5th Sustainability Week at the Kufstein University

The 5th Sustainability Week took place at the Kufstein University from June 19 to 21, 2024. The Sustainability Days 2024, organized by the students of the Energy & Sustainability Management (ENM) degree program, offered a varied program with informative lectures, interactive workshops, discussion rounds with experts and practical demonstrations.

DAY 1: STUDENT PROJECTS AND LECTURES

The first day provided an in-depth insight into various sustainability topics. In the morning, ENM students presented their semester projects. The topics ranged from upcycling from denim to plastic recycling and zero-waste cooking. The variety of ideas made for exciting discussions and stimulated reflection. The afternoon also offered a series of interesting presentations: Erwin Stubenschrott spoke about sustainable heat from pellets, followed by Miranda Schreurs, who emphasized the importance of the energy transition. Christian Niederstätter addressed the topic of the economy for the common good, before the day concluded with a presentation by the Austrian Alpine Association on sustainable tourism.

DAY 2: EXCURSION TO BINDERHOLZ JENBACH & FÜGEN

On the second day, which took place in cooperation with proPellets Austria and proHolz Tirol, over 90 people took part in an excursion to Binderholz Jenbach & Fügen. The participants were given exclusive insights into the world of wood-based materials. In Jenbach, the glulam plant was visited, while in Fügen the focus was on the biomass cogeneration plant and the connected pelleting plant.

DAY 3: SOLAR TECHNOLOGY AND ARCHITECTURE

The third and final day was organized together with Austria Solar and was dedicated to the forward-looking topic of solar technology and architecture. Under the motto Building with the sun, possibilities were discussed as to how buildings can be supplied entirely with renewable energy on site. Solar architecture is increasingly moving into the spotlight. Volker Flamm opened the event, followed by practical examples from Georg Bechter, Arno Discher and Johannes Zeininger, who showed how solar technology can be harmoniously integrated into architecturally appealing buildings.

Conclusio

A colorful supporting program with snacks and drinks promoted the exchange between students and speakers. Sustainability Week 2024 was successfully held in glorious sunshine. The event provided an ideal platform to learn about current developments in the field of sustainability and to network.