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.
REHOUSE integrates advanced technologies such as multifunctional prefabricated components, digital modelling, and circular design to industrialise renovation processes. Each renovation package - from smart walls and intelligent window systems to centralised heating & 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 reuse and recycling of components at end-of-life.
These innovations deliver substantial benefits: improved insulation, enhanced user satisfaction, reduced energy costs, and lower embodied carbon, all while fostering 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 wellbeing. Through dedicated Social Innovation activities, REHOUSE also fosters civic participation and local engagement at demonstration sites.
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.
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