Online Workshops
Building on the existing video content, we are now launching an accompanying series of “after-work workshops.” These Online workshops last around two hours (with the possibility of extension if the discussion requires it) and combine short keynote speeches with open discussion. The aim is to create a space for exchange that is exciting and beneficial for both experienced professionals and newcomers. The workshops will be conducted in German.
The contributions and suggestions of the participants will be incorporated directly into the future videos for this platform, so that the workshop not only serves as a forum for exchange, but also becomes more widely usable.
The complete list of workshops is provided below, along with links to register. Registration can also be completed via email. Registration is free of charge.
Workshop 1 – 27.11.2025 | 17:00-19:00
Loam, Cement & Sustainability
Stabilized earth construction: Is cement a necessary additive or does it contradict the idea of sustainable building?
The first workshop in this series is dedicated to the question of sustainability in modern earth construction. While earth is traditionally considered a sustainable building material, today it is almost always stabilized with cement, especially in development cooperation projects. Sometimes to such an extent that it is hardly distinguishable from concrete. But how much cement is really necessary, and where is the line between sensible stabilization and a practice that undermines the concept of sustainability? Why do many projects rely on stabilization? What are the advantages (e.g., easier implementation, higher weather resistance, and simpler maintenance)? What are the ecological and social consequences of this? What other options are there for optimizing the construction process and the carbon footprint?
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1720509924499
Workshop 2 – 22.01.2026 | 17:00-19:00
Minimum Standards & Proportionality
Proportionate and realistic minimal standards in development cooperation projects and the risks of excessive requirements
In this workshop, we will discuss how construction and design standards in development cooperation projects can be improved and where the limitations lie. Topics such as escape routes, accessibility, toilet capacity, and natural ventilation will be the focus. The central question is: Which improvements are realistic, financially feasible, and practically implementable under the given conditions? We will consider the opportunities and risks of stricter requirements, analyze their proportionality in comparison to current practice, and discuss how standards can be raised in a meaningful way without jeopardizing projects through excessive expectations.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1738262593209
Workshop 3 – 25.03.2026 | 17:00-19:00
Potential of bamboo construction
Sustainable building with bamboo: experiences, challenges, and new developments
Bamboo is considered one of the most sustainable building materials in the world—it grows quickly, is versatile, and has great potential for resource-efficient construction. But how realistic is its use in development cooperation projects? In this workshop, we will examine the opportunities and limitations of bamboo construction: from technical and legal hurdles to questions of maintenance and durability to the lack of expertise. Using project examples and new developments in the construction industry, we will discuss how bamboo can be used more extensively in the future – and what conditions must be met for this to happen.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1738548167369
Workshop 4 – 27.05.2026 | 17:00-19:00
Dialogue with local experts
How international NGOs and local professionals can realize sustainable construction projects through clear agreements.
cooperation construction projects? This workshop addresses the question of how requirements, budgets, and funding conditions can be clearly communicated while at the same time being aligned with local possibilities. We will discuss ways to avoid misunderstandings, prevent oversized projects, and jointly develop viable standards. In particular, we will look at how sustainable solutions, from alternative materials such as clay or bamboo to energy-efficient design decisions and improvements in accessibility, ventilation, or fire protection, can be realistically implemented.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1738544536509
Workshop 5 – 16.09.2026 | 17:00-19:00
Completed Projects & Lessons Learned
Key challenges, specific lessons learned, and transferable insights for future projects
What remains after a construction project has been completed—and what can be learned from this for future projects? In this workshop, we will take a look at completed construction projects and gather the most important challenges and lessons learned from practical experience. Participants contribute their own experiences: from sustainable materials and technical details to project management, realistic timeframes and costs, and the question of whether the original design ideas were actually implemented. We also reflect on collaboration with local experts, communication and role clarification with partner organizations, and typical sources of error that can often be avoided with relatively simple adjustments.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1979043987842
Workshop 6 – 11.11.2026 | 17:00-19:00
Sustainability & financeability
Outlook: Sustainable construction despite rising costs and shrinking budgets.
To conclude the series, we look ahead: What prospects do sustainable construction projects have in development cooperation when funding is becoming scarcer, material prices are rising, and construction projects are being financed less frequently overall? The focus is on the conflict of objectives between sustainability and financial viability. This is because resource-saving solutions often require more planning, clear maintenance and operating concepts, and, not infrequently, higher initial investments. We discuss what this development means for the quality, lifespan, and climate impact of construction projects—and what approaches can help to plan, build, and operate sustainably even under restrictive budgets.
As a secondary topic, we consider what structural changes can be expected in development cooperation if funding continues to decline overall.Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1979049851380