RENplusHOMES project
Renewable energy-based positive homes
| Business | Period | Project Coordinator | Funding Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | June 2023 - May 2026 | RINA Consulting S.p.A. | Horizon Europe |
Challenge
Enhancing the energy performance of buildings is a fundamental step in the path toward decarbonisation, given that the European building stock currently ranks among the largest energy consumers and producers of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU.
The REN+HOMES project (GA101103450) aims to establish a universal methodology for creating positive energy homes and residential districts, facilitating the transition to climate-neutral and energy-positive residential buildings. REN+HOMES addresses sustainable transition not only by reducing carbon emissions but also by addressing resource scarcity, energy poverty, and focusing on stakeholder education and participation.
In particular, REN+HOMES will develop a set of 23 solutions, including:
- 9 hardware solutions
- 7 software solutions
- 7 Circular Plus Energy Homes (CPEH) methodologies tailored for Austria, Spain, Estonia, Romania, Greece, France, and a universal approach.
These solutions will be tested and implemented in four large-scale demonstrators, spanning 19,843 m², including two renovation and two new construction sites in Austria, Spain, Estonia, and Romania.
Additionally, we will be developing business models that combine cost-effective deep retrofitting, demand response, and energy communities.
To enhance our citizen and nationwide stakeholder engagement strategy, we've established an International Advisory Board with support from our consortium partners. This board comprises professionals from various fields in positive building solutions, with a focus on technology and social aspects.
Approach
As the project coordinator, RINA is responsible for overall project management, which includes effectively coordinating communication among project partners and stakeholders to ensure the progress of project activities.
REN+HOMES is built upon a well-balanced combination of SSH (Social Sciences and Humanities) and technical subjects to create innovative and reliable residential building complexes that benefit society on two levels:
- From a techno-environmental perspective, the project aims to bring buildings to the highest energy efficiency standards, reducing energy and carbon consumption while improving indoor conditions. It also addresses energy poverty, facilitates decarbonization, and promotes smartification.
- From a socio-economic standpoint, REN+HOMES seeks to understand human behavior and barriers to deep renovation and the utilization of active buildings. It aims to unlock potential community-based flexibility (including connecting Positive Energy Buildings with non-PEB buildings, as demonstrated in the Estonian site), promote social acceptance, and protect vulnerable individuals and households.
Conclusion
REN+HOMES represents a crucial effort to enhance building energy performance and drive sustainability in Europe. With innovative solutions and a holistic approach, the project will contribute to reducing carbon emissions, addressing energy poverty, and creating smarter, more resilient communities.
