Co-evaluation and SROI Workshop in Chania

January 2025

As part of VARCITIES co-creation process our Pilot City, Chania, together with Pilot expert Technical University of Crete organised on January 20, 2025, their 5th and final workshop at the Centre for Mediterranean Architecture – KAM (Great Arsenal).

The workshop showcased the complete implementation of the two Visionary Solutions developed in Chania under VARCITIES and aimed at collecting feedback from different stakeholders.

The two Visionary Solutions implemented in Chania are:

  • Mobile urban living rooms (MULαR)
  • Sensors on Bikes and Bike-stations

At the same, VARCITIES digital technologies were also showcased, including VARCITIES H&WB platform and the GoNature Game.

We are happy to report that the workshop featured vibrant and constructive discussions, during which participants exchanged ideas for further optimizing and expanding the applications of the solutions. In addition, a comprehensive evaluation of the project’s overall activities was conducted, underscoring the significant impact VARCITIES has had on improving the quality of life in Chania.

A dedicated Social Return on Investment (SROI) session further enriched the event, offering valuable insights into the social and economic benefits derived from the project’s initiatives. The SROI methodology is a tool derived from the Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) methodology to enable the comprehensive evaluation of VARCITIES’ interventions by accounting for their social, economic, and environmental impacts. Unlike traditional assessments, which prioritize economic metrics, SROI provides a framework for quantifying and prioritizing social outcomes.

Our Pilot in Chania has demonstrated the immense potential of nature-based and digitally-enabled solutions to enhance urban quality of life. By addressing critical urban challenges, we have aimed to set a new standard for sustainable, citizen-centric innovations and we have has laid the groundwork for future advancements in urban planning and well-being in Chania, our other Pilots and beyond!