EuroFM Winter School 2026

23–27 February 2026 | FH Kufstein Tirol

Theme: Sustainable Urban & Community Development

Are you ready to explore how we can transform the built environment with sustainability at its heart? At WinterSchool 2026 we invite you to join a week of immersive, hands-on learning in the alpine setting of Kufstein, Austria, working with students and experts from across the globe. Make an impact, shape the future. Join us for a week of innovation, collaboration and inspiration — together we’ll create solutions that matter, for campuses, cities and communities of tomorrow. Prof. Huber and the EuroFM & FH Kufstein team look forward to welcoming you in February 2026!

Why attend

Topic 2026: Circular Growth
How can we transform a small remaining urban plot into a functional and inspiring space that meets the needs of a next-generation university? What innovative ideas can help us seamlessly integrate circular economy principles into the development and operation of a sustainable learning hub? Which strategies and initiatives can inspire students and staff of a forward-thinking university to embrace sustainable practices and drive positive change? This year’s WinterSchool gives you the opportunity to tackle one of two inspiring projects, each focused on creating impactful solutions for a sustainable campus.

  • Tackle one of two project challenges:
    • Project A: Reimagine a small leftover urban plot and turn it into a vibrant, functional space for a next-generation university.
    • Project B: Embed circular economy principles into the design, operation and future of a sustainable learning hub.
  • Learn in a blended format: prepare online, engage intensively on-site, and wrap up your learning with follow-up work and a certificate of attendance.
  • Connect with peers from around the world in interdisciplinary teams, supported by coaches and experts.
  • Work using the framework of key UN Sustainable Development Goals, including: Quality Education (SDG 4), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) and Climate Action (SDG 13).
  • Participate in an event that is free of charge (registration required), with your only costs being travel and accommodation.

Program at a glance

DateTimeActivity
13 or 20 Jan19:00-20:30Online Microsoft Teams pre-kick-off (choose one)
10 Feb19:00-20:30Online Microsoft Teams pre-task meeting (mandatory)
23 Feb12:00-20:30On-site welcome & group work
24–26 Feb09:15-18:45On-site group work sessions
27 Feb09:15-15:30Final presentations & closing

(All sessions are mandatory.)

Location & travel

Set in the scenic alpine region, FH Kufstein Tirol offers the perfect mix of innovation, nature and sustainability. The city of Kufstein, nicknamed “The Pearl of the Tyrol”, features stunning mountain views, a historic old town and excellent transport links.
Travel sustainably via train from major hubs such as Munich, Salzburg, Vienna or Innsbruck — the university is a 5-10 minute walk from the station. Expect to organise and budget for your own journey and accommodation.

Sustainability & accessibility at the heart

WinterSchool 2026 isn’t just about sustainability in the classroom: it’s a green event. Highlights include:

  • Reusable drink containers, vegetarian/vegan evening catering, waste separation and water-saving measures.
  • Buildings powered partly by photovoltaic and sustainable district-heating systems, high insulation, energy efficient IT.
  • Fully barrier-free on-site access, including tactile guidance systems, induction loop systems for hearing assistance, and accessible transport.

What to bring

  • Laptop or tablet with internet access, capability to edit presentations and use Microsoft Teams.
  • Headset.
  • Warm, waterproof and snow-proof shoes and clothing (we will spend time outdoors and on excursions).
  • Some spending money for social evening events.

Register now & get involved

Registration is free, but your commitment is essential — we expect full participation. We also ask you to travel as sustainably as possible. Guesthouses in Kufstein fill up early: book your accommodation in good time.

Got questions? Reach out to:
Asc. Prof. Christian Huber
Email: christian.huber@fh-kufstein.ac.at
Phone: +43 5372 71819 0

Follow us on Instagram: @fhkuf_sustain_estate
Stay updated on deadlines, programme changes and special events.

18th IFM Congress TU Wien

The IFM Congress has become a well-known event in the domestic and international FM industry thanks to the keen interest of the professional audience and the excellent presentations from home and abroad, and enjoys lively attendance year after year. The 18th IFM-Congress takes place on November 13-14, 2025 at Fest- und Böcklsaal at  TU Wien, Karlsplatz 13, 1040 Vienna.

