NEED4B

The overall objective of the project was to develop an open and easily replicable methodology for designing, constructing, and operating new low-energy buildings, aiming at a large market uptake.

The NEED4B methodology was validated and refined by a strong demonstration programme, envisaging the construction of 27,000 m2, spread among five demo sites covering different climatic zones, building types and uses, which ensured the replicability of the project results and guaranteed their impact on the construction sector.

All the buildings had a common target of achieving an energy consumption lower than 60 kWh/m2/year (in terms of primary energy) representing a 65% reduction compared to current levels. This target was possible thanks to the selection and integration of the most suitable set of innovative and cost-effective energy efficient solutions and technologies for each of the buildings, addressing all areas of the building design: structure and envelope, HVAC, integration of RES, water and waste management and control systems.