Urban regeneration often faces challenges in combining sustainability, inclusivity, and community engagement. By rethinking traditional approaches and using nature-based solutions such as parks and green infrastructure, the EU-funded URBiNAT project reconnected fragmented urban communities, supporting happier, healthier citizens through diverse solutions.
Marine research is essential to understanding our planet and climate change. Yet exploring the ocean can be difficult, dangerous and expensive. The EU-funded EurofleetsPlus project sought to accelerate marine research by providing scientists in Europe and beyond with access to a fleet of 27 state-of-the-art research vessels.
The EU-funded T‑Factor project explored how culture and creativity can drive urban regeneration through temporary, community-driven interventions. By turning underused areas into vibrant hubs, T‑Factor addressed local needs and aspirations, fostering community ownership and neighbourhood involvement, and benefiting locals who use the spaces most.
The transition to a fair and inclusive circular economy is central to the EU’s ambitious climate goals. The EU-funded JUST2CE project identified ways to balance economic sustainability with social justice and the global circulation of resources. This will help to ensure that no one is left behind as Europe reshapes its economy.
Millions of litres of water are consumed daily for industrial processes, forming a key impediment to the circular economy in Europe. To tackle this, the EU-funded ULTIMATE project developed a ‘water-smart industrial symbiosis’ concept. This effort led to new technologies and processes to extract clean water, energy and valuable materials from wastewater.
European agri-food value chains are facing a series of challenges, from rising prices to climate change. The EU-funded CO-FRESH project developed new techniques, tools and insights to drive the fruit and vegetable industry towards greater sustainability. The results will ensure the food industry is better prepared for the future, benefiting producers and consumers.
Half of the world’s population lives in cities, and this figure is growing. Delivering water and sewage services in urban areas continues to be a significant challenge, especially in the face of climate change. Digital tools developed by the EU-funded DWC project are already being used to maintain Europe’s commitment to high-quality water infrastructure.
The EU-funded D^2EPC project is revolutionising building energy performance assessment and certification with dynamic Energy Performance Certificates that adapt to real data, empowering homeowners, building professionals and policymakers for a more sustainable future.
Hydrogen produced with electricity is one of the most promising approaches for reducing carbon emissions, yet large-scale production has proven difficult. One problem lies in the need for rare metals to act as catalysts. The EU-funded CaBiS project has been exploring the possibility of adapting natural processes, with synthetic enzymes.
Agriculture accounts for 25 % of the world’s total carbon emissions. To help the sector reduce its carbon footprint, the EU-funded AgriCapture project is turning to a process that removes carbon from the atmosphere and stores it in soil. Not only can this reduce net greenhouse gas emissions, it also improves soil quality.
