On May 20–21st, 2025, the Apulia Region hosted the 6th General Assembly of the REHOUSE project in Bari, Italy. Organised by ENEA and Apulia Region, the two-day event brought together over 50 delegates and partners from across Europe to discuss innovative solutions for energy-efficient public housing.
On the first day, Vincenzo Lasorella, Head of the Housing Policies Section of Apulia Region kicked off the meeting with an inspiring welcome. His address set the tone for a day rich in institutional support and leadership. Key figures such as Giuseppe Liscio, CEO of Arca Capitanata, Stefano Lacatena, Delegate to the President of the Apulia Region for Housing Policies, and Luigia Brizzi, Environment and Territory Department of Apulia Region, emphasised how REHOUSE is creating not just buildings but better communities.
They highlighted how the project is advancing quality of life, driving social engagement, and offering a replicable model for other regions using EU funding from the 2021–2027 programming period. This powerful endorsement underscored REHOUSE’s role in bridging innovation, policy, and implementation.
Picture: Vincenzo Lasorella, Head of the Housing Policies Section of Apulia Region © Steinbeis Europa Zentrum
Picture (from left to right): Giuseppe Liscio, CEO of Arca Capitanata , Stefano Lacatena, President of the Apulia Region Delegate for Housing Policies, Luigia Brizzi, Apulia Region Environment and Territory Department © Steinbeis Europa Zentrum
The second day was featured by several visits. The start was made with the visit by REHOUSE partners at the production site of Pedone Working, in Foggia, responsible for the innovative solution of Prefabricated Thermo-sound-absorbing Sandwich Base Panels, characterised by a hemp-based core.
Picture: Demonstration of the different layers of the Sandwich Base Panels © Steinbeis Europa Zentrum
The solution is being demonstrated at the Italian pilot renovation site, a social housing building in Margherita di Savoia, owned by ARCA Capitanata, and under energy requalification thanks to Rehouse project. This demo-building was visited by partners, showcasing the eco-innovation “in action”, including facade insulation panels by Pedone Working and structural enhancements explained by experts from R.I. Group and the University of Basilicata. Residents of the demo-building and local mayor, Bernardo Lodispoto welcomed the delegation, expressing pride in his town’s role in a landmark EU project.
Picture: Residents and Mayor of Margherita di Savoia, Bernardo Lodispoto © ENEA
Pictures: Demo-building Margherita di Savoia, residents, mayor and REHOUSE Partners© Steinbeis Europa Zentrum
The demo-building is located along the Adriatic coast adjacent to the famous salt plans Saline di Margherita di Savoia, the largest salt pans in Europe, covering approximately 4,500 hectares. These salt pans have a rich history dating back to ancient times, with salt production methods evolving over centuries. Today, they are not only significant for their industrial output but also for their ecological importance, serving as a habitat for numerous bird species, including flamingos and herons. The area is recognised as a protected natural reserve and is a designated Ramsar Wetland of international importance.
Pictures: Salt pans of Margherita di Savoia and view of the flamingos
© Steinbeis Europa Zentrum
The General Assembly brought many new impressions and insights, together with the support on the Apulia region for REHOUSE innovations, strengthening the next steps with regard to the replication of the solutions.
Picture: Rehouse partners and Apulia Region stakeholders.
© Steinbeis Europa Zentrum
Authors: ARCA, ENEA, Steinbeis
