Seminar at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

On November 24th, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) hosted a seminar focused on the pressing topic of Civil Engineering Practical Challenges During the Climate Crisis Era. As part of BGU’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary discussions on sustainability, climate change, and materials engineering, the seminar brought together researchers, professionals, and students to explore innovative approaches for the building sector in the face of environmental challenges.

The event featured Prof. Erez Gal and other speakers who highlighted current research and practical applications aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of civil engineering projects. The seminar was held in a hybrid format, allowing participants both in-person and online to engage in discussions and share insights.

During the seminar, Prof. Erez Gal presented his research journey over the past decades, reflecting the growing impact of climate change on civil engineering and the need for sustainable solutions. His presentation emphasized a holistic approach to sustainability, targeting awareness and actionable strategies for residents, stakeholders, decision-makers, and professionals alike.

His presentation touched upon a lot of interesting topics, the ones related to the ATRIUM project include: 

• 3D Printing of Buildings: Utilizing modular building units, akin to a “3D Lego” approach, to reduce construction time, noise, and environmental impacts while enabling efficient on-site assembly.
• Bio-Composite Materials: Incorporating plant-based materials, such as Hempcrete, for building envelopes and interior walls to enhance sustainability..
• Indoor Air Quality Monitoring: Developing resident-friendly systems to maintain healthy indoor environments.
• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Applying LCA to quantify environmental aspects, including carbon footprint, energy consumption, and natural resource use.

The seminar highlighted that addressing the climate crisis in civil engineering requires integrated thinking, innovation, and collaboration across disciplines. The discussions underscored how sustainable construction practices are no longer optional but essential for the resilience and long-term performance of the built environment.