“Many governments in the rich world want to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions from constructing and using buildings,” stated ‘The Economist’ in its January 5 th 2019 edition. “With some wonderful exceptions, they are failing”. The Scale of the Problem The article states that: “The International Energy Agency (IEA), a research group, estimates that putting up and running buildings consumes 36% of the world’s energy and produces some 40% of energy-related carbon emissions. More than 5bn tonnes of cement—the raw material for concrete and mortar—is produced each year, adding a further 6% of emissions. The steel industry, half of whose production goes into construction, accounts for another 8%”. And yet despite pledges by world leaders in 2015 to prevent global temperatures from rising more than 2°C above pre-industrial levels, progress remains painfully slow. The failure of carbon taxation and subsidy/loan initiatives Governments have, by and large, avoided the obvious but politically unpopular route of imposing carbon taxation on households. “One problem is that the poor feel the hit from green taxes especially hard,” explains ‘The Economist’. And neither have more pro-active incentives succeeded. The third way – zero energy Instead, rich-world governments are increasingly focussing their attention on forcing their construction industries to comply with ‘net zero energy’ or ‘nearly zero energy’ standards. The EU has already legislated that from January 2019 all new public sector buildings must be built to ‘nearly zero energy’ standards. “Regulations and standards are less efficient than taxes”, continues ‘The Economist’, “but they are a politically palatable way of reducing emissions caused by the construction of buildings and their operation. They bury the costs of environmental action in house prices and office rents, where consumers cannot see them as readily as in monthly heating bills”. Energiesprong as an example Energiesprong, along with ‘The Powerhouse’ project in Trondheim, Norway, are both cited as examples where the technology to retrofit or build to net zero energy already exists: “The technology to build and retrofit buildings to cover their carbon footprint already exists. One such system is Energiesprong from the Netherlands, which clads entire apartment blocks and terraces in insulation and solar panels to the point where they can generate all the energy they need themselves. Some buildings can now produce more renewable electricity than they use, which helps to offset the emissions used in their construction. Norway is a pioneer. The Powerhouse in central Trondheim produces 49 kWh per square metre of floor space per year from solar panels and consumes just 21—an impressive achievement for a building just 350km from the Arctic Circle.” Read the full article of ‘The Economist’  Longueau, France. Photographer Fabrice Singevin

Nottingham City Council has secured over £5million through the European Regional Development Fund (2014-20) to roll out its Energiesprong, ultra-low energy homes pilot, which will include improvements to over 150 Nottingham City Homes’ (NCH) properties. The scheme will tackle some of NCH’s older housing stock that is hard to heat, lifting residents out of fuel poverty. As well as being warmer, the environmental performance of the homes will be greatly improved reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. Energiesprong model further developed The Energiesprong model, a ground-breaking whole-house renovation approach, pioneered in the Netherlands, has been further developed and this rollout in the UK includes energy efficiency improvements to a city school and a number of homes in Derby managed by Derby Homes. Melius Homes, who were the successful contractor for the Nottingham pilot and the rollout tender, will be continuing in their role as principal contractor. “I’m so happy living here now, I’m no longer thinking of moving” An NCH tenant from the initial pilot, Ms Esther Lutzuver, said: “These homes were really cold before and I dreaded winters. Before the energy efficiency works I was planning on moving as the cold was just getting too much. I really can’t believe the difference the refurb has made. Last winter was so much better, me and my family found the house to be really warm and my energy bills have not got more expensive in fact I’m paying less. I’m so happy living here now, I’m no longer thinking of moving, I’ve recently redecorated the whole house and I’m saving up for a new carpet.” Another tenant, Miss Joan Warbuton, said: “As soon as the new walls were put in place, it felt warmer straight away. My home was really cold before and expensive to heat but now I’ve even had to stop wearing my winter slippers and get my summer ones back out.” See the E=0 film  Transforming Homes into the Future  for feedback from tenants in Nottingham and from professionals explaining how Energiesprong provides a solution, not only in the UK, but also elsewhere in Europe. Nottingham is at the forefront of this revolutionary approach in the UK Councillor Sally Longford, the City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Energy and Environment, said: “As the city’s largest landlord it’s right that we that we tackle energy inefficient homes as all that wasted energy impacts on our climate change ambitions as well as being expensive for our residents. We have already achieved a lot through our Greener HousiNG programme and we are determined to do more. We’re very excited that Nottingham is at the forefront of this revolutionary approach, we’re not only improving people’s homes locally, but also helping to shape a new direction for tackling the UK’s coldest homes.” Great start of 2019 Nottingham City Homes Chief Executive, Nick Murphy, said: “It’s important that we insulate our homes and make them more energy efficient for the future. As well as helping fight climate change this will tackle fuel poverty, making our homes warmer and cheaper to run. “It’s a great start to 2019 to be rolling out the Energiesprong approach to so many homes. The first pilot homes look fantastic and have really lifted the local area; this rollout will really add to the regeneration of neighborhoods across the city.” Melius Homes Managing Director, Rob Lambe, added “Nottingham City Homes is leading the way in the UK in adopting this transformational approach to whole house retrofit and we’re delighted to be delivering this ground-breaking project.” Roll out in two phases This rollout will be in two phases; Interreg NWE programme E=0 is supporting the first seventeen retrofits and a European Regional Development Funded project, Deep Retrofit Energy Model (DREeM) which aims to improve the efficiency of homes & public buildings in Nottingham is supporting the bulk of the rollout. The rollout follows a successful UK first pilot which was funded by European Union funding stream Horizon 2020, through a project called REMOURBAN . To read more see also this article in The Guardian and the publication at the Nottingham City Council’s website .

