The EU-funded European Heritage Hub will host a satellite event in Brussels and via livestream on 11 June 2026 during the Festival of the New European Bauhaus, exploring how heritage-led approaches contribute to sustainability, aesthetics and inclusion during a time when climate, energy and housing crises are converging.

It will bring together EU institutions, local and regional authorities, civil society organisations, architects, heritage professionals, financial actors and practitioners to examine how heritage-led approaches can contribute to the transformation of Europe’s built environment in the context of climate, energy and housing challenges.

The event is organised in the frame of the European Heritage Hub, with contributions from the consortium partners Eurocities and ICLEI, and members of the European Heritage Alliance including the Architects’ Council of Europe (ACE) and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).

The event aims to contribute to advancing the New European Bauhaus’ vision of beautiful, sustainable and inclusive living environments, positioning cultural heritage as a strategic resource for Europe’s housing and climate transition.

Heritage at the centre of Europe’s policy agenda

The discussion will be framed by key EU policy developments, including the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), the European Affordable Housing Plan, and the New European Bauhaus Communication “From vision to implementation”, and an assessment of the policies through a heritage lens will be informed by the ICOMOS Report on the Implementation of the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, which evaluates the impact of the EPBD on Europe’s historic built environment.

Within this context, the event will highlight how cultural heritage — both tangible and intangible — can contribute to sustainable renovation strategies that combine environmental performance, affordability, social inclusion and architectural quality.

Discover the draft programme here.

With the contribution of Greta Tressera, Architect and International Consultant, Chair of the Sustainability Working Group of the Architects’ Council of Europe

Bridging policy and practice

Building on the Hub’s “Heritage Dialogues” webinar series, the event will present concrete examples of adaptive reuse, community-led renovation and circular construction approaches.

Case studies will be drawn from the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards, the Hub’s local good practices initiative, and the Living Spaces catalogue of high-quality architecture projects. These examples demonstrate how heritage-sensitive renovation can reduce emissions, lower costs, and strengthen community identity.

Register here.

To watch it online, please register here.