During the ENVIHEI Winter School 2026, held from February 23 to 27 at Montanuniversität Leoben, Austria, students, supervisors, and mentors from partner universities experienced an intensive week of hands-on learning and activities focused on environmental sustainability. Alongside the academic program, participants also enjoyed a rich social program designed to encourage intercultural exchange, networking, and informal learning beyond the classroom.
🏙️ City Tour of Leoben: History, Culture, and Community
The social program started with a city tour of Leoben, allowing participants to explore the cultural and historical aspects of the city, as well as the facilities of our host partner Montanuniversität Leoben. This tour enriched the international experience beyond academia, fostered informal exchanges, and strengthened understanding of the social and urban context related to sustainability.
🏭 Exploring Industrial Sustainability at voestalpine Stahl Donawitz
Another key excursion took place at voestalpine Stahl Donawitz, a steel production plant implementing strategies to move toward greener industry. During the visit, students, supervisors, and mentors observed low-carbon production practices and learned about the challenges and strategies of sustainable transformation in a traditionally energy-intensive sector.
☕ Visit to Jamila Coffee Roastery: Sustainability in Practice
One of the highlights was a field trip to Jamila Coffee Roastery, a company committed to sustainable practices across its value chain. Participants gained first-hand insight into responsible production processes and the company’s approach to sustainability, from bean selection to efficient resource management. This visit allowed students to connect academic concepts with real-world applications in the coffee sector.
🍽️ Social Dinner: Connecting Experiences
The Winter School concluded with a special social dinner in Weinlaube zum “Schwarzen Hund”, where students, supervisors, mentors, and organizers shared reflections, learning outcomes, and projects developed throughout the week. This gathering highlighted the importance of personal and professional connections that emerge from international events like this one.
More information, photos, and insights about the projects developed during the Winter School will be shared soon. Stay tuned!
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