In January 2024, the Radio Capris studio moved to Pietro Coppo Park in Izola (Ledeni otok). In the temporary studio Izola’s craftsmen, entrepreneurs, sports and cultural associations and others will be presenting themselves. The first guest was dr. Andreja Kutnar, InnoRenew CoE director. She shared some of the institute’s key activities and characteristics with the listeners. She presented in particular the events that marked the past year, among which she highlighted the successful conclusion of the InnoRenew project.

The InnoRenew CoE has already collaborated with Izola in several areas over the years. For example, by working with primary schools in Izola, to promote wood and wood-related professions for younger people. InnoRenew CoE researchers are also working with the Izola Retirement Home, as part of the European Pharaon project, where they are developing technologies for older adults for healthy and active ageing.

In Livade they also built the institute’s building, which is the largest wooden building in Slovenia. This gives Izola a building that follows all modern principles of sustainable construction and is also a research project itself. Together with the Municipality of Izola, they planted 3000 oak trees in different locations in Izola, contributing to environmental protection and climate change mitigation for the sustainable development of society. The institute’s researchers calculated that the 3000 oak trees planted will store the amount of carbon dioxide produced by construction over the lifetime of the building. The building is also important in terms of raising the recognition of Izola, as it has hosted more than 4000 people from different countries and disciplines since 2022.

Last summer, in cooperation with the Municipality of Izola, the Tourist Information Centre and few hotels in Izola, they participated in a project to reduce the environmental impact of guests. They developed an app that allowed guests to find out what impact their trip had on the environment and how they could reduce it during their stay.

Dr. Andreja Kutnar also spoke about the institute’s plans for 2024 and its continued efforts to engage with the local community.