Artificial intelligence consumes a lot of electricity. What if AI data centres move to countries where the price of electricity is lower - because of a lower CO2 price? On behalf of the German Federal Environment Agency, INFRAS has made a first assessment of the global potential of such carbon leakage.

In the building sector, a large share of CO2 emissions are generated during the construction phase. An important lever for reducing these grey emissions are conversions instead of new replacements. INFRAS is looking for solutions on behalf of the federal government to reduce barriers to conversions and refurbishments.  

Regions in focus: Cross-border cooperation does not only have to take place  at the national or European level. Border regions can also move forward together – including in the energy sector. INFRAS has conducted a study on the advantages, hurdles, and possibilities for regional cooperation in the energy transition.

What risks do climate change and the energy transition pose for the Swiss energy supply? And what measures contribute to resilience? Together with four universities and two partner companies from the private sector, INFRAS is addressing these questions in the RECIPE consortium.

A look at the present situation, past developments – and forecasts up to 2060: INFRAS has prepared a report on air pollutant emissions from road transport for the federal government. Modelling results show how stricter regulations affect the rate of emission reductions.

The effects of climate change are already both tangible and measurable in Switzerland. Climate policy aims to respond to the issue. But what will things be like in 70 or so years? An ongoing research project illustrates potential socioeconomic and political developments of Swiss climate policy. INFRAS is in charge of implementing the project. 

When it comes to energy efficiency and expanding the use of renewable energies, electricity, heat and gas suppliers play an important role. The latest energy company benchmarking analysis shows where energy companies have already done a great deal – and where a fair bit can still be done. 

Preventing illegal logging, tracking energy production, and correctly allocating emissions under the polluter pays principle – all of this is possible with blockchain technology. The new Navigating Report 2021 from the Climate Ledger Initiative presents the results of climate-related pilot projects making use of blockchain and other innovative digital technologies.

In the future, both negative emission technologies and trade with international emission certificates are options for municipalities and cantons to reach their climate change mitigation targets. What is their potential, and how suitable are they for the city and for the canton of Zurich on the path to net zero emissions?