The theme of the 7th CIB President’s Seminar Series is “The impact of research in the built environment sector”, and we have secured speakers from leading CIB members who are delivering significant impact through their research. Seminars from the previous series can be viewed here.
The impact of research in the construction and built environment sector is most critical in addressing the “triple bottom line” of sustainability, safety, and economic efficiency. Ultimately, impactful research bridges the gap between academic theory and sector application, whether through improving practice or policy, ensuring that every structure contributes to a safer, smarter, and more sustainable future. This builds on CIB’s existing emphasis on contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and on research that benefits society.
Circular construction, digitalization and the role of international collaboration
June 30th 2026 10am (UTC+2)
Forced by geopolitical, environmental and financial needs, circular construction is likely to come in a revival phase. Several good examples and pilots exist in different regions of the world. However, scale is still lacking and harmonization of assessment methods, data sharing and use of AI, standardization, (new) business models and capacity building is needed to accelerate the uptake of circular construction practices, to make it the standard way of working. Examples will be shown from National, European and Global initiatives, highlighting the need for international collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Speaker
Huub Keizers is Business Director Circular Construction & International Collaboration at TNO. In 2019-2023 he, together with industry, government and academic partners, established the Dutch Top Consortium for the Built Environment, the organization that develops and manages the Dutch construction sector’s innovation agenda. In 2023, Huub joint the Board of CIB, Built4People, ENBRI and ECTP.
In this role, Huub chairs several Task Groups focusing on innovation in the construction sector, advanced materials, industrialization, digitalization and skills. He gives guest lectures and presentations at events and universities to stimulate open knowledge sharing for a more sustainable built environment.
