Meet the digital sidekick supporting renovation SMEs

A LIFE Cosme Reno tool built to speed up renovation together

For many SMEs working in renovation, keeping projects organised remains a challenge. Information often sits in different places, teams use different tools, and coordinating tasks across companies can take more time than the renovation work itself.

Within the LIFE Cosme Reno project, we set out to make this easier. Together with SMEs in several partner countries, we developed a management portal that supports smoother collaboration and more integrated planning throughout the renovation process.

The goal was not to introduce yet another digital tool, but to create something practical that reflects how SMEs actually work — whether they are on-site, in the office, or coordinating with partners.

A workspace built around real renovation needs

The portal brings together capabilities that help renovation teams manage projects more clearly

and collaborate with fewer obstacles. These functions were shaped by SME feedback and focus on

tasks that typically slow down renovation projects or complicate cooperation across teams.

Key capabilities include:

• Document Management, BIM Viewer and 4D Planning

  These tools give teams a shared understanding of models, timelines and project information. They help structure collaboration and reduce the risk of miscommunication during renovation work.

• Simulations

  Teams can explore renovation scenarios and anticipate potential challenges, supporting better planning and reducing delays or failure costs.

• Integration with Autodesk Construction Cloud

  Companies already working within digital construction environments can connect their processes directly to the portal, keeping information consistent across tools.

• Data Integration via IDS Standard

  The portal supports efficient data exchange with prefabrication factories, which helps prepare renovation activities in a more coordinated and industrialised way.

• Field App

  The portal’s main functionalities are also available on-site, allowing fieldworkers to access information, document progress and share updates directly from the construction site.

Together, these features create a practical cooperation tool that supports SMEs in managing renovation projects more easily and expanding their digital workflows.

Strengthening SME collaboration

The development of this portal is part of a wider effort within LIFE Cosme Reno to strengthen cooperation models between SMEs and enable them to deliver deep renovation more efficiently. Improving collaboration is essential for speeding up renovation workflows, enhancing quality and

supporting Europe’s broader climate and energy goals.

By providing a shared digital environment, the portal helps SMEs structure their work more clearly, coordinate across companies and take on more complex renovation tasks.

Want to try the portal in your organisation?

The portal is now ready for use in real project settings. We are looking for organisations that would like to explore the tool, provide feedback and see how it could support their renovation workflows. If your organisation is interested in testing the portal, please send us an email at cosmereno@buildify.nl. We will provide access and guide you through the first steps.