CHANGES (Changes in Cultural Heritage Activities: New Goals and Benefits for Economy and Society) is a European Project supported by the JPI Heritage Plus programme.
Environmental sustainability concerns are driving investments in conservation but also construction sector at large towards inclusive and sustainable development as well as to innovation. Increasingly arguments rise against large restoration works, whilst a paradigm shift is observed towards Planned Preventive Conservation, Maintenance and Monitoring (PPCMM).
The main benefits of the new approach are the cost-effectiveness for private owners and managers of historic properties, improved quality of protection of built heritage and environmental enhancement, empowerment of local communities resulting in increase of human and relational capital in a local context.
The research aims at producing new local models capable to include the diversity of European Cultural Heritage and skills required in built heritage activities to support PPCMM, by increased understanding of:

•  conservation and valorization as preventive measures;
• effectiveness of maintenance, involving relevant craftsmanship and expertise;
• economic mechanisms underlying built heritage conservation in the context of regional economy and the (wider) construction sector.
• impact of knowledge gain and its dissemination on smart economy for built heritage conservation, heritage management and for the construction sector.

The proposal meets the JPI call requirements as interdisciplinary research will lead to advances in understanding of cultural heritage and will produce outcomes ready to be transferred to stakeholders and society. Research will develop materials, technologies and procedures for a sustainable long-term care as a strategy to manage changes, in the framework of a learning environment where heritage is understood in connection with people as a tool for the production of social and human capital.
The project outcome includes the proposal for a funding scheme providing the conditions to support the transition toward a sustainable conservation process.
The project addresses the themes identified in the strategic research agenda: “Developing a reflective society”, “Connecting people with heritage”, “Creating knowledge” and “Safeguarding our cultural heritage resource”.

NEWS