How can we manage public buildings more sustainably, efficiently, and in line with our climate goals? The MESTRI-CE project has taken a major step toward answering that question with the release of its new document: Vision for the Long-Term Utilization of Individual Buildings.
This comprehensive vision paper serves as a cornerstone for strategic building management across Central Europe. It introduces a clear, actionable framework for the next 10 years of each building’s life — not just in terms of maintenance or renovation, but also regarding function, purpose, and alignment with environmental and financial priorities.
At its core, the document aims to support cities, municipalities, and building owners in planning realistic and impactful building trajectories. It helps decision-makers define where a building should go and how to get there — responsibly and sustainably.
What does the vision include?
The document brings together multiple perspectives to form a cohesive long-term plan. It includes:
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Structural and systems assessments to determine what’s technically needed
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Energy and water use analysis, along with associated costs
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Compliance checks with current legal and EU climate and efficiency regulations
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Clear investment scenarios for renovation, reconstruction, and operational improvements
This isn’t just a technical checklist — it’s a strategic guide. By offering a long-term view of each building’s needs and opportunities, the vision supports resource planning, stakeholder coordination, and climate alignment.
Looking Beyond: A Cohesive Strategy for the Building Sector
The vision is not a standalone effort. It is closely linked to two upcoming documents within MESTRI-CE:
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An Action Plan for the long-term utilization of public building stocks, providing implementation pathways
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A Joint Strategy guiding the transition toward long-term climate neutrality in the building sector
Together, these documents form a comprehensive toolkit for anyone involved in the management, planning, or financing of public buildings.
By developing such a forward-looking approach, MESTRI-CE empowers public authorities to not only maintain their building stock, but to actively transform it into a driver of climate action and innovation.
One building at a time — that’s how the transition begins.
Find the full document here!