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 landfill sites. At the same time, clay is still underrepresented as a regionally available and fully recyclable building material. This material offers enormous potential for ecological and innovative construction, but often goes unnoticed. Despite intensive discussions in specialist circles, there is a lack of broad social sensitisation to 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 provide children and young people with practical insights into sustainable construction and resource conservation. The focus is on topics such as soil protection, the 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 tests.

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 arouse enthusiasm for applied research in technical and scientific topics, especially among girls and children with a migration background. At the same time, awareness of environmentally friendly construction practices and resource conservation is to be raised, while pupils and their parents are sensitised to climate protection issues and motivated to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.