Deadline: 01-Dec-2026
The European Commission has launched a Horizon Europe funding opportunity with a total budget of €15 million to support innovative solutions that use underutilised vertical spaces for housing and urban greening. The initiative aims to improve housing availability, reduce land use pressure, strengthen biodiversity protection, and create more sustainable urban environments.
Program Overview
This programme supports the development and demonstration of innovative approaches that transform unused or underused vertical spaces into productive and sustainable urban assets. The initiative focuses on smarter use of the built environment to address increasing housing demand while protecting natural resources and reducing urban sprawl.
The programme encourages the use of existing urban structures to create affordable housing opportunities, green infrastructure, and multifunctional spaces that contribute to more liveable communities.
The initiative also supports long-term urban sustainability by promoting solutions that balance social, environmental, and economic objectives.
Focus Areas and Program Objectives
The programme supports multiple priorities related to sustainable urban development and space efficiency.
Key objectives include:
• Supporting innovative vertical space use
• Improving sustainable urban development
• Increasing efficient use of built environments
• Expanding green infrastructure
• Supporting affordable housing solutions
• Increasing urban greening opportunities
• Applying circularity principles
• Conducting life-cycle environmental assessments
• Evaluating social impacts
• Assessing economic impacts
• Managing densification challenges
• Reducing land use demand
• Supporting urban agriculture initiatives
• Identifying regulatory and technical barriers
• Strengthening social acceptance
• Encouraging stakeholder participation and co-creation
Expected Outcomes
Projects funded through this initiative are expected to deliver measurable impacts.
Expected outcomes include:
• Improved housing availability
• Increased urban green spaces
• Reduced urban sprawl
• Better use of existing infrastructure
• Reduced pressure on land resources
• Enhanced biodiversity outcomes
• Improved environmental performance
• Stronger community engagement
• Increased sustainability of urban environments
Priority Research and Innovation Areas
The programme supports several innovation and demonstration areas.
Vertical Housing Solutions
Activities may include:
• Vertical building extensions
• Additional housing structures above existing buildings
• Innovative residential space designs
Urban Greening Solutions
Activities may include:
• Rooftop gardens
• Vertical green systems
• Green infrastructure development
• Biodiversity-supporting spaces
Multifunctional Space Development
Activities may include:
• Mixed-use structures
• Integrated community spaces
• Combined housing and green infrastructure models
Urban Agriculture Initiatives
Activities may include:
• Rooftop agriculture systems
• Vertical farming approaches
• Food production spaces within urban environments
Sustainability and Circularity Approaches
Activities may include:
• Circular design methods
• Resource-efficient construction solutions
• Material reuse approaches
• Life-cycle impact assessments
Barrier Identification and Solutions
Activities may include:
• Regulatory analysis
• Technical feasibility studies
• Social acceptance research
• Practical implementation strategies
Key Concepts Explained
Vertical space use refers to utilizing unused or underutilised space above buildings, structures, or urban environments for productive purposes.
Urban greening refers to increasing vegetation and natural elements within cities to improve environmental quality and quality of life.
Circularity principles involve reducing waste and maximizing the use and reuse of resources.
Life-cycle assessment evaluates environmental impacts across all stages of a project, including development, operation, and end-of-life management.
Densification refers to increasing the concentration of buildings or population within urban areas.
Urban sprawl refers to the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding land.
Multifunctional structures are spaces designed to serve multiple purposes simultaneously.
Project Requirements
Projects must demonstrate practical and sustainable solutions.
Requirements include:
• Development and demonstration of at least one innovative vertical space solution
• Sustainable and aesthetically positive design approaches
• Contribution to affordable housing or increased green space
• Integration of circularity principles
• Environmental, social, and economic impact assessments
• Identification of mitigation measures for potential negative effects
• Assessment of land use reduction potential
• Identification of implementation barriers and solutions
• Stakeholder and community engagement activities
Funding Information
Funding is available under the Horizon Europe framework.
Funding details include:
• Total programme budget: €15,000,000
• Indicative funding per project: Approximately €5,000,000
• Funding type: Research and innovation projects
Who is Eligible?
Participation is open to a broad range of organizations and institutions.
Eligible applicants include:
• Legal entities established under national law
• Organizations established under European Union law
• International organizations
• Eligible entities from non-associated third countries
• Research institutions
• Universities
• Public organizations
• Private organizations
Applicants must comply with Horizon Europe participation conditions.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Cities continue to face increasing pressure from population growth, housing demand, and environmental challenges. Making better use of vertical spaces can help create sustainable urban environments without increasing land consumption.
Potential benefits include:
• Increased housing opportunities
• Reduced land use pressures
• Improved biodiversity outcomes
• Enhanced urban sustainability
• Stronger community wellbeing
• Reduced environmental impacts
• Greater resilience in urban development planning
What Applicants Need to Do
Organizations interested in participating should prepare proposals that address programme priorities.
Recommended actions include:
• Identify suitable underutilised vertical spaces
• Develop innovative design concepts
• Include circularity and sustainability approaches
• Conduct impact assessments
• Address regulatory and technical barriers
• Include community participation methods
• Demonstrate practical implementation potential
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid common proposal weaknesses.
Common mistakes include:
• Weak environmental assessments
• Limited stakeholder engagement
• Ignoring social acceptance challenges
• Lack of densification mitigation strategies
• Weak implementation planning
• Insufficient sustainability considerations
• Limited practical feasibility analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of this programme?
The programme supports innovative use of underutilised vertical spaces to improve housing availability and urban green spaces.
How much funding is available?
The total programme budget is €15 million, with approximately €5 million available per project.
What types of projects are supported?
Projects involving vertical extensions, rooftop gardens, urban agriculture, multifunctional structures, and innovative green infrastructure solutions are supported.
Must projects include housing components?
Projects should contribute to either affordable housing, increased green spaces, or both.
Do projects need environmental assessments?
Yes. Environmental, social, and economic impact assessments are required.
Is stakeholder participation mandatory?
Yes. Participatory and transdisciplinary approaches involving communities and stakeholders are required.
Can international organizations participate?
Yes. International organizations and eligible entities from non-associated third countries may participate under Horizon Europe rules.
Conclusion
The European Commission’s initiative on innovative vertical space solutions promotes smarter and more sustainable use of urban environments. By supporting affordable housing, urban greening, and circular development approaches, the programme seeks to create resilient and liveable communities while reducing pressure on land and natural ecosystems.
For more information, visit European Commission.