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The joint GreenBricks research project by the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology and Wienerberger has been honoured with the Mission Innovation Net-Zero Industries Award in the “Outstanding Project” category. The award ceremony took place on 10 April 2026 as part of the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum (IVECF) at the Hofburg in Vienna.
In the NEFI project GreenBricks has been developed and successfully implemented an innovative energy concept for brick production at the Wienerberger site in Uttendorf (Upper Austria). The project impressively demonstrates how the combination of electrification, digitalisation and the use of heat pump technologies enables virtually emission-free industrial production. CO₂ emissions have been reduced by up to 90 per cent and energy consumption by around 30 per cent. A key milestone is the world’s largest industrial electric kiln for brick production, which is bringing about a sustainable transformation in industrial energy requirements. All the energy required comes from renewable sources, including the plant’s own photovoltaic system.
The project is part of the NEFI – New Energy for Industry innovation network, which is funded by the Climate and Energy Fund and the provinces of Upper Austria and Styria, and which is driving forward the decarbonisation of industry. This network creates ideal conditions for testing new technologies directly within companies and implementing them swiftly.
Flagship project for industrial transformation
GreenBricks is regarded as one of Europe’s leading demonstration projects for the decarbonisation of energy-intensive industries. At its heart lies the world’s largest industrial electric kiln for brick production, complemented by innovative drying processes with integrated heat pumps and the use of digital planning and simulation tools. The holistic view of the production chain – from raw materials through drying to the firing process – enables a sustainable transformation whilst maintaining product quality and competitiveness.
Strong partnership between research and industry
Andreas Kugi, Scientific Director of the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology:
“The award for GreenBricks demonstrates that innovative technologies and digital planning methods are key drivers for the sustainable transformation of industry and are also gaining international recognition. Close collaboration between research and industry is essential for successfully implementing such transformation processes and thereby strengthening competitiveness.”
Johannes Rath, Chief Technical Officer at Wienerberger Building Solutions:
“With GreenBricks, we are setting a new benchmark for the sustainable transformation of brick production. The project demonstrates that climate-friendly technologies can already be implemented industrially today whilst offering economic benefits. Together with AIT, we are driving forward innovations that set the direction for the entire industry.”
Mission Innovation Award as an international accolade
The Mission Innovation Net-Zero Industries Award recognises projects and initiatives worldwide that make a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in energy-intensive industries. The aim is to raise the profile of innovative solutions and promote their scaling up internationally. The award highlights GreenBricks’ role as a flagship project for the industrial energy transition, whilst also strengthening Austria’s international position as a hub for innovation.
About GreenBricks
As part of the NEFI GreenBricks project, AIT developed an integrated energy concept for brick production. By employing an electrified high-temperature process, utilising industrial waste heat via heat pumps, and using digital twins to optimise operations, a significant reduction in emissions and energy consumption was achieved. The project serves as a scalable model for the transformation of other energy-intensive industries.
About NEFI – New Energy for Industry
The GreenBricks research project is part of the NEFI – New Energy for Industry innovation network, which is driving the decarbonisation of the industrial energy system with key technologies ‘made in Austria’ in the Energy showcase region. The NEFI innovation network has formed a consortium comprising the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, the Montanuniversität Leoben, the Upper Austrian Energy Saving Association and the Upper Austrian business agency Business Upper Austria, and brings together a wealth of experience in the field of energy research and project implementation. www.nefi.at
Press photos from the award ceremony