Coloured PV panels installed on the roof and façade of a building to maximise renewable energy production and provide surplus energy. The design of the PV modules layouts is defined by the PV modules orientation in relation to the sky, the orientation of building longest facades, and the regulatory provision regarding the appearance of the PV façade.

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Use of eco-friendly local construction materials and traditional craftsmanship in sustainable renovation projects. By combining natural and low-impact materials, such as timber and local sandstone, with modern construction techniques, it aims to reduce the environmental footprint of buildings while supporting local producers and preserving traditional building knowledge. An online catalogue of sustainable construction solutions further helps designers and builders compare materials based on their environmental performance and encourages the wider adoption of locally sourced, circular building practices.

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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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AI-based prediction for the placement of PV module and of the amount of RES (PV, heat sources) to achieve net-zero or positive energy balance

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A catalogue of integrated circular and low-carbon solutions for building design and renovation. It provides policymakers, architects, urban planners, and technical practitioners with practical references applicable across all stages of the building lifecycle. Each solution is presented with a concise description, the challenges addressed, targeted objectives, expected performance, and associated benefits. The catalogue also includes examples of best practices for implementation.

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Timber-based scenarios for new and existing buildings to enhance the use of wood as a circular construction-renovation material combined with forefront sustainable and energy saving technologies, nature-based solutions, and compound performance and comfort monitoring systems. 

The first scenario is the construction of a new wooden-based positive energy building located in in an area currently used as a parking lot. The new building has been conceived as a multifunctional hub with integrated services.

The second scenario is the architectural renovation and energy refurbishment of existing buildings using timber. The scenario consists of testing the prefabricated wooden-based panel – called “Renew Wall” (RW), a modular system and wooden-based retrofit kit conceived to be easily applied on existing buildings.

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An educational platform for citizens, primarily focusing on youth. The core of this approach involves a series of seminars conducted with middle and high school students.

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A building design strategy based on passive strategies, low-carbon local materials, and climate-responsive construction to reduce energy demand and improve comfort. Natural ventilation, solar protection, and high thermal inertia help mitigate heat stress and adapt the building to changing climate conditions, while a simple, durable structural system enhances long-term performance. Together, these measures deliver a low-energy housing solution that is well integrated into its context and resilient to climate change.

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The guidelines define pros and cons of natural ventilation (NV) techniques in buildings versus mechanical ones. The report lays out the principles, existing standards and guidelines, and perspectives focusing on both energy consumption and indoor well-being. Different techniques of NV are explored and grouped according to the driving forces they exploit. Examples of real buildings using the techniques are also included. Also included are the main purposes NV can be used for and some guidelines to be consulted for developing NV.

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