Renovation packagEs for HOlistic improvement of EU’s bUildingS Efficiency, maximizing RES generation and cost-effectiveness

Project Information

REHOUSE

Grant agreement ID: 101079951

DOI

10.3030/101079951

EC signature date 31 August 2022

Start date 1 October 2022

End date 30 September 2026

Funded under

• Climate, Energy and Mobility

Total cost

€ 12 561 346,95

EU contribution

€ 10 016 536,45

Coordinated by

FUNDACION CARTIF
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - REHOUSE (Renovation packagEs for HOlistic improvement of EU’s bUildingS Efficiency, maximizing RES generation and cost-effectiveness)

Reporting period: 2024-04-01 to 2025-03-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The European Union's building sector, a significant consumer of energy and a major contributor to emissions, led to the European Commission launching a strategy in October 2020 titled "A Renovation Wave for Europe – Greening our buildings, creating jobs, improving lives." This strategy aims to revitalize the renovation market by doubling the energy renovation rates within the next decade. It focuses on deep renovations that reduce energy consumption by over 60%, supporting the overarching goals of the EU Green Deal, which prioritizes energy efficiency to reduce emissions, improve the quality of life, and create employment opportunities in the green construction sector.
This strategy underscores the need for a robust and innovative construction sector capable of undertaking the volume and depth of renovations required across Europe. It emphasizes making such renovations economically viable for building owners, advocating for the adoption of cost-effective innovations that do not compromise on quality or increase production and installation costs.
Looking towards the future, the EU aims to establish itself as a leader in construction sector innovation. The Built4People European Partnership underscores this ambition by promoting a "4th Industrial Revolution" in construction. This involves embracing industrialized technology solutions, accelerating the digitalization of the construction industry, and integrating circularity principles thoroughly across the construction value chain.
A pivotal initiative under this strategy is the REHOUSE project, which focuses on the development and demonstration of eight Renovation Packages (RPs). These packages are designed to cover a wide spectrum of building renovations, ranging from basic refurbishments to comprehensive deep renovations. The RPs incorporate cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, including multifunctional components, prefabrication, and off-site assembly. They also prioritize maintaining the aesthetic, architectural, and historical integrity of buildings.
REHOUSE aims to streamline the renovation process through the digitalization of its renovation packages, thereby reducing production and installation times. The project promotes the seamless integration of innovative solutions in complex renovations by utilizing advanced tools such as Digital Building Logbooks, Building Renovation Passports, and the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI). These tools support the planning of ambitious renovation projects and align with the best available financing sources. Additionally, REHOUSE emphasizes the recycling and reuse of components post-service life to support a circular economy.
The social aspect of the REHOUSE project is equally vital. It places a strong emphasis on people-centric renovation processes, aiming to make renovations economically affordable and minimally disruptive, thereby enhancing the quality of life for users post-renovation. This includes improving the indoor environment, comfort, and reducing energy and maintenance costs.
Throughout the demonstration phase, REHOUSE will foster enhanced civic engagement and active participation through social innovation activities. Each component of the renovation packages starts from a medium maturity level and progresses through research and development to reach a stage where it can be demonstrated in an operational environment, setting the stage for final market introduction and full system validation.
By implementing these strategies and innovations, REHOUSE not only supports the EU's ambition to lead in sustainable construction but also contributes to meeting the EU’s climate neutrality targets by 2025.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The project has made notable progress across its work packages.
WP1, focused on Social Innovation for People-Centric Renovation Processes, concluded during the first reporting period. It established a strong social foundation by analysing best practices, creating Social Task Forces, assessing user needs, and planning social activities. Although formally ended, social activities continue within WP4.
WP2, dedicated to the design, specification, and digitalization of Renovation Packages at TRL6, was completed during the second period. It delivered a taxonomy, detailed specifications, modelling and simulation of eight packages, validation at TRL6 via testing methods, industrialization guidelines, and a digital repository for RP models.
WP3 remains ongoing, with progress in defining a KPI-based framework, monitoring programs, and advancing the Digital Building Logbook with integrated services like the Building Renovation Passport and Smart Readiness Indicator.
WP4 is demonstrating the eight Renovation Packages at TRL7, having completed BIM models, site baselines, and demo-site design plans. Construction and monitoring activities have started, alongside social innovation deployment.
WP5 is advancing market readiness at TRL9 through market analysis, business models, replication, standardization, and exploitation strategy development.
WP6 continues with strong dissemination, including website updates, outreach materials, scientific publications, and networking. Exploitation material development has also begun.
WP7 ensures coordination, managing activities, risks, knowledge, and ethical compliance.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The REHOUSE Project aims to significantly advance the current state of building renovation practices by introducing innovative solutions across both active and passive components. This initiative includes a diverse array of Renovation Packages (RPs), each targeting specific aspects of building renovations:
Building Envelope Innovations:
RP#2: Adaptable/dynamic building envelope (ADBE)
RP#3: SmartWall
RP#5: Multipurpose prefab façade system with bio-based insulation and BIPV (Building-Integrated Photovoltaics)
RP#6: PanoRen
Additional Envelope Solutions:
RP#7: Environment-friendly activated cellulose thermal insulation from wood waste
RP#8: Intelligent Window System
Energy System Modernization:
RP#1: Multi-source heat pump
RP#4: Centralized holistic heating and cooling (H&C) renovation kit
These RPs aim to enhance various aspects of building renovations, including reducing on-site construction time by 30-50%, improving insulation and air-tightness, enhancing indoor comfort and user satisfaction, increasing affordability, reducing the embodied energy and CO2 emissions, and promoting the use of renewable and recycled materials. Additionally, these improvements will foster the uptake of EU-wide standards and contribute to a higher quality built environment with minimal environmental impacts.

REHOUSE methodology

REHOUSE Renovation Packages

REHOUSE demo-sites