Our combined efforts during five years have come to fruition and it is time for the R2CITIES project to wind up. Of course, this point in time is more of a beginning than an end as R2CITIES means replication of our proud achievements. It is therefore my hope that all the best practices, our methodological approach, and the data management techniques we have developed together will now go on to contribute to greener and more comfortable urban districts for citizens across Europe and beyond.
Today, R2CITIES offers a viable methodology, embracing more than specific energy efficiency retrofitting. It encompasses business planning and fluent communication channels with residents and other citizens. It shows how different stakeholders can – and must – identify and work towards shared goals from an early stage.
Our key findings and advice have been put together in various media to ensure they reach the right people to take on the project's legacy. This includes a Best Practices Book, videos highlighting the works undertaken at the three demo sites, an updated brochure explaining the main successes of our project along with two fact sheets on R2CITIES key features: district energy retrofitting design methodology and cost-effective data manager for buildings and districts. Furthermore, our project website hosts and will continue to host a number of in-depth reports on the more technical aspects of our retrofitting.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the whole consortium for their huge efforts, commitment and cooperation over these past years. Projects like R2CITIES, which span a number of countries, cultures and organisations, always have their challenges. Our project is no exception, but we could draw on the flexibility, know-how and goodwill of the project members to deliver successful results.
With best wishes,
Cecilia Sanz Montalvillo
Project Coordinator
Fundación CARTIF