The LIFE Reno Tides project aims to deliver an approach for phased, two- or three-step industrial retrofits, enabling homes to achieve A or B energy labels. With rising material costs and interest rates, achieving Net Zero retrofits in one step has become increasingly challenging for housing organizations across Europe. To prevent a market stagnation for deep energy retrofit of housing - which would cause factories delivering prefabricated facades or roof to slow down their activities – the Reno Tides project is designed to organise smartly phased Net Zero energy retrofit buy-in-schemes for multiple building owners, including social housing organisations: 1 stage dealing with prefabricated insulated facades installation. 1 stage dealing with prefabricated insulated & solar powered roof systems. 1 stage dealing with transition to an upgraded energy system. Our consortium is set to explore the potential for these coordinated, staged collective buy-in-schemes by focusing on the three main directions: Developing renovation tide strategy tools for housing organisations To help housing organisations standardise their tasks and achieve decarbonisation strategies, our project aims to develop dedicated strategy tools for renovation in steps. These tools will facilitate the deployment of collective procurement approaches for partial renovations, all integrated into a Net Zero renovation path by 2050. Setting & deploying LEAN delivery kits for construction companies We aim to support the whole supply chain in achieving significant volumes of retrofitted housing. To do so, we will develop common practices for fast, high-quality renovations involving multiple companies using a ‘tidal’ delivery approach. Our project aims to define clear articulation in the different renovation work steps using BIM-based processes. The use of LEAN and off-site principles will allow for a modular, affordable renovation design. Establishing contracts and improving business models Rising material costs and interest rates have created a Europe-wide issue where social housing organisations and citizens often lack the financial capacity for much needed large-scale retrofits. To enable mass replication of staged renovation schemes, our project will explore innovative financing solutions. The purpose of our work is to provide the value chain with resources to contract and finance waves of partial renovations, ensuring alignment with the Net Zero 2050 pathway. Project Project 101167715 — LIFE23-CET-LIFE Reno Tides Project Acronym LIFE Reno Tides Project name Supporting staged massive Net Zero Retrofit with collective buy-in-schemes of insulated prefab façade & roof systems for housing Project coordinator POUGET Consultans (POUGET) Project duration October 1, 2024 - September 30, 2027 Website https://energiesprong.org/reno-tides/ Join us in shaping the future The LIFE Reno Tides project is part of a movement transforming Europe's housing stock with smarter, phased Net Zero retrofits. By leveraging collective buy-in schemes and innovative financing solutions, we aim to ensure affordable, high-quality renovations for a sustainable future. Together we’ll build the path to 2050 — one staged step at a time.

There are many questions in Europe about why Germans are discussing the situation and state of heating in their country. Indeed, heating has been a very hot topic in Germany for some time now. There is an ongoing controversial debate about how to heat in the future, as it became evident after Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine that Germany had been too dependent on Russian gas for decades. That is why the energy crisis after February 2022 hit the German energy market hard. As all over Europe prices for gas rose dramatically, German population and industry suddenly had to struggle with this situation and to pay those high prices. The German government implemented a short-term subsidy scheme though and had to find alternative ways to supply the country with gas, as deliveries stopped immediately after Russia’s aggression. The call for alternative solutions began: gas deliveries from other countries, liquid hydrogen, heat pumps for buildings and power station projects with huge heat pumps for power production. The Street HP Reno project funded by European LIFE programme came in time with its start in autumn 2023. The project focuses on serial installations of heat pumps in residential buildings by making it more affordable through group purchase. In Germany, it perfectly addresses the need of finding and offering independent heating solutions with heat pumps for buildings. At the same time the project addresses the energy crisis at the household level and responds to the urgent need of decarbonisation of the building stock until 2050 in line with European regulations.  How to decarbonise heating? According to the so-called German “Heating Law” that entered into force as from January 2024 Municipal Heating Plans must provide solutions for all towns and cities in Germany by summer 2028 at the latest. At the same time the Building Energy Law came into effect, stipulating that newly installed heating solutions in buildings must use at least 65% renewable sources or unavoidable waste heat. Heat pumps, therefore, offer a good perspective. But in Germany the heat pump suffers from a poor reputation. Many myths hinder its spread and people need to be convinced by a strong lobby – a challenge, which the German partners in Street HP Reno project decided to accept. “In the U.S., that’s around 3 to 6 million buildings per year that need to be fully decarbonized,” says Martha Campbell, a principal in the Carbon-Free Buildings program at the energy nonprofit RMI. In Europe, by another calculation, roughly 15,000 houses need to transform every day for the next 30 years. An important step was taken in May 2024 when the first Local Authorities Club took place online with six municipalities of different sizes from all over Germany representing 319.000 citizens. The club was organised by several partner organisations, including Energiesprong DE, ansvar2030 & The Climate Task Force, District Energy, Shiftup, and the Housing Initiative for Eastern Europe (IWO). The presented project approach generated significant interest, and in the end, some of the participating municipalities applied to piloting the upcoming project ideas.  