The Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) recently partnered with a local photovoltaic (PV) supplier to implement a 220 kWp system using nearly 500 PV panels. With construction now finished, the investment anticipates yielding financial returns over the next decade. This initiative not only presents a substantial opportunity to reduce the Institute’s greenhouse gas footprint but also provides economical energy savings potential.
The foundation for this project was established through the development of a PV concept in early 2022, and after an external evaluation the IIASA management team made the strategic decision to invest in this important area.
“Due to our Institute’s leading status in the field of scientific sustainability and our central position as a global problem solver for environmental issues, we also wanted to strengthen and expand this role internally. Initially, the focus was on promoting a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy supply, with particular attention to reducing energy usage,” explains Rafal Cabala, IIASA Process, Quality, and Sustainability Manager.
The annual electricity production covers around a third of the Institute's yearly electricity requirements. In the long term, considering production deductions, the PV system will help reduce IIASA's annual net footprint by approximately 105 tons of CO2 equivalent.
“In addition to fulfilling our responsibility to reduce our ecological footprint, we also expect significant savings on our electricity bills,” notes Thomas Stemerdink, IIASA Head of Facilities Management.
This strategic approach is in line with the Institute’s commitment to the Race to Zero initiative and underlines IIASA’s commitment to sustainable practices.
© Voltaigo
The PV system on the IIASA General Purpose building.
© Voltaigo
News
24 August 2026
Project "G/ArtenLeben": Turning gardens into biodiversity hotspots together
How can private gardens help support biodiversity in Austria? The new IIASA citizen science project G/ArtenLeben brings science and gardening practice together. At three G/ArtenCafés in Lower Austria, hobby gardeners are invited to contribute their knowledge and experience to research and work alongside scientists to explore how gardening can help biodiversity thrive.
06 August 2026
IIASA Director General: "This could be the coolest summer of the century"
As Austria experienced record-breaking temperatures on 4 August 2026, with more than 50 weather stations reporting all-time highs, IIASA Director General Professor Hans Joachim Schellnhuber joined Austrian public radio Ö1's Mittagsjournal to discuss what these extremes mean for the future, as well as why society must prepare for a much hotter climate.
06 July 2026
Young changemakers recognized: IIASA Climate Champions mark the end of their journey
Students from Lower Austria and Vienna were recognized for their commitment to climate action and received their certificates at IIASA in Laxenburg.