“It was really cold but now when you come home there is no need to turn on the heater,”  says resident Amélie Goblas from Longueau, France. “They are in and out all the time, but eventually when it´s all done it´s well worth it. I´d recommend it to anybody,”  says resident Joan Warburton from Nottingham, UK. Some quotes from tenants whose homes the film crew visited. E=0: Transforming Homes into the Future, is a documentary film project, funded by Interreg North West , that chronicles the efforts being made in the past 3 years, to establish a net zero energy housing ecosystem across Europe. It showcases various projects in France, the UK & the Netherlands and features both the passionate professionals involved and the residents who kindly granted the film crew access to their homes. https://vimeo.com/308049821 A growing movement For the past 3 years, Energiesprong Market Development Teams across Europe have been working on the E=0 project. The unique retrofit & funding approach conceived in the Netherlands has proven itself successful. However, it has shown to be challenging to apply this to other EU countries, who have their own set of rules and barriers. Fortunately both France and the UK have managed to get the first demonstrators finished or work on-site is about to get started. Further rollout of the solution is agreed on in both countries. More homes will be retrofitted to E=0 standards in 2019 so the solution can be further developed. The first energy module made by the Dutch Factory Zero has been developed and further developed within the E=0 programme to a smaller product that can easily be delivered by trucks on site and installed on rooftops. Melius Homes, one of the UK solution providers is further developing their prefabricated panels. In the Netherlands net zero energy retrofits are now  almost financeable for private homeowners  as well and research has been done on multi-storey buildings. The E=0 movement is growing in all countries, the industry is developing and tenants are happy! Now it´s time to upscale the solutions to the next level.

