The current decline in the availability of natural raw material resources, the increasing emphasis on environmentally and economically sustainable technologies, and the forthcoming landfill ban (in connection with the Green Deal initiatives) are intensifying the demand for the utilization of secondary raw materials and the implementation of waste-free technologies. At the same time, the European Union has established a range of instruments and mechanisms within the framework of the European Green Deal and its associated strategies, particularly those promoting the circular economy.

The course introduces students to the comprehensive issues related to the utilization of secondary raw materials in environmentally friendly construction materials. It presents the potential applications as well as the limitations of various secondary raw material sources. Particular attention is paid to renewable and environmentally sustainable resources capable of effectively replacing or supplementing conventional materials. The course also addresses the important topic of transforming waste into valuable resources, including the utilization of by-products from the energy sector.

Since the application of secondary raw materials in construction materials often requires their modification, the course also covers the principal processing technologies, including thermal treatment methods. Furthermore, students will become familiar with the fundamental testing methodologies required to evaluate the suitability of specific secondary raw materials for use in selected construction materials. A specialized topic of the course focuses on the treatment, processing, and potential utilization of residues generated by water treatment plants. An integral part of the course consists of practical laboratory exercises, providing students with hands-on experience in the characterization and application of secondary raw materials.