As Europe seeks to meet its climate and energy goals, transitioning to energy-efficient homes has become a critical step. However, for many households, the upfront costs of installing clean technologies like heat pumps remain a significant barrier. This is especially true for those in social housing, where energy poverty is a growing issue.   With LIFE Street HP Reno, we’re focusing on a street-wide approach to retrofitting homes with heat pumps. But with the growing interest in social leasing for clean technologies, we want to explore how this innovative model could further help make energy-efficient homes affordable for all.   What is social leasing of heat pumps? Social leasing is an innovative financing model that aims to make energy-efficient technologies accessible to everyone, particularly those in vulnerable financial situations. Under this model, households do not have to pay the full upfront cost for the installation of heat pumps. Instead, they lease the system for a monthly payment, similar to renting. This provides an affordable pathway to upgrading homes, reducing energy bills, and lowering carbon emissions without the financial burden of an initial large payment.   Through social leasing, the upfront installation cost is covered, often with subsidies or government support, and the household pays an affordable monthly fee. This model not only helps households reduce energy costs but also promotes sustainability by accelerating the adoption of renewable heating technologies across communities.   Why is social leasing crucial for social housing? For social housing tenants, affordability and sustainability often do not go hand-in-hand. Many households in social housing face energy bills that they struggle to pay, despite being in homes that are outdated and energy-inefficient. The installation of heat pumps, which provide sustainable, renewable heating, can help reduce energy costs. However, the high upfront cost of installing these systems can prevent residents from making the switch to greener, more affordable solutions.   Social leasing addresses this challenge by removing the upfront financial barrier and making energy-efficient home upgrades accessible to everyone, regardless of income level.   Proven success? France’s experience with social leasing of electric vehicles While the focus here is on heat pumps, we can look to France's experience with social leasing of electric vehicles as an example of how effective this model can be. The French government introduced a social leasing programme for electric vehicles, which encouraged nearly 50,000 households to make the switch to electric cars within a few months. The programme was so successful that it had to be stopped quickly due to the unexpectedly high demand, which impacted public finances.   This success demonstrates how social leasing can be a powerful tool in encouraging the adoption of sustainable technologies. By offering a model where the financial barrier is removed, households are more likely to adopt these technologies, leading to immediate savings on energy costs and lower emissions.   LIFE Street HP Reno: Bringing the concept to life At LIFE Street HP Reno, we understand that achieving widespread adoption of heat pumps and energy-efficient retrofits requires more than just technological innovation. It requires innovative financial models and scalable solutions that can be deployed across entire neighbourhoods, not just individual homes.   In our ongoing efforts, we are working with local authorities, housing associations, and communities to create a replicable model for street-by-street heat pump retrofits. This approach not only reduces energy bills but also creates a pathway for the social leasing model to flourish.   For example, in our pilot projects, we have explored ways to integrate affordable financing options, including concepts similar to social leasing, into the retrofit process. By providing residents with the ability to pay for energy-efficient upgrades over time, we reduce the upfront cost barrier and allow more households to benefit from lower energy bills and a more sustainable home.   This is part of our broader effort to demonstrate that, with the right financing mechanisms in place, we can scale these solutions to meet both the affordability and sustainability needs of social housing tenants.   The role of policy and government support For social leasing to thrive, strong policy support is essential. Governments must create frameworks that support subsidized or guaranteed leasing models and reduce the financial risk for providers. Public funding and targeted subsidies can help bridge the affordability gap, ensuring that energy-efficient home upgrades are not just for the wealthy or those able to afford hefty upfront payments.   The European Affordable Housing Plan is currently in the consultation phase, with a planned launch later this year. The consultation will help shape the plan, ensuring it addresses the diverse needs of social housing tenants across Europe. This is a key opportunity for social leasing models to gain support at the policy level, helping accelerate the transition to energy-efficient homes.   