To develop the supply side in Germany for Energiesprong solutions, including solution providers, and tier two supply chain, and to support suppliers to understand Energiesprong, create solutions, and reduce costs. The core elements of this role will include: Working with front runner aspiring “Energiesprong” suppliers and building companies to help them understand the energy plan, offsite manufacture, performance specification, performance guarantees, monitoring options, and to ensure effective delivery of all of these in pilot and scale up projects Establishing a network of tier two suppliers / consultants who could fill gaps in larger organisations or form collaborations to become solution providers (architects, engineers, energy modelling specialists, M & E suppliers or installers, system integrators, component manufacturers) Engaging new potential solution providers – understanding the gaps in their organisations, and their triggers and barriers for engagement (scale, long term commitment, pace) resulting in a supplier engagement plan, linked to the Energiesprong project pipeline Match making new providers with external consultants or tier two suppliers when projects require. Supporting solution providers and suppliers to develop their business models, plan for cost reduction, helping suppliers to think creatively and to understand risk Running supply chain engagement events and presenting at relevant events Working with solution providers to develop their next tier supply chain, including understanding and testing opportunities for cost reduction through sharing solutions or products (e.g. is procurement for monitoring equipment across all Solution Providers going to save money and if so can we agree a specification?) Energiesprong Deutschland is taking a market transformation approach to make performance-assured retrofits commercially financeable and scalable. To achieve this a number of market conditions will need to be changed so that housing providers can invest and industry is incentivised to innovate. This is the main role and purpose of the Energiesprong Market Development Teams (MDTs). Energiesprong is focusing on “to create what is needed” instead of focusing on “to do what is possible”. To learn more and apply download the whole vacancy

At the Energiesprong Innovation Day in Berlin on 16th November more than 80 front runners from German, French and Dutch construction and supply companies met to promote cross-border Energiesprong renovation solutions for the rental housing market. During the event construction companies and suppliers familiar with delivering Energiesprong retrofits helped others to understand their products and services. Participants exchanged ideas and business cards during a matchmaking session. As a result German-French market development for Net Zero Energy refurbishment is now underway and the first regional construction teams are joining forces. After the opening by German and French organizers dena, Ademe and Greenflex, the day kicked off with a series of inspiring insights from construction and supply companies. Maxime Hugonnet from the French construction company Bouygues Construction presented one of the first French pilots and provided an outlook on planned follow-up projects. Afterwards there were insights into the production approaches of two startups: Jan Willem Sloof of Renolution presented their prefabricated façades and Jasper van den Munckhof of Factory Zero revealed more on the production and installation of energy modules. Matchmaking at the innovation market The centrepiece of the event was the innovation marketplace that took place after the presentations. In several short pitch rounds, participants presented their products as part of an Energiesprong solution. Then there was matchmaking with people networking and exploring possible cooperation. The first general contractors and suppliers have subsequently joined together to form regional construction teams and more teams are to follow. The event concluded with several German and French workshops on detailed questions about the warranty, the building envelope and energy modules. The Energiesprong Innovation Day was organized as part of the Franco-German Energy Platform in cooperation with the Energiesprong France Initiative, which is coordinated by the French energy agency Ademe and the sustainability consultancy Greenflex. For further information about the Franco-German Energy Platform see www.d-f-plattform.de Energiesprong Innovation Day was funded by DENA ,  ADEME and INTERREG NWE.

Energiesprong France has written a detailed guide for French social housing providers. This will help housing associations interested in the Energiesprong approach with the implementation of zero energy long term guaranteed retrofits. Energiesprong in France The Energiesprong approach adapted in France is based on the following demanding specifications: Guaranteed zero energy level over 30 years, thanks to improved energy efficiency and local production of renewable energy; An investment paid back by energy savings and maintenance over 30 years, with no financial impact on the tenants; Work done in a week without tenants having to leave their homes thanks to the use of high quality prefabricated elements and 3D scanning; Attractive, comfortable and future-proofed housing, with remodelled kitchens and / or bathrooms integrated into the programme of works. Keys steps of an Energiesprong retrofit Given the ambitious specifications, the way of working is quite different from a regular retrofit. This document explains through the key steps of an Energiesprong retrofit; from understanding the approach and the feasibility study to the completion of the renovation and management of housing once renovated. The guide aims to: help housing associations looking to renovate their housing stock to the Energiesprong standard; provide manufacturers and solution providers with the necessary data so that they can prepare tailored responses to Energiesprong tenders; reveal the key success factors for an Energiesprong retrofit to any stakeholder interested in the approach. If you are interested in reading the guide (in French) go to the French website , submit your details and you will be able to download it.

