Horizon 2020
Call: Η2020-LC-SC3-2018-2019-2020
(BUILDING A LOW-CARBON, CLIMATE RESILIENT FUTURE:
SECURE, CLEAN AND EFFICIENT ENERGY)
Topic: LC-SC3-EE-1-2018-2019-2020
Decarbonisation of the EU building stock: innovative approaches and affordable solutions changing the market for buildings renovation
Type of action: IA
ABOUT
ABOUT SUREFIT
The SUREFIT project (SUstainable solutions for affordable REtroFIT of domestic buildings) aimed to radically accelerate the energy renovation of existing buildings by developing and demonstrating an innovative, fast-track retrofitting approach.
SUREFIT introduced a suite of modular, prefabricated, and cost-effective technologies designed to reduce primary energy use, cut CO₂ emissions, and improve indoor comfort across a wide range of European climates.
The technologies were tested and validated in five demonstration sites (UK, Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Finland), achieving over 60% energy consumption reduction in real residential buildings — significantly contributing to the EU’s climate and energy goals.
Core Project Outcomes:
• Reduction of primary energy use by up to 62%
• Reduction of CO₂ emissions by up to 84%
• Decrease of renovation time by up to 40%
• Improved occupant comfort and indoor air quality
OVERALL CONCEPT
Buildings represent about 40% of the EU energy consumption, and 36% of the total CO2 emissions. A major part of these is due to heating and cooling, to maintain comfortable indoor conditions. The EU has committed to meet 20% of all energy demand through the use of renewable energy sources by 2020, and a further target of 100% by 2050 is already underway. Rational use of energy and integration of renewable energy technologies can substantially reduce the conventional energy demand in new and existing buildings and assist the EU in meeting the climate change objectives under the 2015 Paris Agreement. At present, about 35% of the EU's buildings are over 50 years old and almost 75% of the building stock is energy inefficient but only 0.4-1.2% of the building stock is renovated each year due to slow and costly renovation processes. Systemic approaches for building renovation could address the key challenges facing the construction industry by minimising energy use and material waste, maximising the energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources for heating, cooling, power generation and lighting, and fast and affordable retrofitting through the use of prefabrication.
OVERALL CONCEPT
Buildings represent about 40% of the EU energy consumption, and 36% of the total CO2 emissions. A major part of these is due to heating and cooling, to maintain comfortable indoor conditions. The EU has committed to meet 20% of all energy demand through the use of renewable energy sources by 2020, and a further target of 100% by 2050 is already underway. Rational use of energy and integration of renewable energy technologies can substantially reduce the conventional energy demand in new and existing buildings and assist the EU in meeting the climate change objectives under the 2015 Paris Agreement. At present, about 35% of the EU's buildings are over 50 years old and almost 75% of the building stock is energy inefficient but only 0.4-1.2% of the building stock is renovated each year due to slow and costly renovation processes. Systemic approaches for building renovation could address the key challenges facing the construction industry by minimising energy use and material waste, maximising the energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources for heating, cooling, power generation and lighting, and fast and affordable retrofitting through the use of prefabrication.
SUREFIT TECHNOLOGIES
The project integrated advanced solutions including:
• Bio-aerogel and PCM insulation materials
• PV vacuum glazing
• Prefabricated thermal panels
• Window heat recovery systems
• Solar-assisted and ground source heat pumps
• Evaporative cooling systems
• Photovoltaic/Thermal (PV/T) systems
• Daylight louvers
These technologies were selected, sized, and deployed to optimize installation time, energy performance, and cost-efficiency.
SURe³FIT Tool & Handbook
As part of its legacy, the project developed the SURe³FIT decision support tool, a user-friendly software designed to help stakeholders — homeowners, contractors, architects, and public authorities — identify optimal renovation packages based on environmental and economic criteria.
Accompanied by a comprehensive Handbook, the tool provides step-by-step guidance on implementing retrofitting projects using SUREFIT technologies and methodologies.
The SURE³FIT methodology and Operational Tool (Deliverable D7.3) provide an evidence-based decision-support framework for optimizing renovation strategies, integrating environmental, economic, and social sustainability assessments throughout the building’s life cycle. The accompanying Handbook guides users through each step of the process, from initial diagnosis to implementation.
PROJECT’S OBJECTIVES
- fast track renovation of domestic buildings
- prefabricated technologies
- target on near zero energy buildings
- increase the share of renewable energy in buildings
- innovative technologies involving heating & cooling systems, hot water, lighting, power generation
- smart control systems
- demonstration in 5 buildings in different climates (demo sites)
- development of guidelines and operational tools
- innovative business models
The project leading to this application has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 894511.
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