Energy and Sustainability Conference 2025 – A Vibrant Gathering in Chania
The Energy and Sustainability Conference 2025, held on 2–3 July in Chania, Crete, brought together a diverse community of experts, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners committed to advancing sustainable urban transitions across Europe and beyond. Hosted at the stunning Centre of Mediterranean Architecture, the event offered not only rich technical content but also an inspiring atmosphere by the historic port of Chania.
The conference featured a hybrid format, combining in-person sessions with live online participation, to ensure wide access and inclusion. Over two days, more than 40 speakers and 100 participants engaged in a carefully curated programme covering the entire value chain of energy transition and building retrofitting. Topics ranged from:
- Urban sustainability and climate resilience
- Smart cities, public health, and green finance
- To renewable technologies, education, and policy innovation
This multidisciplinary scope reflected the growing need for integrated approaches to the twin challenges of energy transition and sustainable urban development.
A key moment of the event was the final conference of the RES4CITY project, which showcased tools and insights developed to enhance skills for the green transition. This milestone was complemented by a poster exhibition featuring nine EU-funded projects, including: nZEBRA, LIFE Resskill, Ecopreneurs, COLLECTiEF project, LIFE Low2HighDH, FASHION UP, FACILITA and PROENGAT.
This rich mix of initiatives demonstrated the strength of EU cooperation and the crucial role of education, innovation, and skills development in accelerating the green transition.
The conference was honoured to welcome four distinguished keynote speakers, whose presentations set the tone for dynamic discussions:
- Prof. Umberto Berardi – Energy-efficient urban design and policy
- Dr. Ebru Canan-Sokullu – Green diplomacy and EU international engagement
- Prof. Aris Tsangrassoulis – Sustainable architecture and building retrofitting
- Prof. Maria Founti – Clean energy innovation and risk assessment
Their contributions highlighted the urgent need for systemic change, multidisciplinary thinking, and long-term cooperation.
The success of the conference was made possible thanks to: Alexandros Vazakas, our Conference Chairman from the Technical University of Crete), Mattia De Rosa, our coordinator and the key partners, the European Education and Learning Institute and Three o’clock, for organisational and communication support and our technician Christos and the team of committed volunteers, whose behind-the-scenes work ensured a smooth experience for all participants.
Also, the Centre of Mediterranean Architecture, provided by the Municipality of Chania, proved an exceptional setting. With its blend of historic architecture and modern purpose, the venue symbolised the values at the heart of the conference: sustainability, heritage, and innovation. We would like to thank them for their hospitality and support.
And finally… we’re already looking ahead! The next edition of the Energy and Sustainability Conference will take place in Lisbon in 2026. We can’t wait to see you there!
Last but not least, if you missed our conference you can watch it online (Day 1 & Day 2)! And... don't miss the handbook that includes info for all the EU-funded projects and moment from the Glass room.
