Smart Sustainable Envelopes for an Energy Efficient Built Environment
From 22 to 26 June 2026, the SNUG project successfully organised its first Summer Research School on Smart Sustainable Envelopes for an Energy Efficient Built Environment at Østfold University of Applied Sciences, Norway. The event brought together students, researchers, and industry professionals from across Europe and beyond for an intensive week of learning, collaboration, and hands-on experimentation focused on the future of sustainable construction.
Hosted at Østfold University of Applied Sciences in Fredrikstad, Norway, the summer school welcomed participants from bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral levels, representing universities and research organisations from Norway, Spain, Italy, Sweden and India. The interdisciplinary nature of the group created a unique environment where architects, engineers, material scientists, and sustainability researchers could learn from each other’s perspectives.
The programme opened with welcome remarks from Susanne Koch Stigberg, Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science, Engineering and Economics at Østfold University of Applied Sciences, followed by a keynote lecture from Haidar Hosamo (OsloMet) on the transition from static assessment approaches to dynamic decision-support systems enabled by digital twins. Participants were also introduced to the SNUG project and visited the university’s Green Research Hub and laboratory facilities.
Research-Based Learning Through the CDIO Approach
The summer school was developed in line with the CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate) educational framework adopted by the Engineering Department at Østfold University of Applied Sciences. Rather than focusing solely on theoretical knowledge, participants were encouraged to address real-world engineering challenges through active learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and practical problem-solving. Throughout the week, students combined scientific knowledge with hands-on activities, applying and critically evaluating methods relevant to sustainable building envelope design.
Four Modules, One Integrated Vision
The summer school was structured around four interconnected modules reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of sustainable envelope design. Together, these modules provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of circularity and sustainability in building envelopes, covering assessment methods, digital tools, advanced materials, and techno-economic feasibility.
Environmental Assessment and Standardization
The first module introduced participants to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), environmental indicators, material flow analysis, and the role of European standards in sustainable construction. Through practical exercises, students explored how methodological choices, system boundaries, and data quality can significantly influence sustainability assessments and design decisions.
This module was delivered by Florian Traxler (Austrian Standards) and Lars Gunnar Furelid Tellnes (Østfold University of Applied Sciences).
Advanced and Renewable Insulation Materials
The second module explored innovative insulation technologies, including hemp-based biopanels, mycelium-based materials, phase change materials (PCMs), and aerogel-enhanced solutions. Lectures highlighted the opportunities and challenges associated with emerging materials, balancing thermal performance, durability, environmental impact, and regulatory requirements.
Contributors to this module included:
- Enrique Serra (AIDIMME)
- Yoonhee Cho (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and the Mycobuild Project)
- Anna-Lena Kjøniksen (Østfold University of Applied Sciences)
- Marina Stipetic (University of Stuttgart)
Digital Modeling and Decision Support Tools
Digitalization was a central theme throughout the week. Participants learned about building energy simulation, indoor climate assessment, generative design, and AI-supported decision-making.
A particular highlight was the opportunity to test the SNUG Digital Tool Assistant in its closed-beta stage. Through hands-on workshops led by project partner Lurtis AI, participants became the first external users to explore how digital tools can support circular and energy-efficient envelope design.
This module was delivered by:
Life Cycle Costing and Circular Business Models
The final module focused on the economic dimension of sustainable construction. Participants learned how Life Cycle Costing (LCC) can be integrated with LCA to support more holistic decision-making. Practical exercises introduced circular business models and encouraged students to evaluate both environmental and economic performance when selecting building solutions.
This module was delivered by Laura Toth-Sonns and Andrea Kurz (Brimatech Research)
Learning Through Practice: The Ice Box Challenge
A major highlight of the summer school was the inaugural Ice Box Challenge Fredrikstad 2026, inspired by the internationally recognised Ice Box Challenge initiative.
Working in interdisciplinary teams, participants designed and built small insulated “houses” to protect a two-kilogram block of ice under real outdoor summer conditions. Students could choose among both commercial insulation products and innovative materials developed within the SNUG project.
However, the objective extended beyond thermal performance alone. Teams were challenged to balance thermal efficiency, carbon footprint, material costs and circularity considerations.
To support evidence-based decisions, participants were provided with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and research data generated within the SNUG project. The challenge transformed theoretical knowledge into practical problem-solving and highlighted the complexity of designing truly sustainable building envelopes.
Two awards were presented:
🏅 Most Ice Remaining
🏅 Best Overall Performance, combining thermal performance, cost, and environmental impact
The challenge was made possible thanks to the support of local industry partners, including BEWI Insulation Norway and Hunton Fiber, which provided materials and helped strengthen the connection between research, education, and industry.
Participant feedback highlighted the value of combining lectures, practical exercises, and collaborative problem-solving. Several attendees emphasised that the summer school provided a unique opportunity to connect building physics, sustainability assessment, digital tools, material innovation, and economic evaluation within a single learning experience. Others highlighted the importance of working in multidisciplinary and international teams, reflecting the collaborative nature of real-world sustainability challenges.
The SNUG Summer Research School demonstrated how research, education, and innovation can be successfully integrated to support Europe’s transition towards a more sustainable built environment.
The strong engagement from students, lecturers, researchers, and industry partners confirms the growing interest in sustainable building envelopes. By bringing together expertise in sustainability assessment, advanced materials, digitalisation, and techno-economic evaluation, the summer school contributed directly to the SNUG project’s objective of accelerating the development and uptake of innovative envelope solutions for the built environment.
The SNUG Summer Research School 2026 was organised by Østfold University of Applied Sciences and funded through the Horizon Europe project SNUG (Smart Sustainable Envelopes for an Energy Efficient Built Environment).
As the person responsible for the organization of the school, I want personally to acknowledge everyone that contributed to the summer school, thank you so much for your collaboration and commitment you showed to our students. This would not be possible without the collaboration with so many of our partners inside SNUG, but also external collaborators that helped us to arrange an fruitful learning experience, many thanks to all of you.
A huge thank you to the team at Østfold University of Applied Sciences for hosting and organizing an incredible first SNUG Summer Research School in Fredrikstad! From the warm welcome by Dean Susanne Koch Stigberg to the hands-on lab sessions and expert keynotes, the university provided an inspiring environment and top-tier hospitality for this international cohort. Immense gratitude goes out to Susana Sanfelix and team for all the hard work and dedication in making this event such a success!
