Project description
Greening building construction to tackle embodied emissions
The construction industry is a major contributor to embodied emissions. In this context, the EU-funded GreeNest project will pioneer a transformative approach to sustainable building practices. By integrating CO2-neutral materials, renewable energy and circular construction methods, GreeNest aims to slash embodied emissions, setting the stage for a greener, carbon-free future in construction. Specifically, it aims for 100 % carbon-free construction. With biogenic materials storing carbon, the project targets a 50 % reduction in embodied emissions, surpassing NZEB and ZEB standards. Embracing circular construction practices, GreeNest will enhance productivity by over 30 %, delivering solutions from design to disposal stages. Demonstrated in real and virtual projects across five countries, GreeNest's approach marks a step towards a greener construction industry.
Objective
Reduction of embodied emissions is crucial for achieving sustainable and low-carbon building practices. GreeNest creates an ecosystem that integrates CO2 neutral building materials (reused, recycled and locally sourced biogenic materials) and renewable energy sources (abiotic components) into the building design, together with human response and natural/green systems (biotic components) to demonstrate resource efficient construction that needs less materials and implements energy-efficient circular construction practices.
The project targets 100% carbon free construction through the application of biogenic materials that store carbon, the reduction of embodied emissions by 50% with respect to NZEB standard, ZEB or even positive energy standards via renewable energy sources with remaining primary energy consumption less than 30-40 kWh/m2, reduction of GHG emissions by 60% and increased productivity of construction by >30%.
GreeNest delivers a palette of innovative solutions for new buildings, addressing all stages of the building’s life, from the design stage up to the end of the building’s lifetime and disposal stages (including re-use and recycling of components). It proposes sustainable envelope components based on low carbon and carbon-neutral market mature materials, using on-site renewable energy, reducing waste, enhancing productivity of construction through digitization and demonstrating circular economy principles.
The innovative solutions will be fully demonstrated in four real and two virtual new construction projects in five countries using local and regional value chains increasing the potential for replication across Europe.
The GreeNest consortium benefits from a strong industrial and commercial involvement with 11 SMEs 1 Large Company 3 Universities, 3 Associations and 2 Public bodies from 8 European countries.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsrenewable energy
- social scienceseconomics and businesseconomicsproduction economicsproductivity
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesecologyecosystems
- social scienceseconomics and businesseconomicssustainable economy
- engineering and technologycivil engineeringarchitecture engineeringsustainable architecturesustainable building
Keywords
Programme(s)
Topic(s)
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-IA - HORIZON Innovation ActionsCoordinator
157 80 ATHINA
Greece
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Participants (17)
10997 Berlin
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
10367 BERLIN
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10623 Berlin
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12557 BERLIN
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
48683 AHAUS
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45014 PORTO VIRO
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95050 Konstantynow Lodzki
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
81109 Kalloni
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14122 Irakleio
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
731 35 CHANIA
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43820 CALAFELL TARRAGONA
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1253 Luxembourg
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15124 Marousi
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
54642 THESSALONIKI
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
10423 Vilnius
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
638 00 Brno
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
01309 DRESDEN
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
Partners (2)
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
5210 Windisch
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
8008 Zurich
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.