Preparations for pilot projects in three German regions are currently in full swing, with the first well-attended events, involving around 50 participants, already taking place. In collaboration with leading municipalities, the focus is on coordinating the process with all relevant stakeholders: mayors and heads of district authorities are securing political support, climate managers and climate protection agencies are communicating the project to residents, and heat planning experts are identifying target neighbourhoods for the bundled replacement of heating systems. Local craftsmen are being integrated into the installation process, while local energy providers and network operators are ensuring that all interests are considered. After identifying neighbourhoods with potential for a collective heating system replacement, the buildings of “ambassadors” are analysed as exemplary buildings for the area. In collaboration with the municipality, a local campaign is launched to inform residents about the project through flyers, information events, and other activities. The demand from residents is then pooled, and the necessary data is collected via an online platform. This demand aggregation forms the basis for group purchasing of heat pumps at favourable conditions and the organisation of serial installation. Once an official offer is made to the residents, the project implementation can finally begin. Through this collaborative approach, the decarbonisation of neighbourhoods and cities can be driven forward, pilot projects can be replicated and adapted to other municipalities´ needs and the reputation of heat pumps might improve in Germany. Street HP Reno project and its partners support this sustainable heating solution that hopefully can and will be facilitated for future implementation in Germany and Europe.

EU-funded LIFE project introduces phased, affordable retrofitting solutions to help European homes achieve A or B energy labels—making deep energy renovations accessible for all. Read and download the Press Release below.

Your guide to finding the heat pump that fits your building — and your climate goals. Switching to a heat pump is one of the smartest moves you can make for a more sustainable, future-proof building. But let’s be honest, between all the technical jargon, system types, and installation options, it’s easy to get cold feet before making the leap. That’s exactly why we created the  Street HP Reno Library of Heat Pump Solutions . Developed as part of the EU-funded LIFE  Street HP Reno  project, this catalogue is here to help you cut through the confusion and move forward with clarity; whether you’re planning a retrofit for your home, advising others, or managing a multi-building upgrade. What’s inside? A structured overview of today’s  most common and innovative heat pump technologies Guidance on  which systems fit which types of buildings  (from single-family homes to shared housing) Key  benefits and limitations  of each solution — including space, integration, and efficiency considerations Simple visual schemes  that show how these systems work in practice A final section featuring  clever solutions to common challenges  — like integrating with older heating systems or blending into building facades This isn’t a technical manual. It’s a smart, friendly tool for making better decisions, with just the right level of detail to feel confident, not overwhelmed. Why it matters Climate plans are moving fast, and fossil heating is on the way out. Whether you’re a homeowner exploring cleaner options, a local authority guiding renovations, or an advisor supporting communities; heat pumps are central to the shift. But good decisions need good information. This catalogue helps you compare options, spot the right fit, and take the next step with confidence. Curious? Check out the catalogue and see what’s possible:

Yesterday, Queen Máxima visited two leading pioneers in biobased construction in Brabant. The working visit, organised by Building Balance, focused on scaling up the use of natural materials such as hemp, flax, straw, and miscanthus in the construction industry. These renewable bio-based resources offer a solution to the nitrogen and CO2 challenges. By combining fiber cultivation with livestock farming or replacing intensive crops, nitrogen emissions are directly reduced. Using wood and biobased insulation materials in construction results in significant CO2 savings and supports circular goals, creating space within permitting processes and accelerating housing development. Building Balance, a key partner in the Interreg NWE project Circular Reno, plays an important role in promoting the circular economy in the construction industry and advancing sustainable practices in building renovation. From Straw to Roof The visit began with a renovation project by housing corporation Area in Uden, carried out by Caspar de Haan. During the site tour, biobased insulation material—loose straw, a natural byproduct from agriculture—was blown into the roof live. The demonstration was provided by Takkenkamp Vastgoed Verduurzamers From Factory to Future Next, Queen Máxima visited Barli’s housing factory, where more than a thousand modular wooden homes are produced annually. An increasing number of these homes now feature biobased materials, including natural insulation made from wood fibers. Straw is also emerging as a promising insulation material for prefab housing. During the tour, discussions were held on the contribution of factory-built housing to sustainable, large-scale construction. The visit concluded with a roundtable discussion where farmers, builders, housing corporations, and policymakers spoke about the scaling up of biobased supply chains. Queen Máxima actively participated, listening to the experiences of the involved parties. “I felt a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and heard a lot of ambition today. There are still a few hurdles to overcome, but we are eager to take up that challenge,” said Jan Willem van de Groep from Building Balance. Both housing corporation Area and builder Barli are actively involved in developing regional supply chains for biobased construction. Barli’s Commitment to Biobased Insulation At the closing reception, Building Balance and Barli signed a commitment to rapidly scale the use of biobased insulation materials in Barli homes. Barli aims to incorporate 5% biobased insulation in their homes by 2025, with a target of reaching 100% by 2029. Barli is committed to using locally grown biobased materials and has agreed to price developments that will keep costs for biobased materials no more than 8% higher than traditional materials in 2025, with a goal of matching traditional insulation costs by 2029. Additionally, Barli, in collaboration with Building Balance, is exploring opportunities for investments in local processing industries in 2025.

