The research is both deeply disciplinary and broadly multidisciplinary, and the objective is long-term development toward sustainable and efficient energy systems. For many years now, LiU has hosted the multidisciplinary Research School's Energy Systems Programme that has produced more than 80 PhDs and which is now moving into a new stage - the Research School Energy Systems.
Energy in buildings
Research ranges from studies of low-energy buildings to energy savings in buildings built before 1945, where consideration must be given to their cultural and historical value. Other examples are sustainable urban planning and the development of small-scale solar energy in buildings.
Local and regional energy
Research in this area is mainly related to social science, and the role of municipalities and regions in the changeover of energy systems is being studied, among other aspects. One example is the test bed for sustainable urban development that is being built in Östra Valla, Linköping.
Energy in industry
The potential for making energy savings in industry is huge, both in large and small enterprises. Researchers in this area have many years of experience in studying improved energy efficiency in the steel, pulp and paper industries, as well as smaller industries.