The Environmental and Bioprocess Engineering working group focuses on the development, optimization, and implementation of decentralized environmental technologies in urban areas. This work utilizes specialized research infrastructures, such as green roofs. Our technology-oriented research topics include the investigation of the multifunctional effects of Blue-Green water infrastructures and the development of biorefinery processes aimed at resource-efficient stabilization of biogas processes.

The working group 'Water-Sensitive Infrastructure Planning' (WASP) focuses on developing spatial-economic planning methods for water-sensitive infrastructure. Their work spans various scales, from the settlement and neighborhood level to regional, national, and international levels.

Green roofs, as part of blue-green infrastructure, offer multifaceted benefits for adapting cities to climate change. They support smart stormwater management by absorbing and storing water, cooling the environment through evapotranspiration, and reducing CO2 and particulate matter. The UFZ Green Roof Research Consortium aims to further explore their functionality, investigating their integration into urban water management, impact on temperature, suitability for various plants, influence on biodiversity, potential to filter airborne pollutants, and capability as decentralized wastewater treatment systems.

CityTech is committed to developing multifunctional water-related technologies and strategies to support climate adaptation in urban areas, integrating water quantity and quality management with urban cooling and heating. The initiative focuses on mitigating the effects of extreme weather, utilizing blue-green infrastructures like green roofs and tree infiltration systems for effective stormwater management. These systems aim to balance water retention during heavy rainfall and facilitate water release during droughts, enhancing urban resilience and promoting sustainable, livable cities. Through multidisciplinary collaboration, CityTech is paving the way for innovative urban planning and infrastructure development.

The BDZ Demonstration and Training Facility is dedicated to showcasing functional small-scale wastewater treatment plants integrated into the wastewater cycle, featuring various technologies and models, including rainwater systems. The facility aims to standardize and develop markets for wastewater treatment technologies while providing extensive educational programs such as seminars, workshops, and conferences focused on decentralized and semi-centralized water management. Additionally, the BDZ collaborates with member companies and institutions on research and development projects both domestically and internationally, enhancing innovation in wastewater management solutions.