Sustainability

Sustainability is the urgent pursuit of practices that maintain ecological balance, promote social equity, and ensure economic viability. It addresses pressing global challenges like resource depletion, pollution, and social inequality, aiming to secure a better future for all.

Learn more about sustainability

The School of Engineering is dedicated to advancing EPFL’s leadership in sustainability, with innovative research and initiatives that promote a greener future.

Our experts

Our experts are driving EPFL’s leadership in sustainability, conducting cutting-edge research in sustainable materials, processes, and energy solutions.

Our laboratories

Our state-of-the-art laboratories are instrumental in bolstering EPFL’s leadership in sustainability, spearheading innovative research across sustainable materials, processes, and energy solutions.

Our spinoffs

Delve into the forefront of sustainable innovation with our pioneering startups. These dynamic ventures, cultivated within our ecosystem, are leading the charge in developing transformative solutions that are reshaping the sustainability landscape.

Centers

We’re proud collaborators with EPFL’s premier centers committed to propelling sustainable solutions forward. These collaborative hubs stand at the vanguard of research, catalyzing innovations in renewable energy, smart grids, and beyond.

Education

Uncover unmatched opportunities for education, research, and hands-on experience available at the School of Engineering. Become a part of the upcoming generation of sustainability pioneers, contributing to a world driven by pioneering solutions.

NEWS

Embark on a journey of sustainability with the latest updates from the School of Engineering. Our multidisciplinary teams are at the forefront of driving innovations aimed at fostering positive societal impact. Explore the latest news on groundbreaking advancements in sustainable materials, processes, energy solutions, and more as we pave the way towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.

The 2024 edition of the E3 program © EPFL

Apply to the E3 EPFL Excellence in Engineering Program 2025

— Are you interested in joining EPFL for an unforgettable research experience this summer? You can now register for the 2025 edition of E3! The application deadline is November 1st, 2024.

Visualization of the Tilia Tower in Malley, Switzerland @3XN & Itten+Brechbühl

Engineering a more sustainable skyscraper

— Construction is underway on the 85-meter Tilia Tower near Lausanne: the first large-scale building in Switzerland to be built with a low-carbon cement developed in EPFL’s Lab of Construction Materials.

The core of the optical processor © Alain Herzog

Engineers bring efficient optical neural networks into focus

— EPFL researchers have published a programmable framework that overcomes a key computational bottleneck of optics-based artificial intelligence systems. In a series of image classification experiments, they used scattered light from a low-power laser to perform accurate, scalable computations using a fraction of the energy of electronics.

Presentation of the Soleva campervan at the "PVinMotion2024" conference, organized by CSEM © CSEM

Self-powered solar campervan embarks on Swiss tour

— The Swiss technology innovation center CSEM has announced that Soleva, a campervan powered by 100% self-produced solar energy, has begun a tour of Switzerland. The project of EPFL alumni, the campervan is equipped with lightweight solar panel technology developed by CSEM in collaboration with EPFL's Thin-Film Photovoltaics Lab (PV-Lab).

© iStock

Energy scientists unravel the mystery of gold's glow

— EPFL researchers have developed the first comprehensive model of the quantum-mechanical effects behind photoluminescence in thin gold films; a discovery that could drive the development of solar fuels and batteries.

All news

VIDEOS

Tune into a series of enlightening videos featuring insights from our esteemed experts, dedicated research teams, and dynamic startups leading the charge in sustainable innovation. Prepare to delve into the future of sustainable technologies and join us in the journey towards shaping a greener, more efficient world.

Fabrication of a sensorized raspberry “Physical Twin” for training harvesting robots in the lab

Turning plastic waste into building bricks

Self-healing composites extend a product’s lifespan

New nanowire architectures boost computers’ processing power

Transforming surplus feedstocks and waste streams into innovative, eco-friendly materials.

Mimicking nature to create eco-friendly materials that reflect beautiful, iridescent hues.