The second nZEBRA Summer School concludes in Halmstad, equipping students with practical skills for sustainable buildings
From 8 to 12 June 2026, Halmstad University hosted the second nZEBRA Summer School, bringing together students, lecturers, and project partners from across Europe for an intensive week of collaborative learning on nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (nZEB).
Building on the success of the first Summer School held at Hamburg University of Technology in 2025, this year's edition further strengthened the project's blended learning approach. The programme combined seven weeks of online learning with a one-week in-person Summer School, allowing students to deepen their knowledge while applying it through practical, team-based activities.
A multidisciplinary programme combining theory and practice
Throughout the week, students explored key topics related to sustainable buildings, including energy efficiency, resource efficiency, life-cycle assessment (LCA), indoor environmental quality, climate resilience, and circular construction. Working in international teams, they analysed real renovation challenges, developed solutions, and presented their findings to lecturers and fellow participants, creating a highly interactive learning environment.
The programme opened with a visit to the Stena Recycling facility in Halmstad, where students gained first-hand insights into recycling processes, resource efficiency, and circular economy principles. The visit was followed by discussions linking these practical observations to sustainable building renovation and material reuse.
Over the following days, students participated in collaborative workshops covering resource-efficient construction, renovation strategies, indoor climate design, heating, cooling and ventilation systems, while continuously developing and presenting team reports that encouraged critical thinking and peer learning.
Learning beyond the classroom
In addition to the academic programme, participants had the opportunity to discover Halmstad University's practical learning facilities through a guided visit to the FabLab and the university's wood, metal, and concrete workshops. The visit allowed students to explore digital fabrication technologies and experience how practical experimentation complements engineering education. According to the laboratory staff, the students enthusiastically engaged with the equipment and greatly enjoyed the experience.
Celebrating a successful edition
The Summer School concluded with an evaluation session, where students shared valuable feedback on the organisation, learning modules, and overall experience. Their comments will contribute to the continuous improvement of future editions of the programme.
During the closing ceremony, participants received certificates confirming the successful completion of the 7.5 ECTS blended course, recognising the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the programme. The week concluded with an informal social gathering, where students and lecturers celebrated their achievements while enjoying a traditional Swedish Smörgåstårta, providing a fitting end to an intensive and rewarding learning experience.
The second nZEBRA Summer School once again demonstrated the value of combining international collaboration, innovative teaching methods, and hands-on learning to prepare the next generation of professionals for the challenges of sustainable and climate-resilient buildings.
Last but certainly not least, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the students, lecturers, and project partners for their enthusiasm, active participation, and valuable contributions throughout the programme. Your ideas, feedback, and commitment made this second edition a great success.
Now it's time for a well-deserved break! We wish everyone a relaxing, enjoyable, and sunny summer!
