Future-proofing historical buildings for the clean energy transition

Around a quarter of the existing building stock in Europe was built prior to the middle of the last century. Many such buildings not only reflect the unique character and identity of European cities, but also include essential infrastructure for housing, public buildings etc. A significant number of these have a poor energy performance, continue to use conventional and inefficient fossil fuel-based energy systems and are costly to renovate. Furthermore, changes in building use and higher indoor comfort expectations than in the past are driving up energy demand, a particular challenge when historical buildings are used or converted for residential, educational, retail, office or other purposes. Many recently developed renovation approaches are not adapted to the specific requirements of historical buildings. The process of future-proofing these buildings for the clean energy transition faces additional challenges compared to newer buildings, as it has to take into account architectural restrictions, as well as the specificities of the materials used in their construction, which does not respond well to renovation techniques used in modern buildings.

Proposals are expected to address all of the following:

• Deliver standardised renovation approaches and solutions for the deep renovation of historical buildings to improve their energy performance, smart readiness, indoor air quality, comfort, and climate resilience, while respecting their architectural and cultural specificities, materials and traditional construction techniques.
• Target building types constructed prior to 1945 that have restrictions regarding changes of their envelope (walls, window, doors, and/or roof). (Buildings of nationally or internationally recognised significant cultural heritage built after this date may also be considered.).
• Standardised renovation approaches and solutions that are directly replicable for other buildings of the same building type, which should represent a share of at least 1% of buildings in the specific country where they are located.
• Solutions that reduce energy demand in a cost-effective way.
• Explore both internal and external insulation solutions, and where possible incorporating adaptable interventions, plug and play technical building systems, and/or renewable energy services.
• Employ both novel and traditional construction materials and techniques, exploring ways to combine, adapt and improve them.
• Improve the comfort of occupants and lower the maintenance costs for building owners.
• Where applicable, involve relevant conservation authorities.
• Validation of the solutions in a relevant environment (real-life or close to real-life) that:
  • Covers at least three different countries, with diverse climatic conditions.
  • Results in clear and, where relevant, quantified and measurable indicators on the effectiveness and the potential for replication of the solutions.