CAC Centre for Sustainable Housing has joined the Ruralise project as a partner, contributing its expertise and experience in housing, energy efficiency, and the built environment. Funded under the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme, Ruralise aims to make rural housing more affordable, accessible, and resilient by testing local solutions, developing innovative housing strategies, and supporting the renovation and creation of climate-resilient, inclusive homes.

The University of Eastern Finland and the Municipality of Heinävesi (Heinäveden kunta) hosted the Ruralise Project Kick-off Meeting in Joensuu.

Ruralise will develop comparative housing typologies across participating countries, vulnerability maps, co-designed roadmaps, and practical policy and design tools. These outputs will align with key European frameworks and initiatives, including the Rural Pact, Renovation Wave, Affordable Housing Initiative, and Social Climate Fund, and will be integrated into the Ruralise Studio.

Across six pilot regions in Bulgaria, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Italy, and Norway, the project will combine data-driven insights, local expertise, and co-designed solutions to support affordable and sustainable housing while supporting the revitalisation of rural communities.

The UEF/Heinävesi press release is available here.

Learn more about the Ruralise project here.