We need to learn how to close cycles! Several resources are becoming scarce, while climate change is increasing the pressure. Wealth and well-being of coming generations will depend on our reactions.

Closing material cycles in a safe and sustainable way is a challenge. A broad, integrative approach is needed to tackle it. The tight collaboration of architects & planners, scientists and engineers will be crucial in this process.

Ecology is a key competence for future professionals. It teaches how to deal with complexity and fosters systems thinking. Sustainable solutions need to be inspired by a profound understanding of material cycles, ecological functions and - principles.

Zurich University of Applied Science ZHAW in Waedenswil, Switzerland, and the International Ecological Engineering Society IEES will host the 2020 Closed Cycles and Circular Society Symposium on 2-4 September 2020. Due to Covid-19, it is 100% virtual.

The symposium directs to foster the most recent practices, innovations and challenges encountered in this field. It aims to develop new approaches as well as the international network. To make a difference, we provide ample time for discussion and exchange!

Target group are professionals, such as scientists, planners, architects and engineers, interested in the transition towards a circular society.

Curious? Have a look at the program! 

Key issues covered by the symposium:

• Integrated design and planning approaches
• Green buildings & infrastructure
• Source separation and pollution avoidance strategies
• Reducing the environmental footprint through closed cycles
• Greywater reuse as a strategy towards closed cycles
• 100% Renewable energy
• Design and assessment of multifunctional systems
• New value chains and business models in circular economy
• Operation and management of complex solutions
• Digitalization and automatization
• Large scale ecological engineering projects
• Risk assessment and safety issues in closed cycles
• Knowledge transfer and education in Ecological Engineering
• Role of nature-based solutions in the circular society