Page 3 - InnoRenew CoE International Conference 2020, Integrating Sustainability and Health in Buildings
P. 3
come 20
20
As we open the second InnoRenew CoE International At this year’s InnoRenew CoE International Conference,
Conference, it’s hard not to think of all that has changed we wanted to showcase how renewable materials
in the year and a half that has passed since our debut play an integral role in sustainable construction by
conference. highlighting environmental performance, safety, and
Although the pandemic has dramatically changed our health as well as the economic, digital, and social links
day-to-day lives, it has not changed society’s need that bind us to the materials in the built environment.
to address the rapidly changing climate, reconsider Conference presenters will discuss advances in design,
our economic priorities, and refocus our attention on material development, health research, retrofitting,
important social issues. Buildings remain part of the environmental assessment, and many other topics that
solution to many problems, and I think it is becoming increase the efficiency and performance of the building
clear that we need to consider much more about buildings and renewable materials sectors.
than the basics of shelter. Carlo Battisti, President of Living Future Europe, will
As the pandemic kept us indoors, many of us may have weave together these complementary threads in his
realised that our indoor environment plays an even keynote address, “Healthy, living transparent. The quiet
more important role in our well-being and happiness revolution of materials”. He works to push for change
than we previously acknowledged. Likewise, we may and supports researchers, architects, engineers, and
have considered more carefully how buildings affect the other construction professionals to achieve it. His efforts
well-being of those who live in different circumstances. have expanded knowledge and acceptance of restorative
Access to safe, comfortable, and healthy living and sustainability and regenerative design within Europe’s
working spaces is (and should be) a priority in a just construction community. We are excited and grateful for
society. his participation in our conference.
Another major change that will affect our work in Together, the contributions paint a hopeful picture. But
the years to come is the introduction of the European we must continue to push the science forward, embed
Green Deal, which will be a major driver of sustainable these innovations in normal construction practices, and
development in Europe. The European Green Deal ensure inclusion of all who can benefit from our hard
prioritises investment and innovation in building work.
renovation solutions for energy performance and While I wish these matters could have been discussed
attempts to ensure these solutions reach all members of in person in Izola, we must embrace new options for
society. The European Green Deal recognizes the need discourse on these topics. I hope the conference inspires
to establish high-performance housing for all and will you to reach out to one another and continue sharing,
support renovation in social housing, schools, and other collaborating, and building communities that embrace
facilities that are often left behind. This is a step in the the challenge of creating a sustainable and just built
right direction for inclusive, high-performing buildings. environment. You may also consider our new open access
I rarely find proclamations of success convincing and peer-reviewed journal, Interdisciplinary Perspectives
when it comes to sustainability – especially about on the Built Environment, as a place to share the insights
buildings. We must continue to drive change through your work provides.
research, development, and innovation to make our built Thank you,
environment a beacon of sustainable development. We
cannot be satisfied with the environmental performance Dr Michael Burnard
of our products or buildings; we cannot allow people to be Deputy Director, InnoRenew CoE
excluded from our advancements; and we cannot forget Assist. Prof., University of Primorska
that buildings impact the well-being and happiness of
their occupants.
INNORENEW COE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2020
INTEGRATING SUSTAINABILITY AND HEALTH IN BUILDINGS THROUGH RENEWABLE MATERIALS
3
20
As we open the second InnoRenew CoE International At this year’s InnoRenew CoE International Conference,
Conference, it’s hard not to think of all that has changed we wanted to showcase how renewable materials
in the year and a half that has passed since our debut play an integral role in sustainable construction by
conference. highlighting environmental performance, safety, and
Although the pandemic has dramatically changed our health as well as the economic, digital, and social links
day-to-day lives, it has not changed society’s need that bind us to the materials in the built environment.
to address the rapidly changing climate, reconsider Conference presenters will discuss advances in design,
our economic priorities, and refocus our attention on material development, health research, retrofitting,
important social issues. Buildings remain part of the environmental assessment, and many other topics that
solution to many problems, and I think it is becoming increase the efficiency and performance of the building
clear that we need to consider much more about buildings and renewable materials sectors.
than the basics of shelter. Carlo Battisti, President of Living Future Europe, will
As the pandemic kept us indoors, many of us may have weave together these complementary threads in his
realised that our indoor environment plays an even keynote address, “Healthy, living transparent. The quiet
more important role in our well-being and happiness revolution of materials”. He works to push for change
than we previously acknowledged. Likewise, we may and supports researchers, architects, engineers, and
have considered more carefully how buildings affect the other construction professionals to achieve it. His efforts
well-being of those who live in different circumstances. have expanded knowledge and acceptance of restorative
Access to safe, comfortable, and healthy living and sustainability and regenerative design within Europe’s
working spaces is (and should be) a priority in a just construction community. We are excited and grateful for
society. his participation in our conference.
Another major change that will affect our work in Together, the contributions paint a hopeful picture. But
the years to come is the introduction of the European we must continue to push the science forward, embed
Green Deal, which will be a major driver of sustainable these innovations in normal construction practices, and
development in Europe. The European Green Deal ensure inclusion of all who can benefit from our hard
prioritises investment and innovation in building work.
renovation solutions for energy performance and While I wish these matters could have been discussed
attempts to ensure these solutions reach all members of in person in Izola, we must embrace new options for
society. The European Green Deal recognizes the need discourse on these topics. I hope the conference inspires
to establish high-performance housing for all and will you to reach out to one another and continue sharing,
support renovation in social housing, schools, and other collaborating, and building communities that embrace
facilities that are often left behind. This is a step in the the challenge of creating a sustainable and just built
right direction for inclusive, high-performing buildings. environment. You may also consider our new open access
I rarely find proclamations of success convincing and peer-reviewed journal, Interdisciplinary Perspectives
when it comes to sustainability – especially about on the Built Environment, as a place to share the insights
buildings. We must continue to drive change through your work provides.
research, development, and innovation to make our built Thank you,
environment a beacon of sustainable development. We
cannot be satisfied with the environmental performance Dr Michael Burnard
of our products or buildings; we cannot allow people to be Deputy Director, InnoRenew CoE
excluded from our advancements; and we cannot forget Assist. Prof., University of Primorska
that buildings impact the well-being and happiness of
their occupants.
INNORENEW COE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2020
INTEGRATING SUSTAINABILITY AND HEALTH IN BUILDINGS THROUGH RENEWABLE MATERIALS
3
