In the pursuit of sustainable urban development amidst rapid urbanisation and technological advancement, the PROBONO project emerges as a pivotal initiative aimed at transforming existing urban structures into energy-positive and resource-efficient Green Building Neighbourhoods (GBNs).
Championed under the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme’s Green Deal Call, PROBONO seeks to address critical challenges in the construction sector by integrating innovative technological, business, and socio-economic approaches. Launched on January 1st, 2022, PROBONO was selected from a competitive pool of 115 proposals, reflecting its strategic alignment with Europe’s sustainability goals. Central to its mission is overcoming barriers such as high initial costs, financial accessibility, and societal attitudes towards sustainable building practices. By fostering collaboration between the construction industry, public authorities, and communities, PROBONO advocates for a people-centric model to realise scalable and viable GBNs that are carbon-neutral and energy-positive.
A hallmark of the PROBONO initiative is the establishment of living labs across six EU states, including Madrid, Dublin, Porto, Brussels, Aarhus, and Prague. These living labs serve as experimental grounds where cutting-edge sustainable technologies and urban planning strategies are piloted and refined in real-world settings. This approach not only tests the feasibility of innovative solutions but also evaluates their societal impact and acceptance, crucial for widespread adoption. Integral to PROBONO’s strategy is the implementation of digital twins, revolutionising the design and management of GBNs. These digital replicas of physical neighbourhoods enable real-time data collection and analysis, enhancing decision-making processes related to energy consumption, infrastructure management, and community engagement. Supported by advanced technologies like IoT, sensors, and AI, digital twins provide actionable insights to stakeholders, facilitating informed choices and adaptive urban planning.
Moreover, the PROBONO project underscores the importance of defining GBNs as dynamic ecosystems comprising physical structures, natural elements, social dynamics, and sustainable policies. This holistic approach ensures that GBNs are adaptable to diverse contexts and evolving environmental regulations, promoting concepts like circular economy and just transition. As PROBONO continues to pave the way for sustainable urban development, it sets a precedent for collaborative innovation in the construction and urban planning sectors. By leveraging technology and community engagement, PROBONO aims to create resilient and thriving Green Building Neighbourhoods that serve as models for sustainable living across Europe and beyond.