On November 13 th  REALIZE, a collaborative effort led by Rocky Mountain Institute, will be hosting a webinar  for mechanical system manufacturers. The webinar  will engage manufacturers in exploring partnerships for creating a set of net zero energy retrofit mechanical systems. Directly after the webinar, a request for proposals (RFP) will be issued to select a supplier(s), partner(s), and collaborator(s) to provide the mechanical system solution for a US Department of Energy award pilot building. The system solution should include heating, cooling, ventilation, dehumidification, and domestic hot water heating capabilities (full requirements will be listed in the RFP). REALIZE REALIZE is an effort inspired by Energiesprong, developed to catalyze mass-scale, net-zero-energy retrofits. This model employs a process that combines aggregation of demand and a coordinated supply chain to deploy prefabricated mass-scale retrofits. The REALIZE team anticipates great volumes of demand in the United States, opening a completely untapped market of solutions for existing buildings. Pilot REALIZE has received a US Department of Energy award to design, engineer, manufacture and monitor an integrated envelope and mechanical system on a pilot building. The pilot will be a 20-40 unit multifamily building in a major metro area and will be strategically selected to represent a much larger building stock to allow for replicability of the solution at scale, including applicability to the State of New York’s RetrofitNY  program. Innovative and forward-thinking stakeholders in this effort are invited to register for the webinar here . Feel free to contact the REALIZE team ( realize@rmi.org ) directly with any questions. Date: November 13th, 2018 Time: 12:00-1:00 PM Eastern Time Link: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1260236432810808066 Net zero energy multifamily building in Utrecht, the Netherlands

Betsy Agar writes in the Huffington Post that action in British Columbia (Canada) is needed to make homes and buildings energy efficient and names Energiesprong as an exciting solution. Agar in the Huffington Post: “The good news is the benefits of healthier, less polluting homes and workplaces can be realized in both new and old buildings. There's no time to waste: making our homes and buildings energy-efficient, healthy, safe, and affordable should be the next megaproject for B.C.” Betsy Agar, Huffington Post October 10 th. The idea is catching on “One exciting solution is the Energiesprong model. Originated in the Netherlands, Energiesprong takes an aggregated approach to housing upgrades and turns the problem of inefficient buildings on its head. The combination of drafty old buildings and the responsibility to meet climate targets is core to the market opportunity targeted by Energiesprong, and the idea is catching on.” Betsy Agar, Huffington Post October 10 th. We also learn from her article that “North American buildings are designed with 50-year lifespans in mind, and many of their components need to be replaced every 20 years. To make good on its climate goals, B.C. must reduce carbon pollution from buildings by  50 to 60 per cent  below 2007 levels by 2030. Layer on concerns about seismic resilience, affordable housing, and community character, and it's evident a market-scale overhaul of the existing building stock should be at the top of B.C.'s priority list.” Betsy Agar, Huffington Post October 10 th. Energiesprong stimulates innovation Betsy Agar concludes her article to say that the Energiesprong approach offers a opportunity to do so: “Capable of delivering rapid market transformation, the Energiesprong approach to retrofits offers a key opportunity to get B.C. back on track to its climate targets while reaping the benefits of healthier homes and green jobs. Energiesprong stimulates innovation, scales up implementation, and incubates local supplier and labour markets. We can lower our energy consumption while diversifying our economy and cornering an emerging market. This is a prime example of the bold action we need to see in this fall's B.C. clean growth strategy. Making our homes and buildings resilient is a megaproject all British Columbians can get behind.” Betsy Agar, Huffington Post October 10 th Reed the whole article at HuffingtonPost.ca

The Challenge Day on September 20 was the official stop on Germany´s Energiesprong Innovation Roadmap. Four housing associations (VBW Bauen und Wohnen GmbH, WG, Vorgebirgspark and Vonovia) proposed a number of buildings that can serve as prototypes for Energiesprong retrofits within the next two years. This is the first step towards a broader market for Energiesprong retrofits in Germany. Components already available, now it´s all about bringing them together A good spirit of optimism was felt among all the participants. After first solution approaches were discussed at various workshops, followed by a final speed-dating round, it became clear that the required building and energy system components are already available on the market. Now it's all about bringing them together to develop concepts for implementing Energiesprong prototypes by early 2019. Innovation Day The next stop on the Innovation Roadmap is the Innovation Day on 16th November in Berlin. On this day attendees will continue to workshop detailed questions around Energiesprong concepts. In addition, suppliers in the field of roof and façade elements, photovoltaic systems, heating and ventilation technology and energy monitoring will be able to introduce themselves and meet general contractors. This will mark a further step towards Energiesprong retrofits becoming a reality in Germany. Follow Energiesprong Germany at www.energiesprong.de

