Renewable ENergy-based Positive Homes

Project Information

RENplusHOMES

Grant agreement ID: 101103450

DOI

10.3030/101103450

EC signature date 2 May 2023

Start date 1 June 2023

End date 30 November 2026

Funded under

• Climate, Energy and Mobility

Total cost

€ 7 142 106,76

EU contribution

€ 5 999 983,00

Coordinated by

RINA CONSULTING SPA
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - RENplusHOMES (Renewable ENergy-based Positive Homes)

Reporting period: 2023-06-01 to 2024-11-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The RENplusHOMES project tackles the challenge of decarbonizing the residential building sector while improving energy efficiency, sustainability, and user-centric design. With over 75% of EU buildings predating 1990 and underperforming in energy efficiency, the project aligns with EU Green Deal goals and policies like the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and the Renovation Wave initiative.
Key Objectives & Impact Pathways:
Technological Innovation: Deployment of advanced energy solutions (e.g. prefabricated panels with integrated renewables, digital twins) to enhance building performance.
Social Engagement: Co-design and participatory approaches to increase public acceptance and stakeholder involvement in the energy transition.
Economic Viability: Development of innovative business models and financing mechanisms to support affordable energy-efficient renovations.
Policy Influence: Providing insights and recommendations to inform EU standards for Positive Energy Buildings (PEBs) and districts.
Implementation & Expected Outcomes:
The project tests integrated solutions across four demo sites (Austria, Estonia, Romania, Spain) under diverse climatic, regulatory, and socio-economic conditions to ensure scalability and replicability. RENplusHOMES aims for up to 50% energy savings in renovated buildings and a roadmap for large-scale adoption of positive energy solutions across Europe.

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 main activities and achievements of the project are summarized below:
WP1: Upgrading the Primary Energy Renewable (PER) methodology, defining key performance indicators (KPIs) for demo sites, and developing tools like the Digital Building Logbook (DBL). Completed deliverables expected including the catalogue of EU methodologies (D1.1) baseline assessments of demo site buildings (D1.2) and defined KPIs for performance assessment (D1.3). Key milestones such as the establishment of the methodology for energy-efficient buildings were achieved.
WP2: Ongoing development and testing of energy systems, building design mock-ups, and energy assessments. Deliverables submitted include detailed plans of integrated spatial and energy planning solutions (D2.2) and technology modeling reports (D2.3). Significant milestones include the completion of sizing for technology packages (MS6).
WP3: Development of sensing equipment and building management systems (BMS) for monitoring and optimization of building performance. Key deliverables submitted include the blueprint architecture and multisensorial equipment specifications for pilot sites (D3.1). Real-time optimization algorithms and BEMS operational services (D3.3). Smart devices for installation in demo sites were prepared and delivered on time (MS7), although some tasks, such as resilient site deployment, were rescheduled.
WP4: Engaging residents in co-design and awareness-building workshops and initiating construction/renovation in demo sites. Successful activation of Internation Advisory Board and initiation of construction/renovation at demo sites in Spain and Romania. Preparatory activities for site-specific actions have progressed well.
WP6: Coordination of project activities, regular meetings, risk management, and financial oversight. Successful submission of the Project Handbook (M4, M18) and release of the first periodic technical and financial reports (MS18, MS19), and continuous adherence to project goals through effective management practices.

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 RENplusHOMES project has made significant progress in developing Positive Energy Homes (PEHs) and energy-positive residential districts during its first 18 months.
Key Achievements:
Methodological Advancements: D1.1 provides a comparative analysis of energy-efficient building methodologies in Europe, forming the basis for the Universal Positive Energy Home (UPH) methodology and six National PH adaptations as commercial products.
Technological Development: Prefabricated panels with recycled materials, BIPV, smart energy systems, and IoT-based monitoring tools are under testing, with installations planned at demo sites.
Sustainable Building Tools: Development of Digital Building Logbooks and Energy Performance Certificates to support baseline energy assessments.
Pilot Demonstrations: Four demo sites (Austria, Spain, Romania, Estonia) have initiated design and construction, testing innovative technologies under real-world conditions.
Renewable Energy Integration: Early-stage deployment of BIPV, geothermal wall systems, and hydrogen storage, with initial performance data being collected.
Stakeholder Engagement: Workshops and co-design activities with residents, local authorities, and the International Advisory Board (IAB) to ensure solutions meet end-user needs and are replicable.
Policy Insights: Early identification of regulatory barriers and financial opportunities to facilitate the replication and scaling of energy-positive building solutions.
By Month 18, RENplusHOMES has made significant strides toward achieving its goals.
• Methodologies for PEB certification and KPIs have been established.
• Key technologies and materials have been developed and are undergoing testing and implementation at demo sites.
• Engagement activities have been initiated, with advisory boards and working groups providing critical feedback for refinement.
• Preliminary roadmaps for replication and scaling have been drafted, integrating insights from pilot activities.
The full impacts of the project will be evaluated in subsequent reporting periods as technologies are deployed and validated. RENplusHOMES remains committed to driving the energy transition in the residential sector, fostering a sustainable future for European citizens.