INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS COORDINATOR AND LECTURER AT THE FACULTY OF TECHNOLOGY, PARTICIPATED IN THE INTERNATIONAL ERASMUS+ PROGRAM PROJECT

29 – 30 of September International Relations Coordinator Jovita Kaziukonytė and Lecturer of Technological Sciences Faculty Remigijus Kaliasas participated in the international KA2 Erasmus+ International Erasmus+ program project meeting no. 2020-1-TR01-KA202-093467 ”POWERUP MYHOUSE: development of innovative learning and practice modules to increase the usage of renewable energies for sustainable buildings” was held at Tomar Polytechnic Institute, Portugal. On the first day, the project website, publications and greater publicity of the project were discussed, as well as the documents required for the preparation of the final report. On the second day of the meeting, the company Sofalca was visited, which uses cork oak as a raw material to create its products. Cork oak  has a unique feature – the bark from which corks are made. Bottle caps are only part of what can be made from it. The bark is also used to make coasters for hot food and drinks, clothing and handbags and many other things. Cork material is also used in construction and home decoration. It is not only suitable for heat and sound insulation, but is also used to decorate rooms or furniture. Cork granules are sometimes mixed with cement to make the concrete lighter, less thermally conductive and more impact resistant. Judging by the wide use of cork material, it is easy to guess that cork has a number of excellent properties. It is elastic, strong and light, impermeable to moisture, heat and sound and almost non-flammable. The natural bark has insecticidal properties, i.e. repels insect pests. This bark is appreciated by everyone for whom it is important that the most natural materials are used in the living environment. Sofalca works every day to develop innovation processes in its business areas, the main goal of which is to create natural and ecological solutions for the market, to introduce all the properties of cork oak. Sofalca’s production process is sustainable, energy self-sufficient for 95% of its needs using its own biomass (cork oak powder).