NEG sustainability courses  

Preserve, reuse and build better

Published 23-03-2026
News

Gain new insights into circular construction and material reuse. NEG’s course series provides both knowledge and practical tools for a more sustainable building industry.

In connection with the FBB project, NEG has put a significant focus on the construction of the future with an ambitious series of courses on circular solutions, sustainability and reuse of building materials. With increasing demands for documentation of climate footprint and resource consumption, there is a growing need for new skills in the construction industry – and here the reuse of bricks plays a central role.

This course series is designed for professionals in the construction industry, including bricklayers and others with an interest in sustainable construction. The purpose is to give the participants both theoretical insight and practical tools to work with circular principles in practice.

Course Headings

Throughout the course, the participants will be introduced to a number of key themes:

  1. Introduction to climate, circular solutions and construction
  2. The brick as an obvious circular building material
  3. The properties of the masonry: strength, moisture and durability
  4. Changed masonry technique for reused bricks
  5. Dismantling, cleaning and sorting (design for dismantling)
  6. Mortar selection for recycled masonry (function and compatibility)
  7. The masonry life cycle and circular principles (R-strategies)
  8. Climate calculation: CO₂ of new vs. recycled bricks
  9. Construction with a focus on durability and life extension
  10. Practical exercise: circular use of bricks
  11. Perspective: circular solutions in practice and on the construction site

From theory to practice

The teaching is organized with a link between theory and practice. Participants will work with concrete examples and cases that reflect real challenges in the industry. There will be an opportunity to test methods for dismantling, cleaning and re-bricking bricks as well as assessing the quality and usability of the materials.

In addition, the course will provide insight into how to make the right choices in relation to mortar, construction and design, so that recycled materials are optimally included in new buildings – both technically and aesthetically.

Focus on climate and documentation An important part of the course series is the understanding of the climate footprint of construction. Participants are introduced to basic climate calculations, including comparing CO₂ emissions when using new bricks and recycled bricks. This provides a solid basis for making more sustainable decisions and meeting future requirements for documentation.

Buildings with a longer lifespan

Circular construction is not only about recycling, but also about building with quality and durability in mind. The courses therefore focus on solutions that extend the life of buildings and make them easier to maintain, adapt and eventually dismantle.

A step towards the construction of the future

With this series of courses, NEG wants to strengthen the industry's competencies and contribute to a more responsible use of resources. The goal is to make circular construction an integral part of everyday life on the construction site – not just as a vision, but as a practical and economically sustainable solution.

John Hvass
NEG

Last updated 23-03-2026