Looking ahead The integration of social leasing for heat pumps in social housing can be a game-changer in making homes both affordable and sustainable. At LIFE Street HP Reno, we are committed to showing that this model works in practice — and with the right policy support, it can be scaled to make a real difference across Europe.   As we continue our street-by-street retrofits, we’re exploring the integration of social leasing to ensure that every home, regardless of income, has access to sustainable heating that is both affordable and effective in reducing energy consumption.   To learn more about social leasing and how it can transform the energy efficiency of social housing, read the full publication from EHPA here

The UK’s Transform-ER project introduces practical tools to build collaboration, tackle challenges, and drive impact in retrofit projects. Cross-sector collaboration is key to catalysing home energy upgrades at scale. To address this, Energiesprong UK’s Transform-ER’ project is adopting an alliancing model – an approach where organisations share risks, rewards, and decision-making to drive down costs and improve delivery certainty. This model goes beyond contractual agreements; it demands cultural change that builds trust, aligns values, and sustains cooperation throughout complex projects. Placing collaboration at the heart of the retrofit revolution Transform-ER is a consortium of 13 industry experts with one mission: to create the systemic change needed to enable a retrofit industry that can deliver 1 million home energy upgrades every year by 2030. This included a focus on prototyping products and kits-of-parts and developing new digital pipeline assessment tools and finance mechanisms. At it’s core, Transform-ER recognizes that retrofit at scale requires fundamental cultural change. Years of combined experience have shown that technical solutions fail without strong partnerships, financial models collapse when organisations can't align interests, and projects stall without trust and shared purpose. Toolkit for nurturing collaboration To support this cultural transformation, Energiesprong UK developed a collaboration framework and toolkit for the Transform-ER project. This toolkit is now being shared more broadly to help other retrofit project teams navigate complexity, build trust, and adopt collaborative mindsets. The toolkit consists of two key parts: The Collaboration Framework : This outlines the key components of the approach, including insights from the team’s research. The Four-Phase Culture Change Approach : From initial alignment to ongoing cooperation, this approach offers practical tools to tackle key challenges at each stage. This toolkit views collaboration as a dynamic process that evolves over time, shaped by relationships and real-world pressures. It offers practical, adaptable tools for every project stage, helping teams build strong foundations, navigate tension, and sustain trust. Crucially, it makes visible the values, behaviors, and communication patterns that often determine whether true collaboration can emerge. Explore the toolkit Discover practical ways to build stronger collaboration, tackle challenges, and create lasting impact in your projects. ➡️ Download toolkit For more information on Transform-ER and the toolkit, visit: https://www.energiesprong.uk

How can small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) drive the future of energy-efficient renovations? Through our Cosme Reno project we seek to answer this pressing question. With the construction industry at a critical turning point—driven by climate goals, rising energy costs, and changing regulations—SMEs must innovate to stay competitive. Through in-depth expert interviews and a large-scale market survey across six European countries, this new report uncovers the motivations, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of SME-driven renovations. The findings reveal key innovation trends, the barriers holding companies back, and the strategies that forward-thinking SMEs are using to lead the way. Key findings from the report How SMEs are innovating SMEs are pioneering new ways to make renovations more efficient, affordable, and scalable. Many companies are integrating new energy systems, such as plug-and-play solar panels and smart HVAC technologies, into their projects. Others are prioritizing sustainable materials by conducting Life Cycle Analyses and experimenting with bio-based alternatives. Meanwhile, process innovations—including prefabrication, offsite construction, and increased automation—are improving efficiency and lowering costs. Together, these approaches have the potential to transform the industry and accelerate large-scale energy-efficient renovations across Europe.   