We urgently need to learn how to close cycles! Human society is approaching a situation where several resources are becoming scarce at the same time. 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. Complex problems are ahead of us and a broad, integrative approach is needed to tackle them. The tight collaboration of architects & planners, scientists and engineers will be crucial in this process.
The International Ecological Engineering Society IEES believes that understanding ecology is a key competence for future professionals. Ecology teaches how to deal with complexity and requires a mode of thinking in systems at different scales. Sustainable solutions need to be inspired by a profound understanding of material cycles, ecological functions and - principles.
Zurich University of Applied Science in Waedenswil, Switzerland, and IEES will host the 2020 Closed Cycles and Circular Society Symposium on 2-4 September 2020. The symposium directs to foster the most recent practices, innovations and challenges encountered in this field.
Please note that in response to the Covid-19 / Corona crisis, the symposium will be switched to 100% virtual!
We aim to address professionals, such as scientists, planners, architects and engineers, who are interested in finding creative solutions in the field of ecological engineering. We cordially invite you to participate in this unique symposium to exchange knowledge, innovative ideas and creative skills for an integrated, holistic design.
Tasks, sessions and the whole symposium are designed to allow ample time for discussion and exchange (see concept of "Tasks" and "Case Studies", PDF, 457 kB).
No "Sorry, there's just time for one question" at this symposium!
Key issues covered at the symposium by accepted session proposals (see "Accepted sessions" and "Accepted Case Studies and Tasks" for more information):
- Knowledge transfer and education in Ecological Engineering
- Green buildings & infrastructure
- Reducing the environmental footprint through closed cycles
- Integrated design and planning approaches
- Evaluating greywater reuse as a strategy towards closed cycles
- Closed-cycle strategies in economy
- Design and assessment of multifunctional systems in Ecological Engineering
- New value chains and business models in circular economy
- Digitalization and automatization in Ecological Engineering
- Operation and management of complex solutions
Key themes yet to be covered are:
- Large scale ecological engineering projects - towards closed cycle strategies
- Risk assessment and safety issues in closed cycles
- Source separation and pollution avoidance strategies
- 100% Renewable energy
- Role of nature-based solutions in the circular society
- Life quality aspects and ecological engineering
Late abstracts are still welcome until June 17, in particular for "Tasks" and "Case Studies"!
