The “Green Transformation: Engineering, Science and Architecture Meet for Sustainability” event was held at İzmir Institute of Technology (IZTECH) on 14–15 October 2026, bringing together researchers from engineering, science and architecture around the theme of sustainability.

During the “Sustainable Design” session, IZTECH project leader and Department of Architecture faculty member Assist. Prof. Dr. Hasan Burak Çavka presented the objectives, recent developments and pilot applications of the EU-funded RESt4GREEN project.

RESt4GREEN, which stands for “Energy efficiency, Renewable Energy Sources and smarT energy conservation for improved quality of life and a GREENer Mediterranean”, is being implemented under the Interreg NEXT MED Programme with a budget of €2.8 million. The project brings together universities, public authorities and civil society organisations from seven Mediterranean countries: Greece, Türkiye, Spain, Italy, Egypt, Tunisia and Jordan. IZTECH is one of the project’s main partners from Türkiye.

The project aims to improve energy efficiency in public buildings, increase the use of renewable energy sources, develop smart energy management systems, and introduce sustainable solutions such as solar trees and smart benches in public spaces.

The Türkiye pilot of the project is being implemented at the IZTECH Department of Energy Systems Engineering Laboratory Building and the surrounding RESt area. The pilot aims to implement and evaluate innovative solutions for energy efficiency and smart energy management under real operating conditions.

RESt4GREEN contributes particularly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.