What’s holding SMEs back? Despite these promising innovations, many SMEs face significant barriers that hinder progress. High upfront investment costs and long return-on-investment periods make innovation a risky endeavor. Rigid industry structures prevent new methods from taking root, as supply chains remain fragmented and collaboration models outdated. Additionally, many clients remain unfamiliar with innovative solutions like modular construction or bio-based materials, leading to low demand. Labor shortages further complicate matters, making it difficult to find workers with the technical expertise needed to implement new approaches.   Yet, the research identifies several key factors that help SMEs overcome these challenges. Companies that prioritize collaboration with suppliers, research institutions, and industry partners are more likely to innovate successfully. Embracing digital tools, automation, and data-driven decision-making also gives firms a competitive advantage. Finally, having visionary leadership with a long-term strategy plays a crucial role—many of the most innovative SMEs invest in research and development, pilot projects, or academic partnerships to stay ahead.   Interestingly, resistance to change or “commitment to the status quo” did not emerge as a major barrier. Instead, the findings suggest that financial constraints, regulatory inconsistencies, and a lack of market incentives are the real obstacles preventing SMEs from scaling up innovation. Why this matters more than ever The European Green Deal is pushing for faster, deeper energy-efficient renovations, but SMEs need the right conditions to succeed. The renovation sector is booming, yet many companies still rely on outdated, inefficient methods—not because they lack motivation, but because the conditions for innovation aren’t in place. Construction firms face high costs, inconsistent policies, and an industry structure that resists change. With growing demand for energy-efficient renovations, the time to rethink how SMEs innovate is now. To move forward, SMEs need better access to financing, as financial barriers remain a major bottleneck. Stronger incentives, subsidies, and funding programs could help small firms scale up their innovations. Collaboration will also play a critical role. SMEs that actively build partnerships with research institutions, universities, and innovation hubs gain a competitive edge. Additionally, streamlining certification processes and creating more consistent policies would help build trust in new technologies, making it easier for SMEs to enter the market with innovative solutions. What kind of SME are you? The report identifies three types of SMEs based on their approach to innovation: Leaders – The frontrunners These companies invest heavily in research and development, prioritize partnerships with universities, and see innovation as a strategic advantage rather than a risk. Adaptors – The cautious innovators Adaptors tend to experiment with new methods only when customer demand increases. They often attend industry events to gain insights but need external incentives to fully commit to innovation. Traditionalists – The risk-averse These firms prefer tried-and-tested methods and avoid large-scale investment in new technologies. Since customer demand is high, they see little need for innovation and continue using conventional construction methods. The findings suggest that adopting a Leader’s approach —prioritizing collaboration and R&D—could help SMEs future-proof their business models and remain competitive as the industry evolves. What’s Next? Practical steps for SMEs & Industry Leaders To stay ahead in an evolving market, SMEs should consider the following actions: Embrace digital transformation – Tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and AI-driven energy management can improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Seek out collaborative projects – Partnering with research institutions or participating in pilot projects can reduce the risks associated with innovation. Advocate for policy changes – Engaging with policymakers and industry groups can help push for better financial incentives and standardized regulations, making it easier for SMEs to innovate at scale. Read the full report & take action This research presents a roadmap for SMEs looking to thrive in the evolving construction landscape. If you’re looking for practical insights, data-driven findings, and strategies to accelerate your innovation efforts, this report is a must-read. D3.2 – Exploitation of results of the market survey

LIFE Renew-it kick-off meeting in Besançon, July 2025 Refreshing news for sunny days Before everyone drifts off toward sun-drenched holidays or cooler mountain air, let's take the opportunity to dive into some fresh, splashing news. It hasn’t been long since our last update, but the past few months have been packed with new energy – and we couldn’t wait until after the holidays to share what’s been happening. New Energiesprong projects and collaborations Across Europe, exciting new projects are kicking off, inspiring collaborations are taking shape, and our movement is gaining momentum at every level. From practical breakthroughs to bold ideas; there’s a lot to celebrate, and even more to build on. So grab a cold drink, kick back, and read the newsletter to see how pioneers across Europe are scaling up retrofit innovation.

