11th International Summer School on Sustainable Buildings for Europe

Date: September 16-25, 2026

Location: University of Applied Sciences Burgenland (Pinkafeld Campus)

Explore the Future of Sustainable Buildings

The 11th International Summer School on Sustainable Buildings for Europe brings together engineering and technology students from partner universities across Europe for an intensive and inspiring international learning experience focused on sustainable buildings, renewable energy technologies, and energy-efficient solutions for the built environment.

Organized by the Department of Energy and Environmental Management at the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland (Austria), the programme combines academic lectures, practical laboratory sessions, international teamwork, project-based learning, and intercultural exchange in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

The summer school is designed for students interested in:

Sustainable building technologies
Renewable energy systems
Environmental and energy management
Sustainable architecture
Innovative engineering solutions for future cities and buildings

Partner Universities

The programme is organized in cooperation with several European partner universities, including:

University of Maribor (Slovenia)
Budapest University of Technology and Economics (Hungary)
University of Pécs (Hungary)
Slovak University of Technology (Slovakia)
University of Žilina (Slovakia)

Academic Focus & Learning Objectives

Participants will gain theoretical and practical insight into key renewable energy technologies and their application in sustainable buildings. Students will explore the opportunities and limitations of modern technologies while learning how energy-efficient solutions can contribute to sustainable development goals in Europe and beyond.

Main Topics

Heat pump technologies
Biomass systems
Photovoltaic (PV) systems
Energy efficiency in buildings
Ecological assessment of energy systems
Energy storage solutions
Sustainable architecture
Integration of renewable energy systems into modern building design

Teaching & Learning Methodology

The programme follows a student-centered and task-based learning approach that combines theory with practical application.

Learning Formats Include:

Interactive lectures
Laboratory exercises
Tutorials and seminars
Guided online research
Team collaboration and project work
Practical and field-based learning

Before the start of the on-site summer school, participants will take part in an online introductory session (date to be announced). During this meeting, students will receive information about the project work, programme expectations, and organizational aspects of the summer school. The session will also provide an opportunity for participants to meet their international team members and begin initial collaboration in a virtual environment.

Following theoretical sessions, students will have opportunities to engage directly with lecturers and professors through seminars, laboratory activities, and supervised project work.

International Project Work

A central component of the summer school is collaborative project work in international and interdisciplinary teams. Participants will work in project groups composed of both Austrian and international students. Each group will be mentored by a professor from one of the participating partner universities.

The teams will: