Eco² Schools as New European Bauhaus Labs will capitalize on  5 eco-renovation educational building projects that are currently in progress. By building on the concept of Open Schooling the selected pilot sites will develop concrete and replicable climate action plans to be transformed into innovation hubs in their communities, raising citizen awareness activities to facilitate social innovation and promote education and training for sustainability. This will be conducive to building competencies and positive behaviour for more resource-efficient and environmentally respectful energy use.

The common feature in all pilot sites will be a communicative, proud, local ‘proof of concept’ of their commitment to making the shift to Climate Neutrality, with a step-by-step Green Action plan for eco-renovation of the building facilities and educative process. This will build on a learning-acting Community (mixing students, educators, building stakeholders, families, the neighbourhood/village, researchers, and designers) that aims to inspire forward-looking, inquiry-based learning, and co-ownership within a positive place-making process to develop a sense of belonging.

The aim is for the school, educational third place, university campus as well as the science centre environment to help fuel the student body and neighbourhoods with renewed enthusiasm for learning, by stimulating cooperation within 3 generations. This will promote engagement with peers, teachers, and even the building itself.