Forty households have already signed up, and installations are on the horizon! In the Bavarian town of Neutraubling, the LIFE Street HP Reno project is turning community interest into concrete steps toward clean heating. What began as a well-attended information evening has evolved into a promising local pilot, with a growing number of residents participating in a collective heat pump initiative. A community sparked into motion Earlier this year, around 70 residents gathered at the Kulturhaus to learn more about their municipality’s heat planning and the potential role of heat pumps. Together with the city of Neutraubling, German project partners Shiftup and IWO presented the idea of a group purchase — a coordinated approach that could simplify the process and reduce costs for residents. Following this event, the city formally invited the Street HP Reno team to support the implementation phase. The interest was clear, and the collaboration quickly gained momentum. Local outreach with strong results As part of the municipality’s official heat planning programme, two follow-up events were organised: one aimed at residents and another at local businesses. The initiative reached far beyond the event spaces. Residents were informed through town hall displays, targeted direct mail, and an article in the local newspaper, which was delivered to all 3,000 households. Some attendees even promoted the initiative through their personal WhatsApp status updates, helping the message reach neighbours organically. To make it easy for interested households to take the next step, Shiftup launched an online registration platform. Within just a few weeks, forty households had signed up to join the group purchasing process. Installer selection underway With a solid base of interested participants, the focus has now shifted to selecting a qualified installer. IWO and Shiftup are currently meeting with potential providers. These include companies recommended by the municipality, suggestions from registered participants who already have experience with heat pumps, and contacts from manufacturers previously involved in the project. All offers will be carefully reviewed and compared to ensure a transparent and fair process for everyone involved. The installer is expected to be selected in early autumn, after which installations can begin. What's next and where else? Neutraubling is not the only town exploring this approach. Street HP Reno is also active in Wangen im Allgäu and Berlin, where new pilots are being prepared, including one led by the housing cooperative kliQ Berlin. In Wörrstadt, residents will be introduced to the concept this autumn, with the aim of launching another pilot there. The idea of coordinated, community-based renovation is clearly gaining traction across Germany. One neighbourhood at a time, the energy transition is becoming a local reality.

It was great to see you all again (or for the first time, welcome University of Bonn!) online. We discussed progress on our deliverables, according to Erac and by country, began thinking about the idea of an innovation parade and held the second working session of the Transnational Working Groups. Read more about the online Partner Days here! You can find the most important slides and other materials in the  Erac Teams environment .If you don't have acces to the Erac Teams environment, please contact  alyssa@bureaudoor.nl Team Energiesprong Global Alliance

As active participants in numerous EU projects, we often share updates on our progress and achievements. We work on projects in the field with passionate, content-driven people, which is super important. However, it’s equally crucial that these projects are coordinated effectively – a task that isn’t always easy with such passionate individuals. Understanding the daily lives of our partners can be challenging, even for us self-proclaimed “EU project-experts.” To bridge this gap and gain a better understanding of the role of a project coordinator, we asked the Housing Initiative for Eastern Europe (IWO), the project coordinator of LIFE Cosme Reno, to provide an honest glimpse into their workday.  While most retrofit projects now include energy assessments before and after implementation, the carbon impact of design choices is rarely considered. That’s a missed opportunity — and we’ve set out to change that. Introducing our simple carbon tracker tool: a lightweight, user-friendly solution that helps SMEs assess the carbon footprint of different retrofit design options before the work even begins. “ Leading the project is similar to the experience of parenting. You are responsible for everything; sometimes you need to encourage and sometimes be strict, but the most important is that you need to be there for the project and the partners ” – Karine Jegiazarjana, IWO Constitution and work packages Starting the project is similar to establishing a new state; you need a “Constitution” which is the Grant Agreement concluded between partners and the European Commission. And then you need your “legal system” and “rules of the game”, both settled in the Consortium Agreement between all partners. When it comes to the Consortium Agreement, the partners are in a similar situation as the EU Council when voting on Common Foreign and Security Policy – we need unanimity, everybody should agree.  If our project was a house, it would have five rooms called work packages (WPs).  In each “room,” living and working are organised separately. There are deliverables and milestones, which are basically tasks and goals, representing the “homework” to be completed in each room (aka work package or WP). As parents, we make sure the homework is done in each WP, and if it is not done on time, we bear the responsibility and excuse the respective partner in front of the “headmaster” – that is CINEA in our case. When the “homework” is done, we are responsible for checking it and handing it in. Being leaders, we want to make sure that this Cosme Reno house is actually also a home for all partners, where working in each “room” is safe and everyone feels good about doing their “homework”. As a lead partner, we may not have tasks in the WPs “de jure”, but we are there for our partners “de facto”. Like a good therapist, we listen. Like a solicitor, we provide our opinion. Like a friend, we can give advice and a hug when needed – even if we can only give a real hug during consortium meetings in person and thus just a few times during the project. We should defend the interests of each partner, while still acting in the project’s best interest. We need to be a “Lady Justice”, holding a sword, scales, and sometimes wearing a blindfold. To be impartial and fair. Leading the project can be like working in an ambulance; you will be called to treat a sore throat as well as a heart attack, and you need to be prepared for this. Any issue will come to you, and you either know how to solve it or have to develop the best skill, called “figure it out”. And at times, you will also have to accept that the help and support you can provide has certain limits. Cosme Reno For Cosme Reno, we went through so many changes, we changed the partner constellation several times, faced delays with signing the Grant Agreement, reconsidered different perspectives regarding the Consortium Agreement, and replaced the  coordination team at IWO. However, this feeling, when the project is progressing and all partners are committed to working toward the common goals, is absolutely worth the difficulties sometimes encountered. So what do project leaders actually do? Sometimes you may wonder: What do they (the project leaders) actually do? The answer is, we do everything so the partners can do their job in the best way. We jointly go through ups and downs with each of them and are ready to step in at any point when we are needed. Despite sometimes also having a hard time or being tired and struggling, we very much enjoy working with the partners and have never regretted becoming a project coordinator. The value and gain of meeting and working together with all of you, sharing expertise and experiences, and learning from each other is absolutely worth it. Interested to know more about project coordination (and much more…)? Get in touch with IWO !

Before we dive in, let’s share a story… At Ressorts, our secular cathedral is striving for a habitat with zero negative impact and zero struggles with bill payments. To achieve this, we deeply believe in cooperation among building stakeholders. But what does cooperation entail ? Does it mean having a shared account? Forming partnerships? Sharing our machinery? How far do we push cooperation in a competitive entrepreneurial environment? We found ourselves pondering these questions, so we decided to step back and explore the concept of cooperation in our sector. In this document, we share our conclusions: 7 action principles organized around the prism created by the action research centre Institut des Territoires Coopératifs . Each action principle contains two different, sometimes complementary, sometimes opposing logics. Cooperation arises between these two logics, and, spoiler alert, dialogue and time are always necessary. 7 dialogues of cooperation in the building renovation sector Source : Institut des Territoires Coopératifs (InsTerCoop) Role and Identity The principle Cooperation is about more than just knowing your role in a company, structure, or project – it’s about understanding who you are as a person, rich in humanity, values, and beliefs. As InsterCoop wisely puts it, “it is not the roles that have things to say, but the people.” Beyond this, sharing our emotions is crucial. Let’s return to the essence of the word ’emotion’ – what moves us . It’s about identifying what drives us, what gets us out of bed in the morning. Sharing these motivations can only strengthen and deepen the bonds of trust among those working together. Applied to renovation In the building sector, we recognise the importance of human relationships and the trust that emerges during the construction of a project. So, before diving in, why not take the time to share the project’s common identity among all stakeholders? Link what each person wishes to contribute, both through their identity and their role. Imagine a conversation that brings together identity and role: I participate in this project because…       … I am energised by the idea of leading an innovative project.       … I enjoy working with the participating organisations, which I trust.       … I want to tackle the challenges of decarbonising the industry. By sharing what motivates us and understanding each other’s roles , we create a stronger, more united team ready to transform the future of renovation together. Diversity and Unity The principle Building a common project involves various goals and objectives, and it should celebrate the uniqueness of each individual. While we aim for large-scale renovation, achieving this requires a multitude of skills. Applied to renovation Business consortiums exemplify unity through diverse, complementary expertise to deliver highquality renovations. Each entity contributes to a robust whole. Consider a prefabricated façade panel : a complex, high-performance unit made from diverseexpertise and materials. The strength of off-site construction lies in this collaborativediversity. By embracing both diversity and unity, we advance innovative, large-scale renovations, benefiting from each participant’s unique contributions, driving us towards sustainable, energyefficient homes. Objectives and Constraints The principle “The ability to imagine solutions depends on the ability not to be trapped by problems.” (InsterCoop).Often, a project will be disrupted by obstacles and uncertainties that can become overwhelming. These operational challenges should not overshadow the objectives we aim to achieve. Cooperation relies heavily on a constant dialogue between operational constraints and the set goals. Applied to renovation We know that the constraints linked to housing renovation are inherent to the project. The key is to make these visible to other consortium members: “I can’t meet the quoted prices”, “I’m behind on this production”, “I need help with this issue”. Sharing these challenges unlocks obstacles and builds trust. Through discussion, partners working together can gain perspective, overcome constraints, and stay focused on the performance goals of the renovation. By maintaining open communication, we can tackle obstacles effectively and ensure that our projects stay aligned with their intended objectives, ultimately leading to successful and efficient renovations. Resist against and Move towards ALERT. Stop everything. Read this carefully : it’s our most crucial point. Defining your intention in any project greatly simplifies the cooperation process with your peers.Navigating together and building a common goal requires aligning in the same direction, engaging in dialogue, and finding consensus. Cooperation itself is a project that demands time and collective effort. Resisting proposals or improvements only slows the process.Four cooperative postures towards a project (thanks to Fertîles , French school of cooperation):  I engage with : we co-create and work together. I support : I back the project, give energy, and promote it. I oppose : I block, refuse, and cause failure. I disengage : I let it pass and withhold my energy. Applied to renovation The building sector faces the challenge of working together towards effective renovations, with all parties (owners, consultants, contractors, manufacturers) on board. We work together, we colabour.Conversely, collaborating on a project but rejecting proposals without improvement, or not supporting peers, despite having the same goals, wastes time and complicates projects. Cooperation means aligning in the same direction, making constraints visible, and co-operate towards a zero-carbon society where paying bills isn’t a struggle.Practically, it means shifting from the habitual “yes, but…” – which blocks progress – to “yes, and…” – which supports and improves the work. However, resistance and blockages are sometimes necessary to drive change. Organic and planned The principle Here, “organic” means working with instinct and trust, while acknowledging that every cooperative project also requires planning. Applied to renovation Consider the long-term performance guarantees that require clear frameworks for cooperation and decision-making. These guarantees span years, making it impossible to predict all contextual changes (political, economic…). Thus, adaptation is necessary, a blend of organic cooperation and rigorous planning. Could this adaptability to global and unprecedented challenges be the very definition of resilience? Act together and thinking together The principle Thinking together enables us to act together differently. It involves sharing updates and doubts, shifting from “I do for” to “I do with” and blending reflection with concrete actions daily. Applied to renovation An energy renovation project unites companies that execute and technical entities that design the project. To collaborate effectively, they must bridge their activities throughout the renovation process — from the initial diagnosis to the airtightness tests, and even through the performance guarantee phase post-delivery. This connection ensures that each trade’s challenges and expertise are considered from the design stage. Renovation is a significant challenge that requires the constant cooperation of all trades, from drawing sketches to completing the construction. Personal Transformation and Social Transformation Cooperation, especially constant dialogue, initiates personal, structural, and even collective transformation within companies or partnerships. Expanding this view, individuals across various sectors, from tertiary to industrial and communal, come together on a territorial scale to act and build collectively. Beyond personal ambitions, housing pioneers consistently practice decentring and stepping back, akin to a hot air balloon flight gaining altitude to change perspective and identify transformation pathways in their territory. What skills are necessary? What raw materials are available? What existing solutions exist? With which structures could I cooperate to progress together? At Ressorts, from our hot air balloon, through European projects, we hope to contribute to transforming the construction sector towards a desirable future for all. This transformation involves collective efforts to combat energy poverty and climate change. How do you organize cooperation in your projects? This article was written by the Ressorts teams as part of the Energiesprong approach deployment in Europe, specifically through the LIFE Cosme Reno project, which aims to develop cooperation among SMEs in the construction sector for Zero Net Energy Housing.Special thanks to Anne and Patrick for their approval and to Sandrine Abayou for the selfexplanatory illustrations. We reference their work here: [link to the website] . Written by the Ressorts team

Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter . Life is moving at a crazy pace, isn’t it? We’re all caught up in the hustle and bustle, so don’t forget to take some time for yourself. Whether you’re relaxing on vacation or just looking for a little escape, reading this newsletter could be the perfect way to unwind. Amidst all the chaos, we’re still hard at work making strides towards a more sustainable future. Globally, we have the start of some exciting new EU projects, but also with each country we’re not slowing down anytime soon. Germany has big news regarding a fire station, Italy is going back to the school benches while France gives us some teaching about cooperation and the UK is talking big numbers with their new project. That’s what we do it for. Will you join us? Read the newsletter here! .

Exciting things are happening in the Netherlands with the launch of the new Dutch National Knowledge Centre for Biobased Construction (Nationaal Kenniscentrum Biobased Bouwen -NKBB) by the outgoing Minister Hugo de Jonge in June, during Provada. The National Knowledge Center for Biobased Construction Aims to Accelerate Biobased Building. The Netherlands is on the brink of a sustainable construction revolution, driven by supply chain transitions, innovation, and a growing awareness of the need to make the built environment more future-proof and sustainable. This was one of the reasons why four Dutch ministries introduced the National Approach to Biobased Construction (NABB) in November last year. This framework outlines the actions required to create an independent, nature-inclusive biobased (agricultural) economy. One key activity in the NABB is building a knowledge platform for all market stakeholders. With the establishment of the National Knowledge Center for Biobased Construction (NKBB), this initiative is taking shape, creating a learning ecosystem. Scaling Up Biobased Construction The NKBB contributes to bridging the gap between theory and practice, facilitates quick and easy access to knowledge gained by frontrunners, and connects experts eager to engage in biobased construction. Located in Almere, in the province of Flevoland—a region pioneering future-proof societal developments with projects like the ZuiderC area development in Lelystad—the NKBB plays a pivotal role. As De Jonge states: “Farmers and builders need to find each other. This is already happening in many places. But we must learn from one another; otherwise, everyone will reinvent the wheel. That’s unnecessary if we pool our knowledge together. This is exactly what the Knowledge Center is for.” Collaboration with Building Balance The NKBB actively develops knowledge and programs in close cooperation with Building Balance, the implementation organization for the National Approach to Biobased Construction. Building Balance initiates, stimulates, and supports independent regional and national supply chains from farm to building, while actively contributing to creating the right market conditions to accelerate and scale up biobased construction. In addition, the NKBB collaborates with knowledge partners to elevate existing solutions to successful application levels. Knowledge Database More information about the NKBB can be found at www.nkbb.org . The website already features a knowledge database and a project monitor that visualizes biobased projects across the Netherlands. In the coming period, significant efforts will be made, in collaboration with partners, to further unlock knowledge and develop suitable programming. Source: https://buildingbalance.eu/actueel/lancering-van-het-nationaal-kenniscentrum-biobased-bouw-nkbb/

When it comes to sustainable renovation, there’s one big blind spot that’s been overlooked for too long: carbon emissions during the design phase. While most retrofit projects now include energy assessments before and after implementation, the carbon impact of design choices is rarely considered. That’s a missed opportunity — and we’ve set out to change that. Introducing our simple carbon tracker tool: a lightweight, user-friendly solution that helps SMEs assess the carbon footprint of different retrofit design options before the work even begins. Why this matters Design decisions have a big impact on a project’s carbon footprint. Until now, assessing that impact was too complex or costly for most SMEs. This tool changes that. Whether you’re an architect, manufacturer, logistics provider, or maintenance partner, the carbon tracker makes it easier to align on greener choices. It gives all partners a shared reference point to discuss and select products, solutions, and designs based on their carbon impact. It’s fast, practical, and perfect for collaboration between designers, manufacturers, logistics partners, and maintenance providers. Click the link to access the tool and watch an instruction video on how to get started.

It was a pleasure reconnecting with all our Circular Reno partners in Dublin on September 26th and 27th. Ian Hutchcroft once again proved to be an outstanding moderator, guiding us through the value chain presentations by country and the rest of the program. Read more about the Partner Days here! You can find the presentations and other materials in the  Teams environment . If you don’t have acces to the Erac Teams environment, please contact  christian@energiesprong.org . Team Energiesprong Global Alliance