Now that the renovation of 10 homes in Hem to Energiesprong standard is completed, feedback is coming in from Vilogia’s Project Managers highlighting the feasibility of this approach in France. Below we give a quick summary of the feedback from two key participants from the Vilogia team: Agnieszka Bogucka (Project Manager) and Fabien Lasserre (Head of Engineering and R & D). Why Energiesprong? For Agnieszka and Fabien the Energiesprong approach makes perfect sense. It aligns with Vilogia’s commitment to fight fuel poverty and put the well-being and health of residents first. It addresses social and environmental issues and is a feasible way to roll out quality retrofit across Europe. It provides an answer to both rising energy prices and the need for long term sustainable homes. The first net zero energy retrofits ever in France The Hem pilot project involved the renovation of 10 individual 1950s homes in the Lille metropolitan area. The renovation took three weeks for each house and the total works were completed over three months. These are the first homes renovated in France to a net zero energy standard (E = 0) so the energy produced is equal to the total energy consumed. The energy performance is guaranteed for 25 years and is expected to satisfy tenants for the duration. Care was taken to get the construction partners on board for this requirement. For this innovative project, the close collaboration between Vilogia and Rabot Dutilleul Construction, Nortec and Symoe was essential. Different from business as usual The design phase proved to be crucial for Energiesprong retrofits. Builders find this difficult because everything must be sequenced, imagined and programmed to shorten the time on site. The solution providers involved must be agile, responsive to the needs of tenants, able to communicate and able to collaborate openly. Energiesprong was presented as a comfort solution Preparation, communication, listening, flexibility and follow-up were all key to the success of the project. As the aim was to meet the needs of tenants, Vilogia involved tenants at all stages of the renovation. There were visits to the tenants in their homes to discuss their property and comfort levels, and a consultation meeting where Energiesprong was presented as a comfort solution. This was well received, especially given the shorter installation times. Renovation always involves some disruption and this was no exception, but the improvement in comfort was tangible. Vilogia hope that tenants will feel a real difference this winter. A collaborative approach Staff learned that it is important to have a strong belief in what you doing. It is a collaborative approach and that can be challenging as well as rewarding. International collaboration helped, bringing partners together to inspire and share. Energiesprong is different. You have to adapt your working methods and act in a flexible, agile and cooperative way. A lot of effort must go into specifying the right solution, meticulous planning and managing both the technical side and the people side whilst remaining mindful of the tenants’ needs. Tenants must be kept on board since their behaviour will dictate whether energy is saved in the end. The dynamic in France Energiesprong needs volume demand and industrialisation so costs can come down and quality can be raised. There needs to be movement in the regulatory context and financing and greater competition to drive innovation. At this stage it should be seen not as an investment for profit but as an R & D process that, with patience, will bear fruit for all stakeholders. Thanks to pre-fabrication the Energiesprong approach allows for the renovation of social housing stock at increased speed and lower cost. For Agnieszka and Fabien Energiesprong is revolutionary. But a revolution is not driven by individuals. The Dutch understood this. When we reach out and act together and find better ways to do things, the changes will be lasting and global. Read the whole article and interview with Agnieszka and Fabien in French at www.energiesprong.fr https://vimeo.com/295136715

