On May 26 at 15:30, at the atrium of the Riga Technical University (RTU) Institute of Architecture and Design, at 6 Ķīpsalas Street, by signing a cooperation memorandum between RTU, the Ministry of Economics, and the Ministry of Climate and Energy, the Sustainability Competence Centre will be ceremonially opened. The Centre will be an interdisciplinary platform for education, research, and innovation that will promote cooperation between science, industry, and the public sector, knowledge transfer, and the creation of new solutions.
Upon commencing its operations, the centre will focus on circularity and sustainability in architecture, construction, and design, with particular attention to wood and other bio‑based materials; overall, its activities will be aimed at promoting the principles, solutions, and practices of sustainability and circularity in business and public procurement. By providing the professionals and knowledge required by industry, the centre will improve the study process, strengthen, for example, competence in timber construction, and develop lifelong learning. Fundamental and applied research will be promoted, including in the field of bioeconomy materials, as well as idea generation, prototyping, and experimental development, for example by developing wood composite materials for 3D printing. The centre will provide scientifically grounded support for policy development aimed at creating a sustainable, aesthetically high‑quality, and inclusive environment, based on the principles of climate neutrality, circular economy, and efficient use of resources. It will also support public sector clients by promoting a life‑cycle approach, responsible use of resources, improved energy efficiency, and the integration of sustainable solutions into decision‑making.
The opening will be attended by the Speaker of the Saeima, Daiga Mieriņa; Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Economics, Jurģis Miezainis; State Secretary of the Ministry of Climate and Energy, Līga Kurevska; Chairman of the Supervisory Board of JSC “Latvijas Finieris”, Uldis Biķis; and Member of the Saeima, Chair of the Subcommittee on Environment, Climate and Energy, Jana Simanovska.
The Centre brings together the competences of the RTU Institute of Architecture and Design, the Institute of Civil Engineering of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, and the Institute of Environmental Protection and Thermal Systems of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology.
“Sustainability is a responsibility towards future generations. The most important element is investment in human resources, education, and the ability to shape the thinking of new professionals. We see a need to develop competences based on the principles of circularity, interdisciplinary cooperation, and an understanding of the full life cycle of materials. Our goal is to prepare specialists who are capable of creating not only an aesthetically high‑quality environment but also one that is socially and ecologically responsible,” says Māra Liepa‑Zemeša, Director of the RTU Institute of Architecture and Design. Meanwhile, the Director of the Institute of Civil Engineering, Pēteris Druķis, points out: “The question is not whether the transition to circular construction will take place. The question is — which countries will implement it wisely, so as to profit from it.”
The Institute of Environmental Protection and Thermal Systems has been actively working in the field of the circular economy for 25 years, emphasizes the institute’s director Dagnija Blumberga. “At the opening of the Centre, we will share our experience, explaining how economic growth can be achieved through the circulation of bioresources,” she says. At the opening event of the Centre, a presentation by the Deputy Director of VASSI for scientific work, Ilze Vamža, titled “The basis of competitiveness – value that remains in circulation” is planned.
Meanwhile, M. Liepa‑Zemeša will deliver a presentation “Material intelligence: learning from wood”, while P. Druķis will present “The future civil engineer: from knowledge to the application of innovation”.