ACE -Europa Nostra Conference
New European Bauhaus – Heritage & Transformation

In Europe, a significant portion of the building stock was constructed before the introduction of energy performance standards. Around 75% of our built environment is considered to be energy-inefficient and will need to be renovated if we are to decarbonise the buildings sector and meet the ambition to become climate neutral by 2050. 

With the Renovation Wave strategy, the recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), but also the New European Bauhaus (NEB), the European Union has taken up the challenge head-on and is trying to support a radical transformation of our built environment to make it more energy and resource efficient, more inclusive and more pleasant. Europe has a rich and multi-faceted built heritage, which reflects the continent's long and complex history. A significant portion of this heritage incorporates strong cultural, social, environmental and economic values, but only a very small part of this heritage is listed and protected by law. Yet, this built heritage faces many challenges, including climate change, lack of maintenance, poor quality renovation, to name but a few. The preservation and quality renovation of our built heritage can bring multiple benefits to individuals and society, for present and future generations.

The need to improve the performance and comfort of our living spaces and to protect and enhance their heritage value, requires continued investment and commitment from governments, communities and professionals.

As the European Union, its Institutions, Member States, Regions and Cities have embarked on a radical transformation of our built environment, the conference organised by the Architects’ Council of Europe in partnership with Europa Nostra aims to:
 -    raise awareness among policy-makers and stakeholders of the challenges facing our built heritage;
-    share good practices and innovative solutions for the protection, retrofit and re-use of our built heritage;
 -    discuss barriers and enablers to scale up these good practices and support innovation.

The conference will be held on Thursday, 29 November at the International Cultural Centre, Krakow, Rynek Główny 25. The conference will be webstreamed though ACE youtube channel.

Stay tuned! More information and agenda will be announced soon.

Organised in collaboration and with the support of  ICC, Europa Nostra Heritage Hub in Krakow and the European Heritage Hub. The event is co-funded by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union.