Periodic Reporting for period 3 - StepUP (Solutions and Technologies for deep Energy renovation Processes UPtake)
Período documentado: 2022-08-01 hasta 2024-04-30
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.
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.
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.