"We've always been passionate about sustainability issues"
ETH alumni Diego Sigrist and Kuba Szczesniak are co-founders of the start-up 'Scandens'. They are working on a software solution to easily quantify, understand and optimise the climate impact of buildings. They talk about their passion to change things and their growing concern for the climate which originated from their time at ETH.
Why did you decide to study at ETH?
Diego: For me it was an obvious choice. I was always very into science and mathematical problem solving. So, studying at ETH was the logical choice for me and I must say that I have not regretted it to this day.
Kuba: For me it was a bit different. I purposely moved to Switzerland to pursue my masters studies in energy science and technology. The reason for applying was the unique interdisciplinary nature of the programme which provides a solid background in the field combined with a wide range of elective courses dealing with not only technical aspects but also policy and the economic solutions that foster the energy transition.
Where does your interest in the climate impact of buildings come from?
Diego: I guess I can speak for the two of us when I say that we've always been passionate about and interested in sustainability issues. Personally, my interest – and of course my concern – really grew when I was studying at ETH. Because there I was confronted with all the scientific evidence about the climate crisis and the science is pretty clear: it’s an urgent and huge challenge. And the building and construction sector accounts for almost 40% of global CO2 emissions. So I decided to get involved and make a contribution. Everything then started with my bachelor thesis on heat pumps.
Kuba: Sustainability and energy transition have always been within my areas of interest, but especially being confronted with all the science behind it at ETH, it allowed me to deepen my interest in this topic. Additionally, doing my semester project and being a research assistant at the Chair of Architecture and Building Systems, took that interest a step further.
Also, what I think is very unique about the building sector and its decarbonisation is not only that they are the biggest emitters of greenhouse gas emissions but also that there's no need to rely on huge players like energy generation companies, electricity transmission companies or vehicle manufacturers. The potential for action really comes from everyone.
Could you tell us a little about how Scandens came about?
Kuba: In the beginning of 2020, I moved to Boston to do my master thesis at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). At the same time Diego moved to Boston for an internship at Swissnex, the Swiss Consulate for Innovation and Technology. Since we had studied the same degree at ETH, we of course became very good friends and because it was soon after Covid there was lots of time for long walks and discussions about what our values were, what sustainability means to us what we wanted to do in the future, we were able to exchange ideas and learn from each other as well.
I think it was June when we started really talking about Diego's and my ideas and if we potentially can take them further to develop a meaningful solution that would help in the decarbonization of buildings. A few months later, we both returned to Switzerland when I finished my master thesis and Diego finished his internship. Since November 2020, we have been working on Scandens full time.
Diego: We were lucky enough that after one year we were able to partner up with the Migros Pioneer Fund which supports early-stage projects or start-ups whose solutions can have a positive impact on society. As we are an impact-driven start-up with a clear mission to decarbonize the building sector, it was a perfect fit.
Kuba: Also we were lucky enough to find a third co-founder with more of a business background who used to work in the FinTech and banking industries. This really helped us to bring organisation to the entire structure of what we wanted to achieve and how we wanted to approach it. As a result, in October 2021 we officially founded the company.
What position is the company in now and what can your software solution do?
Kuba: To put it in one sentence, with just a mouse click our software solution quantifies the climate impact and renovation potential of any building or building portfolio, and creates building-specific, profitable, and 1.5-°C-compliant investement plans.
Diego: We've done a lot of market testing and pilot projects with potential customers, and we already have first customers signed up. Now we are finishing up the web application with the goal of launching the new version of the web app by the end of the year because we have customers who want to use software as of next year. So there's a bit of time pressure, but I think this is a good thing.
Kuba: We are of course also constantly upgrading our algorithms with new state-of-the-art technologies, which incorporate the latest technologies in building renovation into our analysis. We have also started working on expansion plans into other European countries as well as the US.
With the current high costs of energy as well as new energy regulations, the need for our solution is huge and we want to respond to this need in a timely manner.
What motivates you in your work at a personal level?
Kuba: I think what motivates us is on the one hand that what we are doing has a tangible outcome. We always quantify how much carbon can be reduced or saved which is very motivating from the fight against the climate change perspective.
On the other hand, what we are doing is very strongly aligned with our personal values. It's really exciting to work in a field where you can quantify the impact that you have together with yous customers, but also it's very aligned with what we believe in.
Diego: I can only agree. I guess we see meaning and purpose in what we do. And that's then also what motivates us. And then of course I really appreciate the freedom, the flexibility but also the responsibility you have when you are working in your own start-up. I feel very privileged to do this.
Do have any personal tips for students at ETH?
Kuba: Don’t just focus on the modules, which are part of your degree, but really explore other opportunities provided by ETH but also other entities in the ecosystem. For example, if the right opportunities come along you should go for them. Also, do take the time to decide what master thesis you would like to do, or what research project you would like to be involved in. Ultimately those projects and those extra opportunities will build your confidence in certain topics and allow you to become an expert in the field and take your ideas to the next level.
Diego: Exactly, don’t rush through your studies but take your time. Because there are so many cool opportunities. For example, at the ETH student project house you can work on your own projects and apply the theory you have learned hands-on. And then there is the possibility to do one or more internships during your studies, which I can only recommend to everyone.