brenet
ResearchLunch
The brenet ResearchLunch promotes exchange between researchers from member institutes and external experts. Three online lunchtime events per year offer short presentations and discussions on a specific research topic from the fields of sustainable construction, building technology, and renewable energies.
The event is aimed at professionals and interested parties from research, industry, public administration, and practice-oriented organizations in the fields of energy and construction.
Participation is free for staff of brenet member institutes.
An external participation fee of CHF 30 applies.
The brenet ResearchLunch 2025 will take place on May 20, August 25, and October 30, from 12.15 p.m. to 1.15 p.m., online.
Save-the-Date:
brenet ResearchLunch #3
Net Zero requires storage: How thermal, electrical and chemical storages contribute to system integration and security of energy supply
Oct 30, 2025 | 12.15 pm – 1.15 pm | Online | Register now: here
The Energy Strategy 2050+ places new demands on our energy system: it must increasingly be designed to store renewable energy so that it is available at times and in places with low generation. Storage technologies therefore play a key role.
At brenet ResearchLunch #3, researchers from our member institutes will provide insights into current projects – from thermal to electrical to chemical storage solutions. They will highlight which technologies are already being tested in practice, where further research is needed, and which collaborations are crucial for implementation.
Afterwards, we will discuss together:
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Which storage technologies are scalable, cost-effective, and beneficial for the system – in buildings, districts, and industry?
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Where are the knowledge and innovation gaps that research needs to address?
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Which political, regulatory, and economic framework conditions are required to better integrate storage solutions into the Energy Strategy 2050+?
brenet ResearchLunch #2
At brenet Research Lunch #2, experts from six affiliated member institutes presented to over 30 registered participants how applied research can support the roll-out of PV. Many thanks to Francesco Frontini for moderating the scientific discussions and to all the participants for their engagement!
PV currently covers around 10% of Switzerland's electricity demand. With technological advances, the industry is characterized by falling prices, increasing efficiency, and longer lifespans. However, the cheapest solution is not automatically the lowest-emissions solution – cost and climate paths must be considered together.
The following projects were presented that shed light on the concrete implementation of PV in Switzerland, including:
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Emissions assessment in relation to service life.
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State-of-the-art test laboratories for adapting PV mass modules and modules in combination with mounting systems to Swiss requirements (climate, building culture, aesthetics, quality).
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A test laboratory for the integration of PV into energy management systems (smart grids).
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Facade suitability and urban applications.
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Technical challenges such as glare on fences and alpine installations.
Outlook: Further necessary research approaches cover the entire life cycle – from integration into the Swiss energy system and criteria for mass deployment to lifetime assessments and recycling.
brenet ResearchLunch #1
At the first brenet ResearchLunch, around 20 researchers from member institutes provided initial insights into their research areas and laboratories – focusing on brenet's core topics: sustainable construction, building technology, and renewable energies.
It also became clear that the transformation to net-zero in the construction industry is complex and requires cross-sector collaboration. What's needed are solutions that are scientifically sound, economically viable, and socially effective. As a vibrant network, brenet invites participants to actively connect and work together on viable solutions for the transformation of the building sector. Many thanks to all presenters and participants for this successful start!
