To explore how we can future-proof our cities, Belgian Green Building Council attended a dynamic satellite event at the New European Bauhaus (NEB) Festival on 11 June, hosted by a consortium partners of the NEB Lab “Sustainable and Inclusive Neighborhoods” Climate Positive Europe Alliance (CPEA), BABLE Smart Cities, DGNB German Sustainable Building Council, Drees & Sommer and ICLEI Europe, and Fondation Braillard Architectes.
Sophia Vlieger de Oliveira (Policy Officer, European Commission’s Joint Research Centre) set the stage by contextualizing the NEB Lab’s work within the broader NEB ecosystem.
Dr. Christine Lemaitre (CEO, DGNB) and François Gemenne (HEC Marbella - Haute Ecole de Commerce) delivered provocative and inspiring insights, addressing two synergies, which are often overlooked: the failures of modern architecture to deliver future-proof, sustainable projects; and the urgent need to bridge climate adaptation and greenhouse gas reduction.
In the second half, innovative EU projects took center stage:
🔹 Daniel Botha (ICLEI Europe) presented Blueprint, combining cutting-edge tech with citizen participation to operationalize engagement in neighborhoods.
🔹 Breogan Sanchez (BABLE Smart Cities) introduced CitySync, focusing on urban cohesion, connected place-making, and individual perception of neighborhoods.
🔹 Dr. Haris Piplas (Drees & Sommer) shared Commit2Green, linking district-level green initiatives with broader urban strategies for long-term ecological connectivity.
🔹 Panos MANTZIARAS (Fondation Braillard Architectes) showcased Eco-Century Project, emphasizing strategic foresight in urban planning to support cities in climate adaptation.
Future-Proof Real Estate, Together