The 2nd Open-Air Cities International Conference on “Local and Regional Sustainable Development and Urban Reconstruction” took place on February 14-16 at Harokopio University of Athens, Greece. As part of this significant event, the Pre-organised Special Session titled “Cultural Sustainability in Praxis: Digital Transformation and Green Innovation” was successfully conducted. The session was organized and chaired by Dr. Vassilis Bokolas (Xenios Polis Culture, Science and Action, Greece) and Prof. Andrea Colantoni (University of Tuscia, Italy).
Cultural Sustainability and Green Innovation
In recent years, the link between culture and sustainability has become increasingly evident. European Union policies have integrated the cultural sector with economic progress and market needs, while digital transformation, modern skill demands, and green innovations have expanded cultural activities and best practices. Universities, research institutes, museums, businesses, and social organizations actively seek European funding and international cooperation to develop cutting-edge research and sustainable initiatives addressing contemporary social and environmental challenges.
The special session explored sustainable development in the cultural sector at local, regional, and urban levels, covering key topics such as:
- Climate change and digital media
- Cultural industries and social needs
- Digital communication and learning skills in the workplace
- Digital health and social development
- Digital tools for vulnerable groups
- Gender representation in the digital world
- Green solutions in urban environments
- Humanities and digital transformation
- Local and regional development and green innovation
- Sustainability and European-funded projects
- Urban reconstruction and the cultural sector
Erasmus+ GREENO2 Project Presentation
Andrea Colantoni, Erasmus+ GREENO2 Project Coordinator and Associate Professor at University of Tuscia (Italy), the Department of Agriculture and Forest Sciences, together with Bogdana Nosova, Associate Professor at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (Ukraine), Educational and Scientific Institute of Journalism, Department of Social Communications, and Yannis Skarpelos, Professor at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences (Greece), Department of Communication, Media and Culture, presented the GREENO2 Project in their joint presentation titled “Green Roofs Concept Review: Strategic Communications for Technical and Environmental Sustainability”.
Green Roofs: A Key Innovation for Urban Sustainability
Green roofs have become a groundbreaking solution to various environmental challenges, transforming urban landscapes across Europe. In recent years, the adoption of green roofs has surged, motivated by the need to mitigate climate change, enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, and manage stormwater. This innovative roofing approach integrates vegetated systems atop buildings, converting barren rooftops into eco-friendly ecosystems. While the concept of green roofs has historical roots, advancements in technology, materials, and design have positioned Europe as a leader in this sustainable movement.
At the core of the Erasmus+ GREENO2 Project (“Green Roofs in Higher Education Institutions as Sustainable Centers for Research, Participation, Environmental Consciousness, and O2 Generation”), lies a commitment to maximizing its impact through strategic communications. Effective communication among project partners, students, and faculty plays a crucial role in amplifying the project’s outreach. Strategic communication ensures strong engagement with key stakeholders and the wider public, fostering understanding, encouraging participation, and inspiring concrete actions towards sustainable urban development and the implementation of green roof technologies.
Technical Review and Green Roof Prototype Development
The study presented in Athens outlined a technical review of the state-of-the-art green roofs. The team also shared insights into a green roof prototype developed by researchers at the Nello Lupori Educational and Experimental Farm of the University of Tuscia (Italy) within the framework of the GREENO2 Project. Through joint initiatives, educational programs, and transparent communication strategies, the project aims to build a collaborative community dedicated to advancing green infrastructure and sustainable urban planning.
The participation of the GREENO2 Project in the 2nd Open-Air Cities International Conference further highlights its role in fostering innovative environmental solutions and promoting the integration of green technologies into higher education institutions and urban settings.
To view the Book of Abstracts of the 2nd Open-Air Cities International Conference in Athens (Greece), follow the link: