The so called, Zero Carbon Building Systems (ZCBS) Lab, allows research into the behaviour of building components and systems in different climate zones. The new building, located on the university campus in Zurich, comprises two floors with different test cells, climate chambers, and experimentation rooms.  The lab allows experimental research and system testing to be carried out on a 1:1 scale. Research is conducted into active and passive technologies for energy supply, automation, and climate control in buildings under a wide range of environmental conditions.

The ZCBS Lab uses comprehensive automation solutions from Siemens Smart Infrastructure. Its digital building management system Desigo CC controls and monitors all disciplines and enables efficient building operation as well as specific research tests that can be performed under optimal conditions. The design of the Siemens solution allows the climate and building technology requirements to be adapted quickly and flexibly to the various research projects and the desired test parameters. Siemens’ system collects all important data generated by the installed sensors and field devices and transmits it to the higher-level ETH control system.

Matthias Rebellius, CEO of Siemens Smart Infrastructure, is pleased that this lighthouse project uses Siemens technology: “Our building management system lays the foundation for enhancing the existing ETH systems as needed and potentially connecting them in the future to the open digital building platform Building X, which is part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio.”

Siemens Xcelerator is an open digital business platform, enabling customers’ digital transformation in industry and infrastructure faster and at scale. Launched in June 2022, the platform has grown and developed continuously ever since. Together with a powerful partner ecosystem and a marketplace, Siemens Xcelerator supports companies in their digital transformation.

The highlight of the new ETH facility is a room with a solar emulator. This test facility makes it possible to simulate not only temperature and humidity, but also the solar effects during the course of the day. This artificial sun is based on energy-efficient LED technology and is unique in the world.

The strategic partnership between ETH Zurich and Siemens has a long tradition. Siemens has helped provide financing for the chair in Sustainable Building Technologies since 2009.