From 19 to 22 October 2026, the CARING NATURE project participated in the Green Design Biennale 2026 in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, contributing to international discussions on sustainable innovation, circular design and the environmental transition of the healthcare sector.

An international event dedicated to sustainable transformation

Under the theme “Design for Transformation”, the Green Design Biennale 2026 brought together researchers, architects, policymakers, industry representatives and sustainability experts to exchange knowledge and showcase innovative approaches to a more sustainable and circular built environment.

Founded in 2015 by Dr. Elma Durmišević (4D Architects Amsterdam), a partner of the CARING NATURE project, the Biennale promotes collaboration between science, design and industry to address pressing environmental challenges.

This year’s edition featured 17 expert lecturers from 16 countries, alongside exhibitions, workshops and discussions exploring resource and energy efficiency, circular construction, digital material passports, reversible building systems and sustainable urban development.

Particular attention was given to the future of sustainable healthcare infrastructure, including innovative circular hospital concepts and approaches to reducing the environmental footprint of healthcare buildings.

CARING NATURE presented during the Green EU Session

On 20 October 2026, Pasquale Mari from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (UCSC), coordinator of CARING NATURE, presented the project during the Biennale’s Green EU Session.

His contribution introduced CARING NATURE’s objectives and activities, highlighting its ambition to accelerate the environmental transition of the European healthcare sector.

Funded under Horizon Europe, CARING NATURE brings together healthcare providers, research organisations and innovation stakeholders to develop and demonstrate solutions aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of healthcare services. The project addresses several sustainability challenges, including energy efficiency, waste management, circular economy practices, sustainable mobility and the engagement of healthcare professionals in the green transition.

The presentation provided an opportunity to share the project’s approach with an international audience and explore connections between sustainable healthcare practices, circular architecture and the transformation of the built environment.

Fostering cross-sector collaboration for a greener future

The Green Design Biennale 2026 concluded successfully, showcasing how innovative and economically viable circular solutions are increasingly moving from theory into practice.

The event also highlighted the importance of engaging future generations, notably through a collaborative workshop bringing together 40 master’s students from six European universities to explore reversible and circular building structures.

CARING NATURE’s participation reinforced the importance of cross-sector collaboration in accelerating the transition towards more sustainable healthcare systems. By connecting expertise from healthcare, architecture, engineering and environmental innovation, the Biennale offered a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, inspiration and potential future synergies.

Through its involvement, CARING NATURE continues to raise awareness of its activities and promote innovative solutions for a greener, more resource-efficient and resilient European healthcare sector.

More information: Green Design Biennale 2026 – Official event presentation