Discover the winners of INHERIT's call for learning partners

INHERIT has selected a group of outstanding professionals, institutions, and organisations to collaborate with the project as hosts. Discover the winners and the next steps.

We are excited to announce the results of our recent 'Call for learning partners'! After assessing the very pertinent and innovative projects, we have selected a group of 4 outstanding professionals, institutions, and organisations to collaborate with the INHERIT project as hosts. These selected partners have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to preserving cultural heritage while applying the principles of the New European Bauhaus (NEB)—sustainability, inclusivity, and aesthetics—through cutting-edge technological innovation and community engagement.

Selection Overview:

The partners were chosen for their expertise in the following fields:

· Adaptive reuse and refurbishment of historic buildings.

· Enhancing energy efficiency and the use of monitoring tools in preservation.

· Employing advanced technologies like H-BIM, digital twins, and AR/VR for monitoring and managing cultural heritage sites.

· Engaging stakeholders and communities in sustainable transformation and the circular economy in cultural heritage projects.

Their work not only showcases innovative approaches to preserving heritage but also exemplifies how historic buildings can serve as beacons of sustainable development, aligned with the goals of the European Green Deal and NEB initiatives.

A. Zero Waste House, Slovenia

This project focuses on the sustainable renovation of a "Zero Waste House." Designed with investors in mind, this case study offers a detailed guide on how to renovate using sustainable practices, while exploring the potential of creating a materials passport based on knowledge and photos from the renovation process. It provides a foundation for leveraging ICT tools to help citizens and investors estimate the value of materials and recognize opportunities for sustainable building interventions. Learn more

B. Green Tensegrity Installations, Eleusis, Greece

In the ancient city of Eleusis, this project introduces innovative green installations featuring sustainable construction and water management systems. Participants will engage with on-site assemblies, self-sustaining green walls, and a pavilion designed to promote urban activities. This project exemplifies the fusion of sustainability, smart technologies, and community engagement in public spaces. Learn more

C. Co-design Digital Project at Paphos Gate, Cyprus

Paphos Gate in Nicosia presents a historical journey through an inclusive co-design process. Engaging experts and citizens alike, this digital project allows participants to virtually explore the evolution of this landmark through time. It is a wonderful example of how technology and cultural heritage can blend seamlessly, offering an immersive experience of Nicosia's architectural history. Learn more

D. Old Ironworks Project, Ravne na Koroškem, Slovenia

The Old Ironworks project revitalises a historic ironworks site with a focus on community, culture and sustainability. With the use of locally sourced materials and recycled steel, this project preserves the site's industrial heritage while creating modern spaces for cultural and educational activities. Innovative heat reuse from nearby steel production shows a commitment to circularity and sustainable urban regeneration. Learn more

Role of the Learning Partners:

As learning partners, these experts will:

1. Host INHERIT pilots for study visits, offering participants a firsthand experience of their projects. Each visit will include tailored programmes developed by ICLEI Europe to address the specific learning objectives of the pilots and hosts.

2. Share knowledge and lessons learned from their NEB-aligned projects, including early experiments and successful approaches that can be replicated in other contexts.

3. Participate in detailed discussions about the challenges and opportunities of integrating sustainability into cultural heritage, focusing on energy efficiency, circularity, and the use of digital technologies.

4. Collaborate with other NEB experts and INHERIT partners to foster an international network dedicated to advancing resource-efficient and resilient cultural heritage practices.

Learning Programme Themes:

The study visits and collaboration will focus on three core themes:

A. Human-centered and Life-centered Approaches to Cultural Heritage

This theme explores how community engagement and nature-based solutions can help preserve heritage. From socially innovative projects that regenerate local communities to the integration of eco-friendly materials and solutions like rooftop gardens, the goal is to harmonise the needs of people and the environment at historic sites.

B. Resource Efficiency and Circularity in Heritage Conservation

This involves reducing waste, maximising material lifespan and adopting circular economy principles. Partners will show how their projects optimise resources, minimise environmental impact, and reuse materials—demonstrating sustainable practices in the lifecycle of heritage buildings.

C. Capacity for Innovative, Transdisciplinary Approaches

Learning partners will share their expertise in incorporating new tools such as AI algorithms, big data analytics, H-BIM, and digital twins into conservation efforts. The focus is on using these technologies for real-time monitoring, improving energy efficiency, and managing historic sites with a futuristic vision. Additionally, the program will emphasise social innovations like bottom-up governance models, co-creation, and collaboration with local stakeholders.

What's Next?

Our pilots and hosts will design and run the study visit by aligning the learning objectives. The study visits are set to take place between November 2024- June 2025. Throughout the programme, the learning partners will engage in capacity-building activities, contribute to the development of a policy document for best practices, and participate in Breakfast@Sustainability events facilitated by ICLEI Europe. These events will create a platform for sharing insights and collaborating with other experts in the field.

Benefits of Participation:

· Visibility and recognition in the NEB and cultural heritage community.

· Access to the latest learning packages on energy efficiency and sustainability in heritage sites.

· Opportunities to share expertise and showcase futuristic approaches in dedicated events.

· Contribution to shaping future policies and practices through collaborative learning and dialogue.

We look forward to the exciting knowledge exchange, collaborations, and innovative ideas that will emerge from these partnerships, all contributing toward the creation of a sustainable, inclusive, and resource-efficient future for our cultural heritage!

Contacts:

Project coordinator:

Stamatia Rizou, Project Manager at SingularLogic srizou@singularlogic.eu

Communication Manager:

Federica Fusco, Fondazione ICONS federica.fusco@icons.it

Project website: www.inheritproject.eu
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