BauNow and NONA at Ravne na Koroškem in Slovenia: conference on investments in the green transition in remote industrial regions

Last Wednesday, 4th December, the NONA project (co-financed by Interreg Danube Region) and the BauNow project (co-financed by Interreg Euro-MED) joined forces in Ravne na Koroškem, Slovenia, for a conference titled Investments in the Green Transition in Remote Industrial Regions. The event successfully brought together key local, regional, and national stakeholders to explore sustainable development initiatives across industrial and rural areas. Through expert panels, insightful case studies, and thematic site visits, participants gained valuable knowledge on successful models in green investment, cultural heritage revitalisation, and transformative urban projects. Attendees engaged in deep discussions, explored real-world applications and networked with influential stakeholders, all while shaping the future of sustainable and green investments. The event marked a pivotal moment in fostering collaboration and advancing sustainability efforts.

The event was held at the newly opened KoRa Multigenerational Centre in Ravne na Koroškem, a remarkable example of sustainable revitalisation. Once an abandoned castle, KoRa now seamlessly combines a restored historic structure with a modern extension built according to sustainable guidelines. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the centre’s innovative multi-functional design and learn about its unique integration into the town's urban and social fabric. The centre served as the perfect backdrop for discussions on sustainability, offering a tangible representation of how historical preservation and modern development can harmoniously coexist.

The conference opened with welcome speeches from Blaž Barborič of the Geodetic Institute of Slovenia, Mateja Softić from the ISKRIVA Institute, and Dr Tomaž Rožen, Mayor of Ravne na Koroškem. The first presentation, Long-term Urban Transformation of a Midsize City – Field Report from Municipal Practice in Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, was delivered by Alexander Wetzig, Foundation College of Design HfG Ulm and former Deputy Mayor of City of Ulm. The lecture provided an in-depth look at Ulm’s comprehensive urban redesign strategy over the past three decades. Through a series of realised projects of various scales, Wetzig showcased the methods and approaches used in the city's urban planning. The presentation also explored the evolution of urban planning objectives, the communication of planning initiatives, and the organisation of the planning process, highlighting the dynamic interaction between politics, administration, and the public.

At the conference, Barbara Černič from the Geodetic Institute of Slovenia presented Green Investments in the Context of Circular Space Management. She addressed the issue of space as a limited natural resource, increasingly pressured by human activities. In response, circular space management has become a key component of European strategies. During her presentation, Barbara highlighted the connection between implementing green investments in degraded areas and advancing circular space management objectives.

Katarina Kuk from the Geodetic Institute of Slovenia presented a case study on Participatory Planning: A Case Study of Stolpniška Neighbourhood. Her presentation emphasised the importance of a participatory approach in urban planning, highlighting how it ensures that outcomes are closely aligned with the community's needs and aspirations. Using the Stolpniška neighbourhood as a key example, Katarina demonstrated how involving residents in the planning process can lead to more sustainable, community-driven development.

Kristijan Plesnik, Director of Continuous Improvement and Sustainability at SIJ Metal Ravne, presented the company's sustainability strategy. As a leading steel producer committed to sustainability and aligned with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals, SIJ Metal Ravne is taking significant steps toward reducing its carbon footprint. The session highlighted the factory’s ongoing efforts to support the local environment, community, and businesses through the adoption of circular economy principles and sustainable production standards.

Dr Karla Oder from the Carinthian Regional Museum introduced the exhibition Steel for a Green Future, highlighting the integral role that ironmaking and the steel industry have played in shaping the town of Ravne na Koroškem. The region's industrial heritage has significantly defined its identity and way of life, continuing to have a strong presence today. Dr Oder discussed how the preservation and utilisation of this cultural heritage are crucial assets in the region's transformation towards sustainability. The exhibition explored the historical, present, and future impact of the steel industry in Ravne, shedding light on its evolving role in the community's sustainable development.

Barbara Teršek from Nova Ljubljanska banka d.o.o. presented on the Implications of the ESG Directive for Promoting Green Investments. Her session focused on how the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Directive is influencing banking operations, particularly in supporting and promoting green investments. The presentation explored the evolving role of financial institutions in driving sustainability through ESG-compliant practices and their impact on fostering a greener economy.

A highlight of the conference was the panel discussion titled Investing in Sustainable Regions – From Visions to Reality. Moderated by Zdravko Kozinc from the ISKRIVA Institute, the session brought together local, regional, and national stakeholders, investors, and sustainability experts to explore successful green investments that deliver both environmental and social benefits. Key topics included access to financing models, the integration of ESG principles, and the role of cultural heritage in driving green transitions. Panellists Janja Širnik, (Municipality of Ravne na Koroškem), Kristijan Plesnik (SIJ Metal Ravne), Mag Tadej Pungartnik, (Carinthian Regional Museum), Uroš Rozman (Regional Development Agency of Koroška), Barbara Teršek (NLB bank) and Dr Željko Pogačnik (Goorudeko d.o.o.) shared valuable insights on overcoming challenges and fostering sustainable growth in remote regions, while also emphasising opportunities for both technical and social innovation in these areas.

Throughout the meeting and joint event, we have explored transformative projects, shared insights, and strengthened our collaborative efforts toward a greener future. The events were organised in cooperation with the New European Bauhaus on the Danube network and take place as part of the Future Works! Programme, developed in the framework of the project Revitalisation of the Old Ironworks Museum Area Ravne na Koroškem.

Event organisers: Municipality of Ravne na Koroškem, Geodetic Institute of Slovenia, Institute Iskriva, ZKŠTM Ravne na Koroškem, Carinthian Regional Museum