International collaboration is only possible when the people who work together know  how  to work together. In October, the Energiesprong network dinner was organised for this very reason - an exclusive dinner with over 100 partners attending. A family dinner so to speak, where partners could enjoy good food and meet many of the Energiesprong international market development teams (MDTs) and our closest German partners. A network dinner with fine cuisine, great music, interesting conversations and an inspirational mindset to take home. Can we invite you into our family?

More than 300 frontrunners, changemakers and newcomers to serial retrofits met on 19 th October for the Energiesprong Convention 2023 in Berlin. The focus of the industry event was on lessons learned and innovative solutions that make climate-neutral retrofitting existing buildings faster, easier, more cost-effective and tenant-friendly. Photocredits: photothek, Felix Zahn Currently, 10,000 residential units in Germany are being serially retrofitted. In order to achieve the climate goals by 2045, around 30 million residential units will have to be modernised in terms of energy efficiency over the next 22 years. According to expert estimates, around 30% of all existing buildings are, in principle, suitable for serial retrofitting. The opportunities offered by the innovative restructuring approach are just as great as the challenges. Serial retrofitting as a key technology in the heating transition In her welcoming speech, Kristina Haverkamp ,  ​​Managing Director of the German Energy Agency GmbH (dena) , expressed how impressed she was by the rapidly increasing number of projects and the constantly growing network: “The fact that we can welcome three times more participants here today than last year shows the  spirit of optimism and dynamism of the serial retrofit market. In order to advance the transformation into having a climate-neutral building stock and winning the battle against time, we need your courage, your innovative solutions and your expertise. At dena, we are here to support you with all your challenges with our dedicated market development team.” Kristina Haverkamp,  ​​Managing Director of the German Energy Agency GmbH (dena) | Image: photothek, Felix Zahn Dr. Volker Hoppenbrock  , Head of department at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK), highlighted the innovation potential of serial retrofit solutions in his keynote speech: “Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come. Within just a few years, an unconventional idea has developed into a high-growth market segment that opens up attractive business opportunities for all players along the entire value chain. And it is an innovative approach that inspires builders and residents alike. With this tailwind, serial retrofits can become a key technology for the heating transition in existing buildings.” From a cooperative innovation culture towards common standards After a successful pilot phase in the multi-family housing sector, the knowledge gathered in this sector is now being transferred to entire portfolios of housing stock: higher-story buildings, single and two-family houses and non-residential buildings. The expansion to other building types is reflected in the rapidly increasing numbers: 49 projects have been completed (2022: 4), 25 are under construction (2022: 9), and a further 146 are in various phases of planning and preparation (2022: 51). This dynamic development is mainly due to the frontrunners in the industry, those who were not satisfied with the status quo and who had the courage to do things differently. The entire industry benefits from your experiences, insights and, sometimes, disillusionment. A wealth of experience is now available from the projects implemented so far, which shows what has proven to be successful and where there is still potential for improvement. The lessons learned form the basis for developing common processes and quality standards. Uwe Bigalke, Head of the market development team for serial restructuring at dena | Image: photothek, Felix Zahn  “Serial retrofitting not only changes the planning and construction process, but also the way we work together. Cooperation, collaboration and communication are the drivers of this transformation. What is needed is more transparency and less competition. In order for the entire industry to learn from the experiences of the pilot projects, new forms of collaborative planning and construction must be established - between disciplines and also between companies that compete with one another. The task is so big that it requires the experience and knowledge of all those involved,” said  Uwe Bigalke  , Head of  dena’s market development team for serial restructuring  .  