re-MODULEES Final Report

The re-MODULEES Final Report is a comprehensive document detailing a project funded by the European Union’s HORIZON 2020 research and innovation programme. The project aims to activate the retrofit market in the residential sector across Europe, focusing on sustainable housing solutions. The report is authored by Peter Op ’t Veld and produced by HI&A, with contributions from various partners involved in the project.

The primary objective of re-MODULEES is to create an EU-wide framework for activating the retrofit market, supported by digital and physical Renovation Hubs. The project emphasizes modularity, allowing for a breakdown of the renovation process into standardized segments tailored to various regional conditions. By fostering market uptake of innovative solutions, the project seeks to enhance the attractiveness of deep renovations for consumers and investors, ultimately contributing to the decarbonization of the EU building stock.

The report highlights several key achievements of the re-MODULEES project, including the establishment of digital and physical Retrofitting Market Activation Platforms validated in seven pilot markets: Spain, Bulgaria, France, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, and the Netherlands. Each pilot market represents unique socio-economic conditions, allowing for tailored strategies that can be replicated across other EU member states.

A foundational aspect of the project involves engaging a wide range of stakeholders, including homeowners, construction companies, and financial institutions. Local Advisory Boards (LABs) were created in each pilot market to facilitate collaboration and ensure that the renovation practices align with local needs. This engagement process has fostered a community of stakeholders who share insights and experiences, which are essential for driving successful renovation outcomes.

The report outlines a people-centered approach that prioritizes stakeholder engagement throughout the project's lifecycle. This methodology includes three main activities: activating Local Advisory Boards, defining user-centered value propositions, and collecting success stories. By focusing on the needs of various stakeholders, the project aims to optimize its solutions and ensure their relevance in different contexts.

To stimulate the retrofit market, re-MODULEES has developed a Standard Action Plan and Local Deployment Plans tailored to specific pilot markets. These plans serve as frameworks for coordinating efforts to raise awareness and facilitate access to renovation services. The project also emphasizes the importance of providing evidence-based decision tools and fostering holistic, consumer-centered business models.

A significant outcome of the project is the development of a digital platform that centralizes access to various tools, resources, and services related to energy renovation. This platform aims to streamline the renovation process by offering tailored solutions and facilitating communication among stakeholders. The platform is designed to be user-friendly and adaptable to the specific needs of each market.

The report concludes with recommendations for further market uptake and exploitation of the project’s results. The transition from re-LABs to re-HUBs is highlighted as a key strategy for ensuring long-term sustainability. These re-HUBs will continue to provide services and support to stakeholders, thereby contributing to the ongoing transformation of the European building renovation landscape.