ESPOL’s Faculty of Geosciences Engineering (FICT) inaugurated the eighth cohort of the Holcim Academy on May 15, 2026, in the Satellite Lecture Hall of the academic unit. The initiative, developed in partnership with Holcim, aims to strengthen the academic and professional training of the country’s future civil engineers through learning opportunities focused on sustainable construction and innovation in the sector.
The event was attended by faculty officials, professors, Holcim representatives, and students selected to participate in the academy. The event provided an opportunity to officially welcome the participants and strengthen the relationship between academia and industry, fostering a space for academic and professional integration focused on the current challenges facing civil engineering.
As part of the inaugural program, Module 1: “Circular Economy and Waste Management” was presented by engineer Meiby Beltrán. The session addressed concepts related to sustainability, efficient use of resources, and strategies for responsible waste management in construction projects.
The event also encouraged reflection on the industry’s environmental impact and the importance of incorporating practices aligned with the principles of the circular economy. This knowledge helps strengthen students’ technical and professional skills, with a focus on sustainable solutions for the construction sector.
The Holcim Academy will run through August 21, 2026, and includes seven specialized modules, as well as field trips and hands-on classes. The initiative aims to complement students’ education through practical experiences and the exchange of knowledge among faculty, professionals, and industry representatives.
Board of Directors at the Inauguration of the Holcim Academy at ESPOL
Faculty of Geosciences Engineering (FICT)
Eng. Paúl Carrión, Ph.D. - Dean of the FICT
Eng. Kenny Escobar, M.Sc. - Associate Dean of the FICT
Eng. Paulina Vilela, Ph.D. - Coordinator of the Civil Engineering Program
Arch. Eunice Lindao, M.Sc. - Coordinator of Business Courses in Civil Engineering
Holcim Ecuador
Eng. Raúl Cabrera - Head of Innovation and Customer Solutions de Holcim Ecuador
Eng. Cristian Velasco - Innovation and Development Coordinator at Holcim Ecuador
Eng. Herry Zambrano - Holcim Academy Coordinator
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SDG 4: Quality Education, by strengthening the academic and professional skills of civil engineering students.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, by promoting sustainable knowledge and solutions applied to the construction sector.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through collaboration between academia and the private sector to promote specialized training and sustainable development.
