CreativeEARTH - Creative design with earth - Protecting soil and building sustainably with clay

In Austria, the construction industry accounts for over 50% of resource consumption and waste generation, with large quantities of excavated soil ending up unused in landfills. At the same time, clay, a regionally available and fully recyclable building material, is still underrepresented. This material offers enormous potential for ecological and innovative construction, but often goes unnoticed. Despite intensive discussions among experts, there is a lack of broad social awareness of the importance of unsealed soils and sustainable construction methods. Schools offer ideal conditions for achieving multiplier effects in society through targeted educational initiatives.

The project aims to give children and young people practical insights into sustainable construction and resource conservation. The focus is on topics such as soil protection, circular economy, and the use of clay as a building material. Innovative, age-appropriate learning formats combine research-based learning, creative design, and experimental material testing.

The combination of applied research, education, and economic innovation is particularly innovative. Hands-on workshops, excursions, and peer learning formats make complex topics tangible. The aim is not only to impart knowledge, but also to inspire enthusiasm for applied research in technical and scientific subjects, especially among girls and children with a migrant background. At the same time, the program aims to raise awareness of environmentally friendly construction practices and resource conservation, while sensitizing students and their parents to climate protection issues and motivating them to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.

• Provide students with access to practical and future-oriented education in the field of land use and sustainable building with clay
• Promote equal opportunities and educational opportunities for disadvantaged groups such as girls and children with a migrant background
• Raise awareness of environmentally friendly building practices and the protection of natural resources
• Sensitize students to climate protection issues and motivate them to adopt a sustainable lifestyle.