Lessons learned as a guide on the path to innovation and scaling up Dirk Förster-Wehle, from TAG Immobilien AG, underlined the importance of district development in advance of serial retrofit projects: “As you can only spend each individual Euro once, it should be invested where it achieves the maximum CO 2 saving.” As a central tool, portfolio analysis makes it easier for neighbourhoods to develop tailored decarbonisation strategies. Clustering buildings together is the basis for achieving scalable retrofit concepts that lead to time, resource and cost savings in the long term. Tim Lodes, from GEWOBAU Erlangen, presented the  largest German Energiesprong project  to date. The municipal housing company wants to serially retrofit around 6,000 residential units by 2027. In order to put as little strain on the tenants as possible, the building technology is installed in ground cubes. The individual apartments are connected via backpackers integrated into the façade. “We are now creating 120 m 2  of façade area per day, so that the on-site construction work per building won’t take longer than two weeks,” says Lodes. In addition, the buildings will be expanded with 135 additional apartments. Mathias Ponitka from  LEG  and Andreas Kipp from  Renowate  explained how long-term collaborations create stable demand and thus enable steps along the scaling up path to be taken faster. As a joint venture between LEG and Rhomberg Bau, Renowate has extensive knowledge and expertise in the housing and construction industry. As part of 14 pilot projects, the aim is to jointly develop a cost and time-saving serial retrofit concept that is suitable for the broader market. Tenant communication: a decisive factor Thomas Meißner, Board Member of WGaV Image: photothek, Felix Zahn Thomas Meißner, Board Member of WGaV, has set energy standards with his serial  retrofit project in Cologne-Zollstock  . The building achieves 40 EE standard and generates 20% more solar power than the residents need. For him, two things are crucial to the success of serial retrofit projects: good planning and transparent communication between all those involved in the project. “Above all, keep in touch with the tenants, listen carefully and offer a treat every now and then,” advises Meißner. This is an assessment shared by Samuel Paulsen from Vonovia. He is currently overseeing a serial retrofit project in  Witten  . The tenants were initially sceptical about the retrofit. There were lots of doubts as to whether the modernisation levy would really be offset by the heating cost savings. “After a joint information event with the construction company GAP Solutions, where the concept and technical solution were explained in detail, we had the residents on our side,” reports Paulsen. The innovative solar honeycomb façade is a real eye-catcher and significantly enhances the area. Energiesprong + ESC – a promising approach for municipal housing stock Schools, which make up around half of all municipal buildings, are in a particularly poor energy condition. According to a study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics, the heating energy requirement of an average school is 211 kWh/m 2  a, a value that falls into the second worst energy efficiency class. Susanne Elsen, from the Tempelhof-Schöneberg district office, gave a presentation on her experiences with serial school retrofits. With a serial retrofit concept consisting of prefabricated façade elements in wooden panel construction, decentralised ventilation devices and geothermal probes, the energy consumption of the Marienfelder elementary school, built in 1971, fell by more than 80%. Serial retrofitting was considered further in five exciting workshops. | Image: photothek, Felix Zahn Serial retrofitting was given further thought in five exciting workshops. The non-residential buildings workshop addressed, among other things, the question of how energy modernisation can be achieved despite the current situation of strained budgets. Around 85% of the 175,000 municipal buildings are in poor energy condition. The costs are correspondingly high: the 12,000 German municipalities spend almost 4 billion Euros per year on the heat and electricity supply to their properties. Serial retrofitting, in combination with energy-saving contracting, could be a promising way to make municipal assets fit for a climate-neutral future. With  energy-saving contracting,  a service provider takes over the financing, planning and implementation of the energy efficiency measures. The investment is refinanced through energy savings. In this way, even municipalities with little financial flexibility can increase the retrofit rate of their properties.  Image: photothek, Felix Zahn

To meet the UK’s net-zero targets, we can’t just retrofit homes - we need to reimagine how retrofit is done. That’s why the Transform-ER (Transform. Engage. Retrofit) project is disrupting the status quo to transform retrofit from a fragmented 'cottage industry' into something genuinely scalable, structured, and repeatable. Funded by Innovate UK and led by Energiesprong UK, Transform-ER is a game-changing project that brings together 13 partners with one shared mission: to create a cohesive, industrialised sector that delivers high-performance, cost-effective solutions through a standardised process - and enable one million home energy upgrades every year by 2030. Now, one year since the start of the project, a new video showcases the progress that’s been made to reach these ambitions. Watch the video to find out how the project partners are: Developing a new data-led pipeline platform that matches homes with the right retrofit solution – providing landlords with recommendations like you’d get with Netflix or Amazon Prime! Nurturing innovative, industrialised products to support the move towards a manufacturing-led retrofit approach. Launching a purpose-driven delivery vehicle that uses alliancing to drive down risk, drive up certainty, reduce cost and create smoother project delivery. Unlocking finance by building business cases that align diverse stakeholders' needs and financially incentivise all parties. Radically rethinking resident engagement, helping people feel retrofit is being done with them – not *to* them. Bringing together industry lessons into a Rulebook to help drive the retrofit revolution.  The next stage of the project will focus on delivering retrofit at scale through a new Community Interest Company (CIC). If you're a UK landlord interested in finding out more about a new way of delivering retrofit schemes, register your interest via this link . Find out more about the Transform-ER project at: https://www.energiesprong.uk/transform-er-transform-engage-retrofit

