1st CIRKLA SUMMER SCHOOL – LUXEMBURG 2025
“Sustainable Construction:
Materials, Circularity, and Innovation”
The event is part of the Interreg-UniGR-CIRKLA project, funded by the Interreg Grande Région 2021-2027 program.
Why is it important?
The transition toward a sustainable and more circular building sector is essential for reducing environmental impact and improving resource efficiency. This summer school offers a comprehensive exploration of key concepts, challenges, and strategies related to circularity in construction, focusing on material reuse, life cycle assessment, sustainable design principles, and policy frameworks.
Participants will engage in a well-structured program that includes lectures from experts, interactive workshops, and case studies illustrating practical applications of circular construction methods. Site visits will provide insights into real-world projects implementing sustainable and circular building approaches. Additionally, group discussions and collaborative exercises will foster critical thinking and problem-solving in addressing the complexities of sustainability in the built environment.
Learn from leading researchers, industry professionals, and sustainability pioneers as they share real-world applications and challenges in transitioning towards a more circular and resilient building sector.
Who can apply?
This program is designed for doctoral students, post-doctoral researchers, and early-career professionals working in any field of civil engineering, architecture, construction, materials engineering, materials science, etc., and looking to expand their understanding of sustainable construction practices and their role in the transition to a circular economy. Advanced master´s students with a strong interest in the field are also encouraged to apply.
The Summer School will take place:
📅 From Monday, September 1st to Friday, September 5th, 2025
📍 University of Luxembourg – Kirchberg Campus (Luxembourg City)
Application
Applications are now open for those interested in gaining both theoretical insights and practical experience in circularity and sustainability within the building sector.
The participation in the event is free of charge.
Free accommodation may be available if needed and upon request (limited places). The costs for this accommodation support are covered by the Interreg-UniGR-CIRKLA project.
Application deadline: 31 May 2025
Please keep in mind that the number of participants is limited. The application deadline is on 31 May 2025. In case there are still available places after the deadline, we will extend the application time.
Presentations on:
- Sustainability and Circular Economy – Agustina Guitar
- Timber/wood construction – Ralph Köhler
- Dismantling of the Ensdorf Power Plant – Klaus Blug
- Green Steel – To be confirmed
- Circular business models across industries: challenges and success factors – Joern Block
- Hands-on workshop with Case Study – to be confirmed
Visits to:
- ArcelorMittal – production in Belval and presentation about the circularity of steel structures
- Wood Cluster of Luxinnovation – To be confirmed
Monday, September 1st
Tuesday, September 2nd
Wednesday, September 3rd
Thursday, September 4th
Friday, September 5th
- Dr.-Ing. Agustina Guitar – Universität des Saarlandes
- Mr. Ralph Köhler – Wood Cluster of Luxinnovation
- Dr. Klaus Blug – VSE AG Saarbrücken
- Prof. Dr. Joern Block – Universität Trier
Organisation:
- Markus Schäfer – University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- Agustina Guitar – Universität des Saarlandes, Germany
- Flavio Soldera – Universität des Saarlandes, Germany
- Paulina Urueta – Universität des Saarlandes, Germany
University of Luxembourg
Campus Kirchberg
6, rue Richard Coudenhove-Kalergi
Luxemburg City
L-1359 Luxemburg
Accommodation can be included in the registration, if needed. Please select in the online registration if you will need accommodation during the event.
Accommodation will be in shared rooms (4 people each). Accommodation includes breakfast.
Youth Hostel Luxembourg-city
2, rue du Fort Olisy
L-2261 Luxembourg
Please keep in mind that the number of participants is limited. The application deadline is on 31 May 2025. In case there are still available places after the deadline, we will extend the application time.
Application deadline: 31 May 2025
CIRKLA Summer School 2025
IMPORTANT!
The participation is free of charge.
The event will take place in English.
In case of further inquiries please contact: office@eusmat.net
