The CliP-ComE project (Climate Protection Competences for European Historic Houses) is a groundbreaking European initiative designed to address energy efficiency and sustainability in private historic houses—castles, country estates, and mansions. By equipping owners and managers of these historic properties with essential skills and knowledge, the project aims to reduce CO₂ emissions while preserving Europe’s cultural heritage.
Building on the success of the PRO-Heritage project from 2021, which focused on professionals within large heritage institutions, CliP-ComE takes this a step further by directly engaging private owners and managers across Europe. Supported by the European Commission, the project aligns with EU climate goals while emphasizing the unique challenges and opportunities of private historic properties.
A European Course for Private Historic House Owners
The CliP-ComE course will be hosted in multiple EU countries, focusing on:
- Energy-saving techniques tailored to historic buildings.
- Sustainable practices in materials and maintenance.
- National and EU-level legislation and regulations.
The course is open to private owners, government representatives, consultancy firms, and other stakeholders involved in the sustainability of private historic properties. Participation is free of charge, underscoring the inclusive and collaborative nature of the initiative.
European Collaboration for Climate and Heritage
The project is implemented by a consortium of European organizations, including Burghauptmannschaft Österreich (Austria), European Historic Houses Association, IVEM (Netherlands), ECQA GMBH, and UBW Unternehmensberatung. This partnership highlights the shared European commitment to addressing climate challenges and safeguarding cultural heritage.
A cornerstone of the initiative is the European Historic Houses Association (EHH), representing 50,000 historic house owners across Europe. This extensive network ensures that the project leverages diverse experiences and expertise, fostering collaboration between countries and institutions.
Beyond the Course: Building a Sustainable Network
Although the course itself is a focused three-day program, its goals extend beyond training. CliP-ComE aims to establish a sustainable network for private historic house owners, governments, and knowledge institutions. This network will serve as a platform for sharing best practices, aligning national efforts with European regulations, and fostering mutual support.
Climate Ambassadors: Bridging Gaps Across Europe
The project also explores the concept of appointing “climate ambassadors”—local representatives who connect European regulations and initiatives with the specific needs and practices of individual countries. This innovative approach seeks to ensure that sustainability efforts are effectively implemented on the ground.
Join the Movement
CliP-ComE invites European partners, private owners, and knowledge institutions to contribute their expertise and collaborate in shaping a more sustainable future for Europe’s historic houses.
For more information or to get involved, contact:
- Gerald Wagenhofer: gerald.wagenhofer@ubw-wagenhofer.at
- Ewelina Oksiuta: e.oksiuta@europeanhistorichouses.eu
- Herbert-Jan Hiep: hiep@ivem.nl
This initiative not only supports climate goals but also preserves the cultural and historical essence of Europe’s private heritage for future generations.
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