The transition towards sustainable construction practices is an essential step in addressing the global climate crisis. Wallonia, the Belgian region, is spearheading this movement through the Energiesprong Circular Reno programme, which aims to promote energy-efficient retrofits using locally produced biobased and circular building products.  Despite some scepticism regarding the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of local biobased value chains, recent research by Eco Cluster-construction, a partner in the Circular Reno initiative, highlights a positive outlook for the deployment of biobased insulation in Wallonia. The Need for Biobased Insulation In line with international climate targets, Wallonia aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 80-95% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. A key component of this strategy is the energy-efficient retrofitting of residential buildings. According to the Walloon long-term energy retrofit strategy, 66% of walls and 48% of roofs in residential buildings in Wallonia do not meet the region’s insulation standards. This significant retrofit need presents a prime opportunity for biobased insulation products. “Locally produced biobased materials are key to Wallonia’s 2050 greenhouse gas reduction goals.” Quantifying the Need To achieve the region’s ambitious targets, extensive retrofits are necessary. Based on detailed analyses and assumptions derived from Statbel statistics, socio-economic surveys, and long-term energy strategies, Wallonia will need to insulate approximately 5,890,000 square metres of wall surface annually up until 2050. This translates into nearly 1.5 million cubic metres of biobased insulation per year. The primary biobased materials being considered include cellulose wadding, grass, lime-hemp mix, and sheep’s wool. “Wallonia needs 1.5 million cubic metres of biobased insulation annually.” Production Capacity and Potential The current production levels of biobased insulation in Wallonia are promising. As of 2023, local producers can supply 615,000 cubic metres of insulation, covering 42% of the annual retrofit needs. These companies have the capacity to increase production to meet over 85% of the demand. Additionally, Wallonia produces more than 1 million cubic metres of structural timber annually, a portion of which can be redirected from exports to meet local construction needs without adversely affecting the timber industry. “Local producers can meet over 85% of insulation demand with biobased materials.” Benefits of Biobased Insulation Biobased insulation offers numerous benefits beyond energy efficiency. These materials are known for their ability to regulate humidity, low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and an absence of plasticizers and solvents, contributing to healthier indoor environments. As we spend a significant amount of time indoors, improving indoor air quality is crucial for the well-being of occupants. Addressing Challenges Despite the clear advantages, several challenges hinder the widespread adoption of biobased insulation: Resistance to Change: There is a notable resistance to change among stakeholders, including architects and construction companies, who may lack knowledge about biobased materials. Education and demonstration projects are essential to overcoming this barrier. Cost Concerns: Biobased insulation is often perceived as more expensive due to current production scales. However, increased production and governmental incentives can help reduce costs. Urban Planning Regulations: The additional thickness of external insulation can conflict with urban planning standards. Adaptations to regulations are necessary to accommodate the use of biobased materials. “Educational initiatives and incentives can boost biobased material adoption.” Encouraging Adoption To foster the adoption of biobased insulation, a multifaceted approach is necessary. This includes: Educational Initiatives: Increasing awareness and knowledge among architects, builders, and the general public about the benefits and implementation of biobased materials. Government Incentives: Increasing financial support for retrofits using biobased materials, such as the Walloon Region’s plan to increase premiums for eco-materials. Regulatory Adaptations: Modifying urban planning regulations to allow for the additional thickness of biobased insulation materials. Conclusion The research by Eco Cluster-construction underscores the feasibility and benefits of using biobased insulation for