How Much Do We Really Need?

WinterSchool.2023 @ FH Kufstein Tirol
Sustainable Urban Development

Welcome ^

In 2023, we celebrate the 12th WinterSchool in the study programs Facility & Real Estate Management and Energy & Sustainability Management. We are very pleased that many students from our partner universities will join us: Students from Zuyd Hogeschool in Heerlen (NL) and from Diemen, Amsterdam (NL) Students from INHolland University of Applied Sciences. In addition, there are some exchange students who are currently spending their semester abroad in Kufstein. And we also welcome all students from Kufstein to these project days.

The WinterSchool has already received several awards as a sustainable project. We are proud of the nomination as UNESCO project "sustainable learning".

You are part of this WinterSchool and can also list your participation as a success on your resume. We are happy about social media posts e.g. on LinkedIN. Please connect with us and we will be happy to share your news in our network as well.

Change is in our power ^

We don't need to tell you that as a society we are facing major challenges. We need a sustainable transformation of all systems. This applies equally to actions to mitigate climate change and to adapt to its consequences. All sectors need sustainable transformation. It applies to all of us, to our lifestyles, our mobility and our homes.

Climate Change 1850-2021

Global temperature change 1850-2021, Ed Hawkins, CC BY 4.0

Even if the individual figures differ somewhat and there are limits to the calculation, all the results show very clearly that we in Europe, including Austria, the Netherlands and Germany, have a major responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions from different sectors, such as energy production, agriculture and buildings, also vary from country to country. Nevertheless, the lesson is that we need to make great efforts in all sectors to massively reduce CO2 emissions and rely on alternative energy sources and lifestyle changes.

CO2 emissions in tons per capita worldwide, in Europe, Austria, the Netherlands and Germany as well as ratio in the sectors energy industry, agriculture in Europe

CO₂ emissions in tons per capita in selected countries 2020 based on the data of the Federal Environment Agency Germany & ratio in sectors 2020 in Germany based on data of the Federal Environment Agency Germany , Christian H. Huber, CC BY 4.0

The graphs look very similar when we look at the consumption of earths like you find them at overshootday.org. You are certainly familiar with these. These also show us that we are living beyond our means and must change something. Our business areas of Energy, Sustainability, Real Estate and Facility Management are also called upon to help with ideas and, above all, with activities.

Our home countries have set targets to reduce these emissions. If we compare the developments of the past years with the achievement of these targets, it quickly becomes very clear that major changes are necessary in the next few years.

We need creative ideas and a general rethink! ^

More and more regions in Europe and worldwide are starting this rethinking and trying new ways of thinking. This is also happening on our doorstep and maybe you are part of a region that doesn't just write sustainability in beautifully decorated and blinky headlines, but actually plans and implements concrete projects.

A region that has committed itself to the path of sustainability can be found on our doorstep and Kufstein, like our university, is a part of it. One goal of the Euregio Inntal which includes the regions Kufstein (A), Kitzbühel (A), Rosenheim (D), Traunstein(D) is sustainable living with decentralized & renewable energy production and the supply of regional food. And it is exactly on this topic that we want to develop ideas together in the 12^th WinterSchool 2023. It is all about sustainable urban development which brings together the disciplines of real estate, energy, sustainability and facility management.

So let's go & and let it happen... ^

In this challenge you will develop & evaluate options for a self-sufficient, livable residential area with the goal of the lowest possible use of land resources. Self-sufficiency is to include energy and food production. Living & common spaces are to be planned according to the needs of the corresponding target group.