This ambitious project is funded by the Interreg Alpenrhein-Bodensee-Hochrhein program, the European Union, and the Swiss and Liechtenstein governments.
The research project brings together seven research partners and 17 practice partners from Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. The lab is led by the HTWG Hochschule Konstanz, with the interface to Swiss partners coordinated by ZHAW Winterthur. To maximize synergies, the lab is closely networked with two other initiatives: the Sustainable Mobility Lab at FH Vorarlberg and the Circular Lab at the University of St. Gallen, which focus on mobility and the circular economy. At Zeppelin University, Nico Meier, research fellow at the Leadership Excellence Institute Zeppelin, is responsible for the IoT Sustainability Lab.
The lab focuses on the scientific investigation of IoT systems in the building sector. The research aims to develop sustainable solutions for building supply systems such as heating, electricity, or waste management. Ecological (CO₂ reduction), economic (cost savings), and social (user-friendliness) aspects are taken into account. Special emphasis is placed on developing tools for life cycle analysis, sustainable business models, and policy recommendations for decision-makers. The lab's outcomes are intended to provide not only scientific insights but also practical applications for companies and public institutions.
In the first project phase, important foundations were laid: academic publications were released, initial prototypes for IoT technologies were developed, and synergies between the participating partners were realized. Additionally, awareness-raising measures highlighted the societal benefits of the lab's work. Future steps include the continuous development and dissemination of new findings as well as active collaboration with practice partners.
The IoT Sustainability Lab is a pioneering example of how digitalization and sustainability can go hand in hand. With its interdisciplinary approaches and broad support from research, business, and politics, it makes a significant contribution to sustainable development in the Lake Constance region. Further information can be found on the lab's website.
