Buildings and Spaces
The RWTH campus is growing, as can be seen, for example, in the increase in the main usable space to 459,963 m² in 2022 (usable space NUF 1-6 without Faculty 10 / Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, see data appendix). In 2021 and 2022, the Bau- und Liegenschaftsbetrieb NRW (BLB) and RWTH carried out new construction projects and numerous construction measures. This also includes the new Carl research building, which will be completed in 2022 with the BLB in the role of the client. In the same year, the 5th construction phase (5th BA) for the Institute for Plastics Processing (IKV) was also completed by RWTH. Both buildings are equipped with the latest system technology, which leads to savings in energy and operating costs. The roofs of the buildings have plants on them as far as this is possible and they are equipped with photovoltaic systems.
Learn more about the PV system on the roof of the Institute for Plastics Processing here.
Energy Optimization
Energy optimization is one of the key issues in all construction projects, from new builds to construction work within buildings. Among other things, it regularly analyzes whether the roofs of existing buildings are suitable for the installation of a PV system. For example, plans are currently underway for PV systems at the Königshügel office building and the IT center on the Hörn campus. Both locations house facilities that require high server capacities and they therefore have high energy requirements. The PV systems planned there are to enable the supply of renewable energy sources after commissioning. A PV system is also currently being planned for the Department of High-Pressure Gas Dynamics, Shock Wave Laboratory at the Melaten Campus. As a matter of principle, energy optimization is taken into account and implemented as far as possible in conversion measures that are carried out by RWTH. In this regard, the conversion of the lighting to energy-saving light sources should be mentioned in particular.
Green Spaces
To promote sustainability in outdoor areas, the FLIP project (Promoting the quality of life of insects and people through perfect meadows) is creating meadows that promote biodiversity on the green spaces used by RWTH Aachen University. Since 2022/2023, special attention has been paid to making lawns as nature-friendly as possible, e.g., by cutting them higher and mowing areas rich in herbs and flowers less frequently. As of 2022, there are 6 flowering meadows on RWTH sites.
Mobility and Infrastructure
With regard to mobility, Department 10 – Facility Management participates in projects and funding programs that contribute to climate protection. One of the goals is to improve the cycling infrastructure in cooperation with the city of Aachen. In particular, high-quality bicycle parking facilities, safe cycling facilities and charging infrastructure for pedelecs are to be created at RWTH.
Bicycle garages are also to be built in the lecture hall buildings at RWTH. There is already a large bicycle garage in the C.A.R.L. lecture hall building, which has more than 700 covered parking spaces. During the ongoing refurbishment of the Kármán Auditorium, a former storage area will also be converted into a bicycle garage with space for around 259 bicycles. The renovation concept for the Audimax lecture hall building also includes an additional bicycle garage.
RWTH is also involved in projects in the field of charging infrastructure for electric cars. As part of the ALigN project, which was initiated by the city of Aachen, RWTH Aachen University has provided locations for charging stations (see Mobility section).