UCL Institute for Sustainable Heritage (ISH) is a partner in this research project.
GreenHer aims to create a new interdisciplinary research institute within the University of Ljubljana (coordinator). It will bring together leading partners from the National Research Council of Italy and University College London. The centre will advance sustainable heritage science and strengthen research capacity in the Widening region.
The Challenge
Cultural heritage plays a central role in Slovenia, with half of all tourists engaging with heritage and culture. The sector contributes 12 percent of national GDP and provides more than 111 thousand jobs. This creates pressure on heritage sites and local communities. There is a need for research that supports sustainable tourism, reduces environmental impact and places heritage at the centre of responsible development.
Our Approach
The Centre of Excellence will develop four research cores:
- Green conservation and restoration
- Sustainable buildings and sites
- Participatory engagement
- Digital heritage
It will also deliver seven pilot projects and eight infrastructure projects, including Living Labs, an Open Conservation Lab, a Mobile Heritage Lab and a national Collaborative Cloud for Cultural Heritage. The centre will employ 40 full time staff across social sciences, humanities and STEM fields.
Impact
GreenHer will create a long-term research institute that strengthens heritage science in the region and supports the goals of the EU Green Deal and the New European Bauhaus. It will contribute to sustainable tourism, provide new evidence for policy and improve the care and management of heritage across Slovenia and beyond. The partnership between Ljubljana, CNR and UCL will help establish the institute as a driver of research, innovation and impact.
Partners
University of Ljubljana
National Research Council of Italy