Action Groups are the discussion platforms of ESBA, the forum for innovative ideas, projects and cooperation related to Straw Bale Building in Europe. All Action Groups are open to the public. Help us to support this sustainable building technique in Europe:
Action Group 1: European Engagement/Construction Standards
(Develop standardised tech solutions, create digital house plans, establish performance benchmarks, develop research)
In this group we try to evaluate and coordinate the need for tests, standards and general cooperations related to Straw Bale Construction in Europe (Infill, Hybrid, Blow-In, Load Bearing, Wrapping), fire-tests, restrictions and barriers in the national building laws. We want to exchange, how different countries solve challenges and overcome barriers (e.g. for public or multi-family-buildings) for this traditional but still innovative technique.
AG1 meeting 6.11.2024: Report (PDF)
Next AG1 meeting on Zoom,
9th January, 1800 CET
If you are interested in participating in this group, join our next meeting with the Zoom-link above or send an Email with your preferred topics, you want to discuss in this group to the chair of this group, Cypren Edmunds: cyprenedmunds@strawbuilding.eu, and you will be invited to this Zoom-Meeting.
Action Group 3: Workforce Growth & Training
(Define skills accreditation, integrate climate education in curriculum, enhance competencies framework)
In this ActionGroup we discuss news about STEP – Straw Building Training for European Professionals as well as the idea of creating specialized courses for vocational training in colleges/schools or train-the-trainer programs.
AG 3 Meeting 5-11-2024: Report
Next meeting: is planned for January/February 2025, see Doodle
If you are interested in participating in this group, select your preferred date in Doodle, join our next meeting with the Zoom-link below or send an Email with your preferred topics, you want to discuss in this group to the chair of this group, Rikki Nitzkin: rikki@casasdepaja.org, and you will be invited to the next Zoom-Meeting.
Action Group 2: Innovative Tech & Practices
(Strengthen European supply chain, Address climate change impacts)
In this Action group the long-announced ESBA Webshop for materials, tools and skills you need on straw building sites will be discussed. It is sometimes hard, to find the right bales in the right quality, a bale-needle, construction wood and other natural materials, but also craftsmen specialized in straw bale building (STEPper). This webshop is aimed to solve this problem.
AG2 meeting 22.11.2024: Report (PDF)
Next AG2 Meeting on Zoom will be defined in February 2025, after efficient answers from a survey (HG) will arrive.
If you are interested in participating in this group, select your preferred date in Doodle, join our next meeting with the Zoom-link below or send an Email with your preferred topics, you want to discuss in this group to the chair of this group, Herbert Gruber: asbn@baubiologie.at, and you will be invited to this Zoom-Meeting.
Action Group 5: Efficient Project Delivery
(Efficiently consolidate demand, engage local supply chains)
Next AG5 meeting: no meetings at the moment in this AG
Action Group 7: International Development/ESBA and USBC-Ukraine alliance
More info in this post
If you want to join any of the Action Groups to discuss straw building related topics, join a Meeting via Zoom (always the same link), fill a Doodle above or (if you want to be informed/join regularly) answer this Survey