A special case is the EDAPHIC BLOOM project which translated into 3D Cluster – Decarbonize Danube Delta, an NGO led byDanube Delta Institute for Research and Development to follow-up on the results from EUKI-financed project. Project partners are also founding members. Into this framework, the new EUKI-financed ReBORN into a consortium led by the same reputed institute, in which Steinbeis Donau Zentrum is project partner on behalf of German side, is on the way to bring new conclusions into improving the academic approach into UNESCO protected site which Danube Delta is and transfer the sustainable practices among communities within Danube floodplain and not only.

Juergen Raizner, main expert on behalf of Steinbeis Danube Center together with Roxana Boboruta, project manager, enriched the onsite participation into sessions dedicated to 3D Initiative Cluster and newly ReBORN project, both being result of EUKI support.

Sessions dedicated to 3D Initiative were conducted by Dr. Iulian Nichersu, scientific director from Danube Delta Institute and by Dr. Delia Dimitriu, Convener on behalf of the initiative. Panel discussion was focused on reuniting vision and transforming into strategy to ease the work of different pillar responsibles into 3d Initiative cluster.

3D cluster as a result is the proof of practical follow-up on EDAPHIC BLOOM conclusions. Into this initiative more, more projects partners are working into more specialized projects. For this, a roundtable to present specific subject took place into introducing ReBORN project.

Roundtable was conducted by Matei Simionov, researcher & engineer on behalf of DDNI as lead-partner. Project idea was also introduced and welcomed by the director of the research institute, dr. biologist Marian Tudor, in his latest position as president of local chamber of commerce. ReBORN project has an essential component when it comes to collaboration between business environment and academia through support of specialized organizations as Steinbeis into organizing technology transfer and cross-border partnerships.

The ReBORN project seeks to improve energy efficiency and promotes sustainable construction practices in Romania and Croatia by exploring the use of locally sourced natural materials and enhancing professional expertise. Planned activities include: 

• Training Programs: Architects, engineers, and public officials will be trained in carbon-neutral design, tendering, and construction, incorporating advanced methods and international standards. 
• Material Innovation: The project will explore and promote carbon-neutral construction solutions, such as building blocks made from reed and hemp, expanding sustainable material choices. 
• Guidelines and Tools: Practical resources will be developed to support public officials, local governments, and the private sector in transitioning to Zero Emissions Buildings (ZEB). 
• Stakeholder Engagement: Local and national stakeholders, including government bodies, NGOs, and construction professionals, will be engaged in awareness-building events and capacity-building activities.

By piloting these initiatives in selected regions, the project aims to develop scalable best practices that can be integrated into local governance and industry standards.

4 projects partners are working into implementing the activities:

• Tulcea County Prefect’s Office
• Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development
• Adria Innovation Harbour
• National Institute for Research and Development in Construction, Urban Planning and Sustainable Spatial Development “URBAN-INCERC”
• Steinbeis Innovation Non-Profit Ltd

Roundtable during the symposium in Tulcea, aimed to explore the role of individual behaviors, public policies, and local innovation in the transition towards zero-emission buildings (ZEB). The discussion focused on the potential of natural materials as sustainable solutions and on ways to generate meaningful change through effective policies, education, and cross-sector collaboration.

Cristian Petcu and Horia Petran, both experts on behalf of Urban – INCERC, made a suitable introduction into N-Zeb standards and new building materials. Basic messages could be summarized as it follows:

• to N-ZEB to be respected from construction planning would facilitate less errors and beaurocracy
• To reach the courageous target for N-ZEB in 2050, is necessary at least to increase the renovation planning of building from 1% as mandatory condition to 3%/year.
• Use-cases and research on hempcrete as a chance for local industry and homologation of it as a new building material in context of UNESCO protected-site (Danube Delta), using local resources.
• Stimulate transnational partnerships
• Solve local administration problems by transforming wastes into business
• Update of guides related to using natural/local materials
• Reviving traditional

Aspects on updates related to legislation, transfer on best practices and how to improve a problem of a public administration (fires by burning raw material) by translating into business plus guiding into applying already inforce legislation are subjects to ReBORN. Further partnerships are to be developed using different frameworks, especially ReBORN and 3D Initiative.