Program

Day 1: November 13, 2025

The congress begins with a welcome address by Prof. Dr. Alexander Redlein from IFM TU Wien. The first keynote session focuses on IBM’s human-centered approach and the refurbishment of existing office buildings to align with strategic goals, presented by Marco Borac. After a coffee break, the sessions continue, followed by a lunch break with opportunities for networking and exploring the exhibition. In the afternoon, international workplace trends are discussed, followed by a session on non-financial reporting and its legal implications, presented by Mag. Andrej Grieb. A second coffee break is followed by an economic perspective titled “Good Old Europe, Quo Vadis?” by Dr. Valentin Hofstätter from Raiffeisen Bank Int. AG. The Innovation Challenge 2025 winner is announced before the day concludes with a summary by Prof. Dr. Redlein. In the evening, attendees can join a networking dinner hosted by IBM at its Vienna office.

Day 2: November 14, 2025

The second day starts with the presentation of scientific papers, covering:

  • Facility Management’s role in ESG reporting – exploring whether compliance or strategy is the key driver.
  • Energy consumption in hotels – a systematic literature review on reporting metrics and benchmarking results.

After a coffee break, additional research presentations include:

  • Workplace relocation processes – incorporating employer and employee perspectives.
  • The new EU directive on energy efficiency – its developments and implications for future building management.

Prof. Dr. Alexander Redlein concludes the congress with a summary of both days and closing remarks. The congress officially ends with a final lunch break, providing one last opportunity for networking.

Call for Papers

The IFM Congress benefits from the participation of everyone who has an interesting topic to present. Are you working on a novel research project? Have you conducted interesting case studies? Then we cordially invite you to participate in the Call for Papers for the IFM Journal and the 18th IFM Congress on the following topics. All further information on the topics and requirements can be found here.

Deadline: April 4th, 2025. No submission fee!

IFM Congress 2023: Best Practices in ESG

ESG: A hurdle – or an opportunity? Implementing guidelines efficiently and
preparing for the future at the 16th IFM Congress 2023

ESG is extensive, but what do I really need to pay attention to? How can I implement it appropriately for my company and which laws do I have to observe? What perspective does the circular economy bring? Get insights from the best practices of Erste Bank, DB (Deutsche Bahn) and ARA (Altstoff Recycling Austria) and prepare yourself for the flood of legislation from Brussels with Andrej Grieb.

Join us from November 23rd to 24th 2023 at the 16th IFM Congress at TU Wien and master the latest facility management challenges!

Also at the congress:
Workplace Experience: How should the workplace be designed to offer employees the best solution and bring them back to the office? Learn from thyssenkrupp’s best practice and Pat Turnbull’s international perspective.

The IFM Congress is once again the real estate and FM industry meeting of the year and will take place on site with simultaneous
translation German-English at TU Wien.

IFM Congress 2022

➢ Are Hybrid offices the future? Which trends are developing internationally?
➢ You are looking for a guidance to successfully implement ESG? What is to be considered when gathering ESG data and how can this be done effectively?
➢ You want to celebrate 15 years of IFM-Congress and 10 years of REUG with us?

Then join us on 17th and 18th of November 2022 at TU Wien for the 15th IFM Congress.

In the usual manner, we show successfully applied best practice models from industry and the latest research results: Hear from Ulrike Gehmacher, Head of Group ESG at Immofinanz, how one of the largest developers in CEE deals with ESG in practice and be inspired by the practical implementation of ESG monitoring in the Theater in der Josefstadt. Take a look into the future of the international workplace with Pat Turnbull.

The IFM Congress is once again THE real estate and FM industry meeting of the year.

The congress will be hybrid, one the one hand at TU Wien with simultaneous translation german-english an on the other hand live online per zoom link.

Click here for information on the program and the registration.

We are looking forward to seeing you at the 15th IFM Congress!

Kind regards, Prof. Alexander Redlein and the REUG-Team