Announcing the ESEIA International Summer School 2026
Circular Economy in Industry, 21–25 September 2026 | :metabolon, Lindlar, Germay
Building on the success of its 2025 edition, the European Sustainable Energy Innovation Alliance (ESEIA), in cooperation with TH Köln – University of Applied Sciences and the Bergischer Abfallwirtschaftsverband (BAV), is pleased to announce the ESEIA International Summer School 2026, dedicated to the theme “Circular Economy in Industry.” The programme will take place from 21 to 25 September 2026 at :metabolon, an award-winning research and education centre in Lindlar, Germany, recognised for its role in driving circular innovation.
Set against the backdrop of one of Germany’s most advanced living labs for waste-to-resource transformation, this edition will once again explore how industrial waste can be converted into valuable materials, and what systemic, technological, and societal shifts are needed to support this transition. The programme is primarily designed for students seeking to deepen their understanding of circular economy principles in industrial contexts, while also welcoming researchers and professionals looking to exchange knowledge and explore sustainable solutions across sectors.
Programme Overview
The Summer School will offer a balanced mix of lectures, hands-on workshops, group work, and site visits, all designed to deepen understanding and stimulate cross-sector dialogue on the circular economy. Topics will include:
- Industrial waste valorisation
- Biogas technologies and leachate treatment
- Business models and legal frameworks for circularity
- Spatial and aesthetic considerations, including the integration of Bauhaus design principles
- User acceptance and socio-economic implications of circular practices
Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with experts in the field and explore pilot-scale facilities at :metabolon, including those for fermentation, hydrothermal carbonisation, and gasification.
Structure and Teaching Methods
The programme is delivered entirely on site and includes:
- Expert lectures and team-teaching by interdisciplinary faculty
- Supervised group work and project development
- Technical site inspections and guided exploration of :metabolon
- Final group presentations and feedback sessions
This immersive structure is designed to foster collaboration, critical thinking, and practical application of concepts.
Registration
Registration is open from 6 April to 15 June 2026. To register, please contact: schmidt@bavmail.de
The ESEIA International Summer School 2026 promises to be a dynamic and enriching experience, equipping participants with the knowledge and tools to lead the transition toward more circular and sustainable industrial practices.
Watch the ESEIA ISS25 video overview:
