META BUILD Showcased in Croatia: From Klima-Forum 2025 to the Renovation of FSB Zagreb
The Klima-forum 2025 and INTER-KLIMA 2025 Conference, Croatia’s largest professional gathering dedicated to heating, cooling, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technologies, took place in Vodice from March 26–28, 2025.
The three-day event brought together industry leaders, researchers, and innovators. A total of 44 expert lectures were delivered by both Croatian and international specialists - 24 presentations at the INTER-KLIMA Conference and contributions from 22 co-organizers who showcased their solutions, products, projects, and services. Thirteen of these were displayed in the dedicated hotel lobby exhibition space, enabling direct interaction with visitors.
Among the highlights was the presentation of the META BUILD project by Goran Stunjek from UNIZAG FSB. His lecture, titled “Optimizing Heat Pump Integration for the Decarbonization of District Heating in Velika Gorica – META BUILD”, addressed one of the project’s pioneering demonstrations: the integration of a heat pump system into Velika Gorica’s district heating network. This marks the first-ever use of heat pumps in Croatian district heating, showcasing META BUILD’s innovative approach to decarbonisation.
FSB Zagreb Reopens After Major Renovation
Shortly after, on May 27, 2025, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (FSB) at the University of Zagreb celebrated the ceremonial reopening of its facilities following a comprehensive multi-year renovation. The event gathered Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, government ministers, academics, students, and industry representatives. The renovation brought modernized facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, and improved research infrastructure, reinforcing FSB’s role as a leading hub for education and innovation in mechanical engineering, naval architecture, and related disciplines. During the opening ceremony, guests were introduced to the faculty’s flagship research projects. Particular attention was given to the META BUILD project, which attracted strong interest from both policymakers and industry stakeholders.
META BUILD in Velika Gorica
As part of META BUILD’s demonstrations, six residential buildings in Velika Gorica are currently being retrofitted and connected to the local district heating network operated by the municipal company GSG. This initiative pioneers the integration of large-scale heat pumps into the network—an essential step for Croatia’s energy transition and in line with the EU’s wider decarbonisation goals.
Conclusion
From the Klima-forum 2025 in Vodice to the ceremonial reopening of FSB Zagreb, the META BUILD project is gaining visibility in Croatia’s energy transition landscape. By combining cutting-edge research with real-world applications - such as the pioneering integration of heat pumps into district heating - META BUILD reinforces Croatia’s position as an active contributor to Europe’s climate-neutral future.