Nicosia: Organisations from Cyprus are taking part in a European initiative to promote circular approaches in the built environment. The programme, known as Promoting Circular Approaches for the Built Environment (CABE), aims to develop and pilot solutions for the reuse of construction and demolition waste.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), the KyklOIKOdromio, and the Municipality of Strovolos form the Cyprus network participating in this critical project. The second official meeting of the stakeholders involved took place in Ljubljana in July, hosted by the Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute (ZAG).
During the meeting, the first outcomes of the project were presented, and future steps were outlined. A study visit was conducted to the former Maribor Prison, a cultural monument now undergoing sustainable renovation to serve as a space for cultural and artistic activities. The complex is owned by the Municipality of Maribor, the Regional Development Agency of Maribor (RRA Podravje-Maribor), and private entities. The building’s reuse is part of a broader vision to create a multi-purpose space dedicated to creative industries, entrepreneurship, and culture, with plans for a business incubator and creative hub.
The renovation strategy focuses on circular economy principles, including material reuse, environmental footprint minimization, and intelligent architectural heritage use. A study visit was also made to the construction company Nigrad Maribor | JHMB, known for circular construction waste management practices.
The Cypriot project team coordinated a stakeholder engagement workshop on construction waste and demolition management challenges during a meeting at the Regional Development Agency for Podravje – Maribor. At least 10 representatives from various sectors participated, and a report on the findings for Slovenia will be prepared.
The CABE project, co-funded by the European cooperation Driving Urban Transitions to a sustainable future (DUT) and the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation, is ongoing, with results expected by 2027. The Cyprus University of Technology leads the initiative in Cyprus.