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Solutions and Technologies for deep Energy renovation Processes UPtake

Periodic Reporting for period 3 - StepUP (Solutions and Technologies for deep Energy renovation Processes UPtake)

Reporting period: 2022-08-01 to 2024-04-30

Deep renovation is key to reduce the current energy demand of the European building stock, which alone accounts for 40% of the EU final energy consumption, and achieve the EU vision of a decarbonised building stock by 2050. Most of the technology to achieve this goal is available on the market today. However, renovation rates are far from the target 3%, and shallow retrofits persist with low impact on energy consumption. Comfort levels are one of the main reasons owners renovate, however this opportunity is not captured in the framing of energy renovation. Current business models rely on public funding, with few incentives for private investment.
The StepUP project developed a new process for deep energy renovation with fast design to operation feedback loops. This will reduce the performance gap and optimise investments, while scaling up promising Plug&Play technologies to minimise disruption, while maximising impact on energy, costs, and user comfort. The 5 key objectives of StepUP were:
1. To make renovation more attractive and reliable with a new methodology based on near-real time data intelligence to identify cost-optimal, high impact interventions at any stage of the building life;
2. To reduce the performance gap to 10% between design and operations via a life-cycle software platform to plan renovation, identify solutions to reduce energy consumption, improve IEQ, integrate renewables, and optimise operations through continuous monitoring and verification;
3. To minimise time on site to 40% of current renovation time via innovative passive and active technologies to a market-ready modular renovation package of Plug & Play Technologies, including renewable energy generation and storage;
4. To optimise renovation investments via innovative financing models for integrated optimisation of energy, comfort and cost performance over the building life, based on progressive financing and building performance as a service;
5. To accelerate the renovation market via an interoperability protocol for renovation solutions, enabling compatibility with the StepUP solutions to allow the integration of third party market products, fostering an open Plug&Play technological environment accessible to innovative SMEs.
In terms of the StepUp methodology and the data intelligence tools, the methodology underwent final developmen, incorporating feedback and including guidelines for its application. An environmental impact assessment was conducted for the renovation projects and the plug-and-play technologies. A final version of the LEAN method for deep renovation was delivered, with guidelines for following a LEAN methodology; a Lean Tool was developed and implemented. Developements were made in data intelligence solutions and the lifecycle platform. This platform included a suite of IES tools: the Project Management Portal, Calibration tool, Multi Criteria Analysis tool, Portfolio Overview iCIM tool, Data Gap filling application, and Fault detection and M&V application. Human feedback on thermal comfort levels was collected from multiple spaces, leading to the creation of a machine learning thermal comfort model. Another machine learning model was developed to predict the performance of Plug and Play façade systems based on performance analysis. A business case tool was developed to support the creation of business cases during the feasibility phase of deep renovations. A feasibility study conducted in the BP18 district enables portfolio managers to make informed decisions.

StepUP P&P Active system and StepUP P&P façade system were further developed, tested, and finally installed in demonstration pilots in Hungary and Spain.A Technology Provider Clusters (TPC) protocol was created, including a TPC booklet for future TPC-related activities on a wider scale. TPCs were established
and their feedback was used to validate the TPC P&P protocol and approach. Tests validated the performance of the StepUP P&P façade prior to installation.The SmartEPC business model was developed, integrating the StepUP renovation approach with the SmartEPC approach. A conceptual exploration of distributed ledger technologies (DLT) in deep retrofitting was completed.
Monitoring plans were implemented for pilots in Hungary and Spain, with pre-renovation data collected for at least one year. Design optimization using calibrated simulation models was performed for pilots. The pilot designs for the P&P envelope were finalized, and guidelines for StepUP activities were established. Post-renovation, early data and digital models of the pilots were used to analyze the impacts.

Outreach activities included creating and maintaining main digital channels for virtual engagement, producing promotional materials for dissemination and pilot activities, participating in events targeting scientific and industrial communities, organizing events, workshops, and webinars, submitting 19 papers to scientific journals and non-peer-reviewed publications, producing 11 press releases, establishing synergies with other projects, and hosting pilot meetups in Pamplona and Budapest.

A detailed analysis of the European renovation market identified drivers and opportunities, validated needs, and developed new business models for service providers was done. Extensive research on innovative business models for the renovation sector ensued. Foreground and IP information were used to create a final exploitation and commercialization plan. Project partners developed a joint strategy to ensure continuity after the project ends, aiming to cross-promote results through actions outlined in a roadmap.
Digital models and intelligent solutions enhance accuracy and alignment with user objectives. A suite of digital twin software, leveraging IES tools and real-life data, utilizes machine learning to create precise physics-based models. For instance, a thermal comfort feedback model ensures ongoing comfort and offers operational advice post-renovation. Similarly, a machine learning model predicts plug-and-play façade system performance, crucial for continuous analysis and future upgrades.

The project devised an open P&P Protocol to slash on-site time and propel the renovation market. This protocol fosters deep renovation tech interconnection, fast-tracking key StepUP P&P Technologies. The P&P Envelope cuts installation time; HeatVentors' HeatTank optimizes heating and cooling efficiency. These solutions offer cost-effective, minimally disruptive operations. The open protocol widens SME market entry, streamlining new tech integration for installers and owners. ACR's LEAN renovation method and tool development further shrink on-site durations, expediting the renovation market.

The StepUP methodology prioritizes end users, refining renovation tools to elevate building performance and the process, mindful of user investment. Financial studies by Energinvest highlight the comfort and performance benefits versus costs, rendering StepUP appealing for financially constrained owners. StepUP Renovation promises substantial energy savings and decarbonization through electrification

Pilot studies confirm StepUP's potential, revealing private interest in refurbishment investments. The consortium aims to extend project outcomes commercially, ensuring lasting socio-economic, environmental, and societal impact.
Hungarian pilot - post-renovation concept
Spanish Pilot ACR multi use building-post renovation- Active system
Hungarian Pilot- post renovation plug and play facade
Virtual pilot
P&P Facade mockup
Spanish Pilot UNAV test cells- post- renovation of facades
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