A two-step methodology that aims to select the cost-optimal solutions for retrofitting of buildings in large-scale renovation process (200-300 dwellings). From a set of different potential combinations of passive elements (e.g., adding different insulation materials with different thickness and/or windows) and active elements (e.g., heat pumps / multi-split air conditioning for heating, cooling and DHW and/or photovoltaics), the methodology helps to select the most appropriate combination considering the energy performance and economic parameters. The process aims to select solutions that achieve a 50% reduction in the energy demand and/or a significant improvement in the thermal comfort conditions. A detailed economic model is part of the methodology giving as a result the following outputs: investment costs deducting grants for each owner and life cycle global costs.

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Solar PV scale smart battery systems are an integrated energy solution that combines rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) panels with on-site battery storage in large residential buildings. The system is designed to demonstrate and monitor how locally produced solar energy can be stored and optimally used at building and neighbourhood scale, increasing self-consumption, reducing grid dependency, and improving overall energy resilience.

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A new fixing system was developed for attaching Renew-Wall prefabricated energy renovation panels to existing building walls. Through on-site trials and lab testing, various options were evaluated for improved speed, safety, reversibility, and ease of installation, including steel brackets, threaded rods, and systems inspired by ventilated curtain walls. The final solution, used in the Povo demonstration project, features a support frame of vertical and horizontal timber elements anchored to the existing wall with dowel-type fasteners. The Renew-Wall panels are then secured to this frame using timber screws and pre-installed steel plates within the panel’s timber structure.

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The Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) monitoring system helps evaluate how different solar panel technologies perform once they are part of a building façade. It measures each panel’s voltage, current, power output, and surface temperature. Tracking temperature is key, as it shows how the panels might affect indoor comfort by heating up the façade. All sensor data is sent to a cloud database for analysis. The system is energy-autonomous: it uses a small battery powered by one of the PV panels, so it can operate in remote or off-grid locations—such as the GESA building in Palma.

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This solution explores the integration of a low-exergy ground-source heat pump with Thermally Activated Building Systems (TABS) to deliver efficient heating and cooling in buildings, focusing on a pilot site in Oslo. While TABS enhance energy efficiency by leveraging the thermal inertia of concrete structures, their slow response time currently leads to poor indoor comfort due to inadequate rule-based controls. To address this, a room-level Model Predictive Control (MPC) system is proposed to improve temperature regulation using data-driven models continuously trained during building operation. Additionally, a building-level MPC will coordinate various systems to optimize energy costs, implement demand response strategies, enable fuel switching, and maximize on-site solar PV self-consumption. These smart controls use forecasts of weather, occupancy, energy prices, and PV output.

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Development and demonstration of timber and bio-based modular renovation and construction solutions designed to minimise disruption during building operation. The approach combines prefabricated plug-and-play components, sustainable materials, and integrated monitoring systems to support low-carbon and circular renovation practices.

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The solution combines solar energy generation, battery storage and electric vehicle charging into a single, intelligent building energy system. Solar panels integrated into building façades and rooftops produce clean electricity while also improving indoor comfort by reducing overheating. Energy can be stored in repurposed batteries, giving a second life to existing technologies and helping balance supply and demand. The system also supports smart charging of electric vehicles, allowing cars to store or even supply electricity back to buildings when needed. By optimising energy use in real time, this approach makes neighbourhoods more energy-efficient, flexible and resilient.

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A new developed smart home lighting control system is demonstrated in SAB Housing Association Department 75 in Sønderborg, DK. The demonstration site includes 19 double terrace houses, in total 38 apartments. The smart home systems in the apartments control the lighting, electrical appliances, access controls and burglar alarms. The electrification control system can also be connected to the heating control system. 

Remotely from a smart phone app, the user can turn on and off each lighting unit and electrical appliance in the apartment and control the temperature of the heating system. The regulation can also be activated from a central panel placed on a wall in the apartment.  

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