Division IV - Natural and Built Environment

We create and impart knowledge for a future worth living in and with dignity for all.  

We combine professional excellence with interdisciplinary thinking to answer major questions of relevance for society.

We develop sustainable solutions based on the diversity of our cultures, concepts and methods.

We inspire people and encourage talents.

KIT Division IV 'Natural and Built Environment' generates, teaches and applies knowledge about the changing Earth. This includes natural processes and developments as well as man-made changes and their impacts. To achieve this, research, teaching and innovation are bundled in strategic fields joining over 30 Institutes from architecture, civil engineering, geo- and environmental sciences, as well as meteorology and climate sciences. The scientists of Division IV explore, develop and teach local, regional and global solutions for a sustainable future. Teaching and acadamic affairs of Division IV are organized in the KIT departments of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Geo- and Environmental Sciences, while the mission-based large-scale research tasks are managed in frame of the Helmholtz program "Changing Earth-Sustaining our Future".

Orphal
Head of Division

Prof. Dr. Johannes Orphal

Contact Team Division IV

 

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Understanding the world of today and shaping it for tomorrow

News

digitaler-zwilling-erdsystemGholamali Hoshyaripour, KIT
Environmental research: Digital twins of planet Earth

Researchers from the Helmholtz Association summarise their research on digital twins in the field of earth and environment in a synthesis paper.

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butterbach-bahl-DSC9736NST / TUM
KIT Climate Researcher Receives Award

Klaus Butterbach-Bahl receives the Sustainability Award of the Nobel Sustainability Trust for his research on the environmental impact of global agriculture.

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2024_068_Thessaloniki-International-Fair_Robert-HabeckLMI
Thessaloniki International Fair: Robert Habeck Catches Up on Sustainable Technologies from KIT

New Technologies and Sustainable Development: Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Visits KIT Pavilion.

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2024_058_mobilabAnna-Barbara Grebhahn, KIT
Combating energy poverty: better access to affordable housing

KIT researchers are developing innovations for affordable and sustainably renovated living space.

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StratosphaerenballonMichael Höpfner, KIT
Stratospheric balloon measures air composition from Sweden to Canada

Researchers at KIT and FZJ are developing a small and lightweight infrared spectrometer to explore the upper air layers.

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beton-beschichtung-dehnraumkontakt, Karlsruhe
Making concrete more sustainable

KIT researchers provide an overview on how coatings can improve the properties of concrete.

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Rastatt-Staueinbau-StadtwerkeChristian Damm, KIT
Climate protection: water for dry moorland

KIT researchers want to use sandbags to prevent moorland and biodiverse wet meadows from drying out.

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2024_044_Klimawandel-GrundwasserSusanne Benz, KIT
Rising Temperatures Have an Impact on Groundwater Quality

KIT researchers investigate the effects of climate change on groundwater resources and the resulting consequences.

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Stadt
Urban Research at KIT

Contributions to sustainable urban development

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Damast
Water Research at KIT

Sustainable concepts for the use and protection of water resources

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Schneefernerhaus
Environmental Research Station Schneefernerhaus

KIT - Member of the Consortium Schneefernerhaus

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CEDIM
Center for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction Technology

Interdisciplinary research at KIT on disasters, risks and security

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Klima und Umwelt
KIT Climate and Environment Center

For an Environment Worth Living in

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Globus
Climate Protection and Sustainability

KIT works for the sustainability of our resources - in research, teaching and innovation

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