On 23 May 2025, ACE board members Diego Zoppi and Dubravko Bacic delivered a keynote speech at the Circular Design in Action – Practices, networks, education and research conference, as part of the CiD (Circular Design Alliance) project in Genoa, Italy.

Mr Zoppi addressed the European framework on circular economy, highlighting the role of innovation and creativity in the advancements of a new circular culture in the design and construction industry.
“We don’t need circular design, we need HIGH quality circular design.”

Mr Bacic presented the advocacy work ACE develops at the European Level, promoting high-quality architecture and providing important information about the architectural sector in the Sector Study. Mr Bacic highlighted the fundamental role of the design phase in the definition of sustainable and circular design strategies for the built environment. “Demolition should be an exception, and renovation should be the mainstream.” He emphasises the need to increase the renovation rates in Europe, and he presented some award-winning projects in Croatia that take on board this task with excellence.