DigitAl and physical incrEmental renovation packaGes/systems enhancing envIronmental and energetic behaviour and use of Resources

Project Information

AEGIR

Grant agreement ID: 101079961

DOI

10.3030/101079961

EC signature date 15 September 2022

Start date 1 October 2022

End date 30 September 2026

Funded under

• Climate, Energy and Mobility

Total cost

€ 13 790 078,55

EU contribution

€ 10 558 608,73

Coordinated by

FUNDACION TECNALIA RESEARCH & INNOVATION
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - AEGIR (DigitAl and physical incrEmental renovation packaGes/systems enhancing envIronmental and energetic behaviour and use of Resources)

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

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The AEGIR project supports EU climate and energy goals by reducing emissions and energy use in buildings, which account for 40% of energy consumption and 36% of CO2 emissions in Europe. Enhancing building energy efficiency is key to meeting the EU’s 2030 targets.
AEGIR aims for deep retrofitting to nearly zero energy standards through a framework of innovative technologies, sustainable materials, and advanced digital tools. It develops high-performance, modular envelope solutions and focuses on socio-economic models to make retrofitting financially viable.
Project Pathway to Impact
AEGIR addresses key needs in the building sector:
1. Energy Reduction: Improves thermal performance and integrates renewable energy to cut energy use and CO2 emissions.
2. Sustainability: Uses sustainable, recyclable materials and modular construction, supporting a circular economy.
3. Financial Viability: Creates financial schemes for feasible retrofitting.
4. Technological Integration: Employs advanced digital tools like BIM and digital twin technology for efficient management.
5. Skill Development: Ensures a skilled workforce for advanced technologies.
Expected Contributions and Impact
AEGIR’s solutions are expected to:
• Energy Savings: Reduce energy use in retrofitted buildings.
• CO2 Reduction: Decrease CO2 emissions, aiding EU climate targets.
• Economic Benefits: Encourage investment, boosting economic growth and job creation.
• Sustainability: Promote sustainable practices and recyclable materials, supporting the circular economy.
Integration of Social Sciences and Humanities
AEGIR includes social sciences and humanities to address socio-economic aspects of retrofitting, understanding stakeholder needs, overcoming economic barriers, and developing user-friendly solutions. Stakeholder engagement through interviews and workshops informs the project’s development, considering community impacts and democratizing access to energy-efficient technologies.
Conclusion
AEGIR offers a transformative approach to building retrofitting in Europe. By addressing key issues with innovative technologies, sustainable practices, and robust socio-economic models, AEGIR aims to significantly contribute to the EU’s climate and energy goals, ensuring environmental, economic, and social benefits for a sustainable and energy-efficient future.

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 AEGIR project has made significant progress in deep retrofitting of buildings to nearly zero energy standards, focusing on solution development, digital tools, demonstration activities, and stakeholder engagement.
Development of Comprehensive Solutions:
1.Requirements and Specifications: Defined requirements, key performance indicators, and a holistic approach covering physical, digital, and sustainability aspects.
2.Design Coordination: Developed initial and final designs for physical, energetic, and digital components, ensuring alignment across all aspects.
3.Sustainable Approach: Established a concept for circularity, focusing on sustainability frameworks, biobased materials, and minimizing energy and carbon emissions.
Digital Tools and Methodologies:
1.BIM and Digital Twin Models: Developed advanced models for precise planning, monitoring, and real-time data collection.
2.Energy Performance Simulation and Optimization: Implemented digital tools to assess and improve energy efficiency, identifying effective solutions.
Outcomes:
1.High-Performance Envelope Solutions: Developed modular, easy-to-install solutions enhancing energy performance.
2.Advanced Digital Ecosystem: Implemented BIM, digital twin models, and energy simulation tools.
3.Sustainability and Circularity: Adopted biobased materials and circular economy principles.
4.Stakeholder-Centric Solutions: Created a socio-economic framework ensuring viability and regulatory alignment.
These outcomes position AEGIR as a leader in sustainable building renovation, significantly contributing to the EU’s energy and climate goals, ensuring environmental, economic, and social benefits.

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)

In its first 18 months, the AEGIR project has made significant progress in developing innovative solutions for deep retrofitting to nearly zero energy standards. Though systems are not yet deployed, advancements include high-performance envelope solutions, a digital ecosystem, and a socio-economic framework.
Innovative High-Performance Plug-and-Play Envelope Solutions
AEGIR has developed preliminary designs for modular, high-performance envelope solutions, including advanced insulation materials, bio-based cladding, and efficient BIPV panels. These solutions facilitate quick installation with minimal disruption.
•Impacts: Significant energy and CO2 reductions, scalability across building types, and sustainability through recyclable materials.
•Needs: Further research, demonstration projects, and supportive regulations.
Advanced Digital Ecosystem
Progress has been made in implementing BIM, digital twin technology, and energy performance simulation tools to streamline retrofitting from planning to management.
•Impacts: Improved project efficiency, data-driven decisions, and seamless integration of building systems.
•Needs: Market access, training programs, and standardization.

Conclusion
The AEGIR project has laid a strong foundation for significant advancements in energy efficiency, sustainability in building retrofitting. Continued research, demonstrations, market access, supportive policies, and stakeholder engagement are essential for the successful uptake and impact of these innovations.