As part of the European Union's strong commitment to climate neutrality and sustainable living, the REHOUSE project represents a crucial step in transforming Europe's building stock through innovative, people-centred renovation strategies. In line with the European Commission's Renovation Wave initiative, REHOUSE is accelerating deep, energy-efficient renovations that will reduce energy consumption by more than 60%, improve quality of life and boost job creation across the green building sector.
Europe's buildings account for a significant proportion of energy consumption and emissions. In response, the European Commission launched its ‘Renovation Wave for Europe’ strategy in October 2020, which aims to double renovation rates and prioritise deep energy renovations. The REHOUSE project plays an important role in this change. It is developing eight innovative renovation packages that will demonstrate how the industry can scale innovation while maintaining architectural integrity and affordability.
A Pathway to Impact: Innovation, Upscaling, and Inclusion
REHOUSE integrates advanced technologies, including multifunctional prefabricated components, digital modelling, and circular design, to industrialise renovation processes. Each renovation package—ranging from smart walls and intelligent window systems to centralised heating and cooling, and bio-based façade systems—aims to reduce on-site construction time by up to 50%, improve energy efficiency, and lower carbon emissions.
Digital tools such as Building Renovation Passports, Smart Readiness Indicator, and Digital Building Logbooks streamline project planning and financing, enabling fast-track adoption across Europe. Circularity principles are embedded throughout the project, with a strong focus on the reuse and recycling of components at the end of their life.
These innovations deliver substantial benefits, including improved insulation, enhanced user satisfaction, reduced energy costs, and lower embodied carbon, while also fostering the adoption of EU-wide construction standards.
People take centre stage in the REHOUSE project. The project ensures renovations are minimally disruptive, economically viable, and enhance occupants’ indoor comfort and well-being. Through dedicated Social Innovation activities, REHOUSE also fosters civic participation and local engagement at demonstration sites.
Progress and Achievements
REHOUSE has made significant strides across its activities:
- As part of social innovation, Social Task Forces and user-centred planning methods were established.
- The technical design and digitalisation of the renovation packages were completed and validated at Technology Readiness Level 6.
- A comprehensive KPI framework that integrates digital renovation tools has been developed.
- Demonstration activities at TRL 7, utilising BIM models, have been initiated, and construction and real-time monitoring are progressing.
- Market replication through business models and standardisation strategies is underway.
In its final phase, REHOUSE will offer concrete policy recommendations and implementation guidelines to support the EU Green Deal. By providing evidence-based insights, the project aims to inform decision-making at the citizen, professional, research, and political levels, reinforcing the EU’s leadership in sustainable construction and enabling climate neutrality by 2025.
