Grant agreement ID: 776758
DOI
Project closed
EC signature date31 October 2017
Start date1 December 2017
End date31 August 2021
This summary provides a structured overview of the CLIC (Circular models Leveraging Investments in Cultural heritage adaptive reuse) project, highlighting its efforts to bridge cultural heritage with the circular economy paradigm.
Project Context & Objectives
CLIC addressed the “abandonment crisis” of European cultural heritage. While many sites are seen as financial burdens, the project reframed them as investments that can drive sustainable development.
- The Paradigm Shift: Moving from a “Take-Make-Waste” demolition model to Adaptive Reuse, which conserves the “embodied energy” of buildings and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
- The Human Dimension: Reframing heritage as a “Common Good”—a shared resource that builds relational values, community health, and social inclusion.
- Evaluation Tools: Developing methods to calculate the “complex social value” of heritage, making a business case for restoration over demolition.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) & Results
The project focused on validating circular models through local partnerships and competitive innovation.
| KPI Category | Achievement |
| Best Practices | 120+ case studies analyzed as blueprints for sustainable reuse |
| Startup Innovation | 73 submissions from all continents for the CLIC Startup Competition |
| Scientific Impact | 70+ publications reaching over 23,000 scientists |
| Pilot Engagement | 4 pilot territories established Heritage Innovation Partnerships (HIPs) |
| Knowledge Sharing | Development of the Knowledge and Information Hub (clicplatform.eu) |
| Global Alignment | Directly contributed to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 11, and 15 |
Main Deliverables & Work Performed
CLIC utilized a trans-disciplinary approach to provide practical tools for cities and investors:
1. Heritage Innovation Partnerships (HIPs)
The project established HIPs in four diverse pilot areas to co-create Local Action Plans (LAPs):
- Salerno (Italy): Focusing on urban regeneration.
- Rijeka (Croatia): Linking industrial heritage with the “European Capital of Culture” context.
- Västra Götaland (Sweden): Focusing on regional rural landscapes.
- Amsterdam (Netherlands): Collaboration with the Pakhuis de Zwijger cultural foundation.
2. Decision Support System (DSS)
- Developed a toolkit for policy-makers to assess the multidimensional impacts (cultural, social, environmental, and economic) of reuse projects.
- Included “tri-profit” metrics that integrate different forms of value into a single measure.
3. Circular Business & Financing Models
- Innovative Finance: Explored high-leverage tools like venture philanthropy, ethical banking, and impact investment.
- Governance Models: Experimented with public-private-people partnerships (PPPP) to ensure long-term, inclusive management of heritage assets.
Socio-Economic & Societal Impact
CLIC proved that adaptive reuse is more than just “fixing old buildings”—it is a catalyst for modern urban life:
- Job Creation: Stimulated new skills in sustainable construction, digital management of heritage, and “circular” entrepreneurship.
- Waste Prevention: Direct environmental impact by avoiding the massive waste streams associated with building demolition.
- Wellbeing: Demonstrated how high-quality, culturally rich urban spaces improve the mental and physical health of local residents.
- Policy Influence: Contributed to the UN New Urban Agenda and provided recommendations for European legislation on circular city planning.
