IWIQ real-world laboratory

Innovative system solution for sustainable water management and energy savings

The IWIQ real-world laboratory aims to make resource use in urban neighborhoods more sustainable. The focus is on the local treatment of gray water (wastewater from bathrooms, kitchens, and washing machines) to produce high-quality service water. This can be used in a variety of ways—for example, for toilet flushing, irrigation, or building cooling—which can reduce drinking water consumption by up to 60%. The coupled heat recovery from the treated water also promotes a sustainable energy and heat transition. The solution is particularly suitable for the renovation of existing buildings and contributes significantly to the achievement of climate targets by reducing the energy required for hot water and conserving water resources.

Integration into existing buildings and neighborhood development

A central element of the project is the implementation of GWR+WRG technology in existing buildings. Standardized and modular systems enable retrofitting as part of energy-efficient renovations. The aim is to overcome the complex challenges involved in retrofitting, facilitate scaling, and increase acceptance among planners, builders, and residents. The real-world laboratory demonstrates how innovative water and heat recovery systems can be seamlessly integrated into existing neighborhoods to sustainably reduce water consumption while saving energy.

inter 3 is responsible for accompanying research in the project

With our expertise in the development of sustainable infrastructure concepts, innovation research, and management, we support the accompanying research and monitoring of the project. To this end, we are working closely with the project partners to support the innovation process and help them optimize technical solutions and document the results in a practical manner. We are also playing a key role in developing guidelines and recommendations to facilitate the replication of innovative systems in other neighborhoods and promote knowledge transfer.

The project is funded by the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy, and Public Enterprises.