Dr Fragkoulis Kanavaris, ARUP’s Global Leader in Concrete Materials and Decarbonisation, contributed his extensive industry expertise to professional-training activities aimed at improving sustainability knowledge among engineers and architects.
The first activity took place at the Master of Building Fair in Rovinj, Croatia, from 10 to 12 October 2024. As part of the event, 16 participants attended LCA training, gaining insights into the assessment of environmental impacts and the role of life cycle-based approaches in sustainable construction. Dr Kanavaris returned to Zagreb on 16 October 2025 to contribute to the first module of the professional-training programme Sustainability of the Built Environment, developed by Marijana Serdar and Ivana Carević at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Civil Engineering. The session brought together 22 participants from academia, the public sector and industry.
Drawing on practical examples and real-world engineering experience, Dr Kanavaris explored low-carbon concrete materials and structures, durability, structural optimisation, and advances in concrete technology. His lecture demonstrated how LCA results can inform engineering decisions, support material selection, and help identify opportunities to reduce the environmental impacts of construction while maintaining structural performance and durability.
These expert visits highlight the importance of connecting life cycle thinking with real-world engineering practice. By combining international industry expertise with professional education, the activities contribute to improving outreach to the construction sector, strengthening the competencies of engineers and architects, and encouraging the wider adoption of LCA in the design and delivery of more sustainable buildings and infrastructure. Through the ASCCENT project, these initiatives help bridge the gap between research, education and industry, supporting the transition towards lower-carbon construction and a more sustainable built environment.