A second wave of stakeholders have signed a charter to support the Energiesprong programme in France. 64 organisations signed the collective agreement on 9th October during the 79 th Congress of the USH (Social Housing Union). The charter favours the large-scale roll out of net zero energy retrofit in social housing. Energiesprong, a new standard for guaranteed net zero energy use, high comfort and a smooth implementation process , originated in the Netherlands and is now growing to be a worldwide movement with France being a successful frontrunner. 2 pilots delivered, 2 pilots procured, 2 others at the procurement stage Transition Zero , a project funded by the European Horizon 2020 programme, has supported the adaptation of the Energiesprong approach to France and the UK for the last 2.5 years. In France in 2018 2 pilots were delivered, 2 pilots were procured, and 2 others are at the procurement stage. The two completed pilots, led by Vilogia in Hem and ICF Habitat Nord Est in Longueau (both in the north of France), were co-financed by the European E=0 project which is part of the Interreg NWE programme. 14 social housing associations, 37 solutions providers and 13 facilitators The charter initiative will help build a bigger market for high quality affordable net zero energy retrofits. Greater demand for retrofits will, in turn, drive down the costs involved. The process in France started with the first two pilots. Volume roll out will also help accelerate progress towards strategic government targets. These include plans to combat climate change, renovate older homes and eradicate fuel poverty within 10 years in France In this context, 14 social housing associations, 37 solutions providers and 13 facilitators have come together to encourage regional adoption of the Energiesprong approach: 14 social housing associations committed to refurbish 6550 houses before 2023, respecting Energiesprong’s performance specification; 37 solution providers committed to produce high quality and competitive proposals to retrofit homes to the Energiesprong specification; 13 facilitators committed to examine all proposals and maximize the levers for success at a European, national a local level, to facilitate the roll out. These are stakeholders that signed the charter as of 9 October 2018 Social Housing Providers: Cristal Habitat (300 dwellings); Domaxis (100 dwellings); Est-Métropole Habitat (2000 dwellings); ICF Habitat (250 dwellings); Maine et Loire Habitat (500 dwellings); Néotoa (500 dwellings); Our Logis (200 dwellings); OPAC 38 (30 dwellings); Podeliha 3F (50 dwellings); Pluralis Habitat (50 dwellings); Vilogia (500 dwellings); SACVL (20 dwellings); Logi-fim (50 dwellings); a group of HLM organizations under the aegis of the USH Pays de la Loire (feasibility study underway on more than 2000 housing units) Solution Providers: A003; Accorus; Agency Architecture Pelegrin; Alterea; Axoe; Bouygues Construction; Colas; Dalkia; Deltadore; Demathieu Bard; Eiffage; Elithis; Emenda; Enertech; Engie Cofely; GESEC; Insitu @; Integral Wood System; Kingspan; Léon Grosse; Lexity; LLC; Master Cube; Myral; Nortec; Operene; Patch; Pouget consultants; Pouchain; Rabot-Dutilleul Construction; SMC; Sybois; Symoé; STO; Techniwood; Life-to-B; Vinci Construction France Facilitators: ADEME; ARRA; EnergieSprong Foundation; GreenFlex; Offsite ; Housing Europe; ENEDIS; GRDF; Social Housing Union; Sustainable Building Plan; Energy Fibers Pole; Promodul; USH Pays de la Loire Do you want to sign the charter as well? The Energiesprong movement is open to all. Do not hesitate to contact the French Market Development Team if the project interests you and if you want to become a signatory of the charter. Send an email to energiesprong@greenflex.com This charter of commitment was realized within the framework Transition Zero funded by the European Union. Download the charter at http://www.energiesprong.fr/ https://vimeo.com/294522511

The  earlier announced  six winning teams design teams for RetrofitNY came to the Netherlands to be inspired and learn from best practices and workshops. In a tour bus they traveled the whole country where they visited building sites, net zero energy houses and apartments, spoke with experts, and visited factories where they saw the latest technology and innovations. A lot to take back home! https://vimeo.com/289471280 Every team works on retrofit solutions for affordable multi-family buildings that achieve or approach near net zero energy. Designs are also required to exclude the use of fossil fuels onsite, and demonstrate that the designs are standardized, scalable and aesthetically pleasing. The first designs will be presented on the 10th of October. The State of New York is the first state in the USA that wants to invest in refurbishing houses and apartment buildings to net zero energy levels on a large scale. RetrofitNY is hosted by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority  (NYSERDA).