The transition towards a more sustainable construction sector requires not only innovative materials and technologies but also new knowledge and skills. The Erasmus+ WENUS project supports this transition by developing innovative training approaches that empower professionals and students to better understand and apply circular wood and timber construction principles.

InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM hosted the WENUS workshop on 27 May 2026 in Izola, Slovenia. The event brought together project partners, researchers, educators and students, providing an opportunity to present the educational resources developed within the project and demonstrate new approaches for vocational education and training (VET).

The WENUS project (Wood Education for Sustainable Construction. Empowering professionals and students to build a more sustainable future through innovative and tailored training in circular wood and timber construction) addresses the growing need for green and digital skills in the construction sector. Through the integration of circular economy principles and 3D printing technologies, the project develops innovative training approaches for sustainable timber construction.

During the workshop, participants explored the WENUS training materials, educational framework and practical exercises developed for students, trainers and professionals. Partners presented the WENUS e-learning platform, which provides access to the developed learning content and enables users to strengthen their knowledge of sustainable construction, circular economy principles and digital technologies.

The platform offers flexible learning opportunities, allowing users to register, complete individual learning modules at their own pace and receive certificates for successfully completed modules. In this way, the WENUS e-learning platform supports lifelong learning and helps learners develop the green and digital skills needed for the future of the construction sector.

A special focus of the workshop was the application of 3D printing technologies in education. Participants explored models developed within the project and observed demonstrations of 3D printing exercises, showing how digital tools can enhance practical learning and support a better understanding of sustainable construction concepts.

A short video from the WENUS workshop is available, providing a visual overview of the event and the activities that took place during the workshop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nnzaZSrixU

The workshop was followed by the third project meeting, where WENUS partners reviewed project progress and discussed upcoming activities, including final educational outputs, dissemination actions, and long-term project sustainability.

Through collaboration between Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM, Technological Centre for Furniture and Wood of the Region of Murcia (CETEM), and Globalnet, the WENUS project continues to strengthen education in sustainable timber construction. By combining circular economy principles, digital technologies and accessible learning opportunities, the project contributes to preparing future professionals for a more sustainable built environment.

To stay updated on WENUS project activities, newly developed resources, and future opportunities to engage with the project, interested participants can subscribe to the WENUS newsletter.

Authors: Lara Prah, Dr. Lea Primožič