TUM Sustainability Day 2026 - Energy Forum

The Munich Institute of Integrated Materials, Energy and Process Engineering (MEP) is delighted to host an Energy Forum with Prof. Sally Benson and other distinguished guests as part of the TUM Sustainability Day.

• When: April 29, 2026, 14:00 – 16:00 

• Where: MW 1801, Campus Garching, Boltzmannstraße 15 

• No registration required 

The Energy Forum invites everyone committed to shaping the future of climate‑friendly energy systems within our cities. Heating and cooling have become defining challenges for urban development in the coming decades, and the solutions we pursue will directly influence how we design, build, and transform our urban environments.

While the energy transition is accelerating, the building sector remains one of the most complex hurdles for planners. Buildings last for generations, are costly to retrofit, and depend on technologies that must operate reliably at scale. At the same time, global demand for cooling is rising sharply, placing additional pressure on cities and making innovative planning approaches not only necessary but urgent.

Artificial Intelligence is emerging as a key enabler in this transformation: from optimizing district heating and cooling networks to supporting data‑driven urban design and accelerating the development of new business models. Together, these advances open new pathways for cities to become more resilient, efficient, and climate‑friendly. 

We look forward to welcoming many participants and to an inspiring exchange at the Energy Forum. 

Our speakers:

• Prof. Sally Benson Stanford University, Professor of Energy Science Engineering and Senior Fellow at the Woods Institute for the Environment and the Precourt Institute for Energy
• Prof. Florian Bieberbach SWM, Managing Director
• Prof. Stefan Niessen Siemens, Technology Field Leader for Sustainable Energy & Infrastructure
• Christine Völzow Vereinigung der Bayerischen Wirtschaft e. V. (vbw), Managing Director and Head of the Department of Economic Policy
• Nora Medgyesi Geothermal Alliance Bavaria, Project Manager
• Lars Eiermann TUM Venture Labs, Chief Sustainable Officer and Managing Director of the Venture Lab Climate & Circular
• Prof. Thomas Hamacher TUM MEP Director, TUM Chair of Renewable and Sustainable Energy Systems

Prof. Jeanne Rubner will lead us through the afternoon as moderator.

The TUM Sustainability Day

The TUM Sustainability Day on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, marks the third time the university is highlighting its role as a driving force for sustainable development in our society. 

Sustainable transformation is strategically anchored as a shared mission and encompasses economic, ecological, and social dimensions. It can only succeed through collective commitment – and I warmly invite you to take part in exactly that. Get to know the wide range of sustainability topics and initiatives at TUM, gain valuable inspiration for your work, and actively network with others. 

Under the theme “We walk the talk,” more than 120 initiatives from student engagement, research, teaching, operations, and administration will present the full spectrum of sustainable projects at TUM and its partners, bundled into nine thematic areas. 

This will be complemented by a diverse, interactive program featuring over 60 inspiring formats – from workshops and guided tours to panel discussions and keynote lectures by renowned experts from academia and industry. 

Your participation will enrich the discussions. We hope you will gain many new ideas, valuable contacts, and inspiration for your work.

• When: April 29, 2026, 12:00 – 20:00 

• Where: Magistrale Maschinenbauwesen, Campus Garching, Boltzmannstraße 15 

• No registration required 

• Detailed information about the program can be found at: www.tum.de/sustainabilityday