Energy Geostructures

Soil mechanics laboratory

At the Laboratory of Soil Mechanics (LMS), we are reshaping how society interacts with the ground beneath us. Energy geostructures—innovative systems that combine structural foundations with geothermal energy harvesting—represent a bold step toward sustainable, resilient cities.

These multipurpose elements—such as building foundations, retaining walls, and tunnels—not only provide structural support but also serve as renewable energy exchangers. By tapping into the Earth’s constant subsurface temperature, they provide efficient heating and cooling for buildings, drastically reducing emissions and energy costs.

Engineering the Transition

Under the leadership of Prof. Lyesse Laloui, LMS laid the scientific foundation for energy geostructures nearly three decades ago. Today, we continue to lead the field through:

• Fundamental Research: Exploring the coupled thermal, hydraulic, and mechanical behavior of energy geostructures under real-world conditions.
• Design Tools and Technologies: Developing pioneering solutions like Thermopile software for system optimization, and launching spin-offs like Enerdrape and Geoeg to bring innovation to market.
• Applied Impact: Partnering with industry to deploy solutions in complex environments—from underground carparks to data centers—turning passive infrastructure into active energy systems.

Why It Matters

Energy geostructures are a cornerstone of climate-resilient infrastructure. They integrate seamlessly into the urban landscape, require no additional land use, and enable a clean energy transition—supporting the world’s path to carbon neutrality.

At LMS, we’re not just imagining the energy systems of tomorrow. We’re building them—beneath our feet.

Professors

Lyesse Laloui

Professeur ordinaire

[email protected]+41 21 693 23 14GC D1 416

Post-doctoral researchers

Qazim Llabjani

Assistant scientifique

[email protected]+41 21 693 27 72GC D0 391

Ph.D. Candidates

Sofie Elaine ten Bosch

Assistante scientifique

[email protected]+41 21 693 23 33GC D0 401

Multiphysical modelling of sustainable geotechnics with a focus on biocementation and energy geostructures – Sofie ten Bosch

In the fields of geotechnical and geo-environmental engineering, a trend is emerging where researchers are increasingly using multiphysical methods to develop integrated approaches, leading to smarter construction methods and more efficient use of energy, especially in sustainable engineering projects.

The present thesis focuses on two distinctive applications that have been identified as promising innovations to address the question, « How can we make geotechnical systems more resilient and sustainable? » These innovations utilize biocementation and energy geostructures. Multiphysical modelling contributes to the development of the understanding of underlying mechanisms involved in these problems and remains an essential tool for their design.

Numerical modelling of biocementation within this thesis focuses on projects representative of real geohazard mitigation problems, including foundation strengthening or slope stabilization using biocementation. This is essential for the development of design principles for this technology, which is crucial for the adoption of innovation. On the side of energy geostructure applications, the challenge remaining to be addressed is to extend the domain of application beyond its conventional considerations and demonstrate their effectiveness in alternative scenarios, for example, underground data centres or metro stations. In doing so, this work aims to support future sustainable geotechnical applications and accelerate their adoption of innovation.

Supervisors: Lyesse Laloui, Dimitrios Terzis, Elena Ravera

To former projects and publications

Books:

Analysis and Design of Energy Geostructures,1st Edition: Theoretical Essentials and Practical Application

Lyesse Laloui; Rotta Loria

Analysis and Design of Energy Geostructures gathers in a unified framework the theoretical and experimental competence available on energy geostructures: innovative multifunctional earth-contact structures that can provide renewable energy supply and structural support to any built environment. The book covers the broad, interdisciplinary and integrated knowledge required to address the analysis and design of energy geostructures from energy, geotechnical and structural perspectives.

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Academic Press

1st November 2019

Hardcover ISBN: 9780128206232

View at publisher

Energy Geostructures

Lyesse Laloui; Alice Di Donna

This book explores energy geostructures—an innovative technology that combines structural support with geothermal energy exchange for heating and cooling buildings. By integrating renewable energy into foundations, these systems offer a sustainable alternative to conventional infrastructure. The book is structured in three parts: experimental modeling, numerical simulation, and engineering practice. It presents state-of-the-art research, current design methodologies, and real-world applications contributed by leading experts. A final case study illustrates the implementation of these systems, providing engineers and researchers with essential insights into this rapidly evolving field.

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Wiley-ISTE

2016

Hardcover ISBN: 9781118761762

View at publisher

Curious to deepen your expertise in sustainable infrastructure? The Energy Geostructures: Analysis and Design course, taught at EPFL by leading experts in the field, offers a unique opportunity to explore the principles, modelling, and practical implementation of this innovative technology.
Whether you’re a practicing engineer, researcher, or student, this intensive course bridges theory and application—empowering you to design geostructures that harness the Earth’s energy for a more sustainable built environment.

2023-2025

When buildings draw their heat from the ground

Prof Laloui advocates a new approach to urban construction in ArcInfo

EPFL geostructures appear in Neuchâtel

Prof. Laloui interviewed on Canal Alpha about our lab’s innovative geoenergy technology

Heating with the subway

Spektrum Magazine explores the potential of waste heat to heat our cities featuring an interview with Prof. Laloui (in German).

Enerdrape in Geneva?

The City of Geneva may use The Laloui Group technology to take advantage of the warmth of car parks according to 20 minutes.

LMS spin-off featured in the New York Times

The Chicago underground

Enerdrape in Geneva?

The City of Geneva may use The Laloui Group technology to take advantage of the warmth of car parks according to 20 minutes.

The First Big Project For Enerdrape

LMS spin-off completes its first customer project

• Enerdrape, a solution for Switzerland’s energy challenges?

Published at EPFL on 02 June 2022.

• Laloui Group Start-Up featured on RTS’ Forum program

Published at EPFL on 03 May 2022.

• Enerdrape wins 10th Startup Champions Seed Night!

Published at EPFL on 05 May 2021.

• Enerdrape one of the 101 Renewable energy startups to follow!

Published at EPFL on 23 November 2020.

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ENERDRAPE

We developed the first geo-thermal panel that efficiently captures both geothermal and waster heat in existing indoor environments located in the underground and transfers it for renewable heating and cooling to buildings. Unlike conventional geothermal systems, the technology developed relies on a non-invasive installation, allowing the use of shallow geothermal energy in existing buildings. The modular geo-thermal panels are meant to be installed in existing underground indoor environments such as underground parking, underground transportation hubs, tunnels etc. With the modular geo-thermal panels we facilitate access to renewable shallow geothermal energy to existing buildings while reducing capital investments, operation costs and CO2 emissions.

Thermopile

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