The Energy & Bio-Resources department develops solutions for a sustainable, circular economy. Its focus is on the intelligent use of regional biogenic waste materials to create high-quality products, renewable energy sources, and climate-friendly alternatives to fossil fuels.

Our work lays the groundwork for a future in which resources are used efficiently, emissions are reduced, and regional economic growth is strengthened.

We are shaping the transition to a circular economy by:

• Innovative biorefinery concepts for the production of bio-based chemicals, fertilizers, and protein-rich animal feed
• Technologies for reducing emissions in agricultural production
• New methods for CO₂ capture and utilization to integrate renewable carbon into sustainable value chains
• Optimizing the use of biogenic byproducts that have previously gone unused or had to be disposed of
• Assessment of environmental, economic, and regional impacts to support informed decision-making
• Measures to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and the use of renewable energy in buildings and facilities

Our research and development projects are conducted on an interdisciplinary basis and in close collaboration with industry, agriculture, and academia. We place a particular emphasis on supporting innovative industry partners to ensure that new technologies are rapidly brought to market.

We cover the entire spectrum – from basic research and the development of industry-relevant technologies to the market launch of products ready for practical application. In this way, we combine scientific excellence with a strong practical focus and create solutions that are not only environmentally sound but also economically viable.

The Construction and Innovation department at tbw research investigates how buildings and infrastructure can be constructed in a way that is more climate-neutral and resource-efficient – while also remaining economically viable – throughout their entire lifecycle. The focus is on lifecycle-oriented assessment models, analytical studies of construction processes, and innovative, collaborative delivery methods such as agile construction processes, alliance contracting, and AVVA approaches.

Research on lifecycle costs combines business management methods with an analysis of energy consumption, emissions, and resource use to support investment decisions that promote climate neutrality and economic efficiency. In addition, the study examines how temporal changes – such as construction times, service lives, or price trends – can be integrated into evaluation models, including the lm.vm approaches developed by Lechner.

A key focus in the construction industry is the analysis and evaluation of construction site overhead costs, particularly their traceable allocation and consideration in the event of changes to construction schedules and project timelines. In construction process analysis, execution processes are examined in detail using methods such as REFA surveys to optimize workflows, cycles, and interfaces; the insights gained are also incorporated into other areas of tbw research, such as mobility, energy, and infrastructure.