The EU-funded AMBIENT (Advanced Materials for NEB-inspired Environmental Public Procurement) project is giving public authorities, NEB stakeholders and procurement professionals the opportunity to shape upcoming EU-funded market consultations and innovation tenders through a needs assessment survey. The questionnaire seeks to identify climate-related challenges, performance gaps in existing infrastructure and (public procurement-related) barriers to adopting innovative materials and solutions.

Last summer’s heatwaves were an urgent reminder of city infrastructure’s increased vulnerability to climate change. Extreme climate events are putting a strain on standard material performance, risking structural degradation and performance failures. In this context AMBIENT explores how innovative and sustainable advanced materials can help public authorities address challenges related to climate resilience, energy efficiency and public infrastructure, in line with the New European Bauhaus (NEB) principles.

The  needs assessment survey will help the project gain a better understanding of where existing materials and market solutions don’t adequately respond to cities’ needs. The identified challenges will be grouped in six thematic clusters: Thermal comfort and energy efficiency; Climate-resilient buildings; Coastal, flood and water resilience; Resilient public spaces; Structural resilience; Circular materials.

The gathered information will be used to inform future market consultations and innovation procurement activities under the flag of AMBIENT. By connecting those who develop advanced materials with those who purchase and use them, AMBIENT aims to make innovation more accessible and easier to adopt in the public sector, and strengthen Europe’s capacity to procure innovative advanced solutions that make cities more climate-resilient, energy-efficient, sustainable and future-ready, in line with the New European Bauhaus principles. More information can be found on the project website. To fill in the survey, click here.