Nicosia, Cyprus — May 29, 2026 — The Office of Public Works (OPW) has been awarded a Grand Prix at the prestigious European Heritage/Europa Nostra Awards 2026 for its innovative training programme designed to improve energy efficiency in heritage properties.
The OPW project developed practical guidance and technical training to help public authorities enhance the energy performance of historic buildings without compromising their cultural value. Recognised among 30 category winners, the OPW was selected by the Board of Europa Nostra based on recommendations from an independent jury of experts.
The jury praised the initiative for demonstrating how climate action and cultural heritage can work hand in hand, creating replicable and transferable methodologies for sustainable renovation. Over 400 professionals have already been trained under the programme, equipping them with tools to future‑proof Ireland’s historic buildings.
Accepting the award, Tomás O’Connor, Assistant Principal Architect at OPW, highlighted the importance of balancing heritage preservation with climate objectives. “This initiative demonstrates that climate action and heritage buildings do not have to be at odds,” he said, noting the collective effort of OPW colleagues in driving the project forward.
Rosemary Collier, Head of Heritage Service and Capital Works Delivery at OPW, added that the recognition underscores the value of systematic approaches to designing safe, well‑researched energy solutions for historic buildings.
The award ceremony, held at the Municipal Theatre of Nicosia on May 28, gathered over 500 heritage professionals, volunteers, and supporters as part of the European Cultural Heritage Summit 2026. Organised by Europa Nostra and co‑funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the EU, the event celebrated outstanding achievements in heritage preservation and innovation.