energy-efficient retrofits in Wallonia. With adequate support and adaptation, biobased materials can play a pivotal role in achieving the region’s climate targets. The positive business case for local biobased value chains not only promotes environmental sustainability, but also boosts local economies by reducing reliance on imported materials and supporting local industries. Cluster Eco Construction, in collaboration with Valbiom and Filière Bois Wallonie, has produced comprehensive research detailing the opportunities for biobased insulation in Wallonia. Read the full research paper here. Wallonia stands as a model for other regions in Northwest Europe, demonstrating that with the right strategies, biobased insulation can significantly contribute to sustainable construction practices and help combat climate change. “Biobased insulation supports Wallonia’s climate targets and boosts local economies.” Energiesprong & Circular Reno Energiesprong is a revolutionary approach to sustainable building retrofits, aiming to create net-zero energy homes. The Circular Reno project, which forms part of this initiative, focuses on using biobased and circular materials for retrofits, enhancing environmental and economic benefits. Supported by the Interreg NWE programme, which fosters transnational cooperation to address regional challenges, Circular Reno exemplifies innovation in sustainable construction. Cluster Eco Construction, a valued partner in the Circular Reno programme, has significantly contributed with their research and efforts to analyse and boost the market. This collaboration highlights the potential for large-scale, eco-friendly retrofits, setting a precedent for future projects across Europe.

The 2022 Energy Transition & Housing Construction Monitor from Stroomversnelling presents a mixed picture for the Netherlands. On the one hand, there appears to be a decrease in the use of the energy performance fee (EPV) in retrofitting, after years of increased use. On the other hand, respondents to the questionnaire reported that they are increasingly switching from project-based to programmatic working in retrofitting as well. The latter is an important precondition for scaling up and achieving the goals for 2030 and 2050. Every year Stroomversnelling gauges the market for energy-efficient retrofits and new construction. Whereas in previous editions of the market monitor the emphasis was on the number of completed Net Zero Energy homes (known as “NOM” in Dutch), the focus has now shifted to more substantive themes related to planning and implementing the energy transition. For the 2022 Energy Transition & Housing Construction Monitor, housing associations and builders in the Stroomversnelling network were approached, including both members and non-members. This means that the respondents were often part of the leading group in terms of sustainability. Therefore, the results are not representative of the entire housing association and construction sector. However, the monitor does give an indication of the direction the leading group is moving in. A total of 10 housing corporations and 11 construction bodies completed the questionnaire. In addition, three interviews were conducted based on the results of the survey. The main insights are as follows: The most common strategy from now until 2030 is to gradually retrofit homes, with a focus on reducing the demand for heat. Installations will be addressed later. As a result of the performance agreements between the State, Aedes (Association of housing organisations) and the Woonbond from 2022, the emphasis is now on an accelerated phasing out of the E, F and G labels in housing association properties. Retrofitting homes without natural gas and ensuring that homes comply with the Standard is a lower priority. Setting up long-term retrofit programmes with permanent partners will become a more important part of the strategy. While half of the corporations indicated in the 2021 market monitor that they did not intend to implement a retrofit programme, in 2022 everyone indicated that they had either set up, requested or prepared such a programme. All respondents indicated that, technically, there is sufficient suitable supply but that, from an economic point of view, 60% indicate that it is not affordable. This is the biggest hurdle standing in the way of scaling up. With regard to industrially produced components, coalition formation is emerging, both between supply and demand and between suppliers themselves. All respondents are in the process of setting up an industrial chain with permanent partners or have already implemented this. Based on the responses received, use of the energy performance fee (EPV) for retrofit appears to have decreased in 2022, after several years of increased use. This legitimises the introduction of the new EPV 2.0 legislation. Reflection on the results The Director of Stroomversnelling, Ivo Opstelten, responded to the results: “I think the results from this monitor show a mixed picture. On the one hand, it is good to see that respondents are increasingly making the switch from project-based working to programmatic working in retrofitting as well. It is also good that EPV-worthy new construction is increasingly seen as the standard. On the other hand, it is worrying that the number of renovations at EPV-worthy level has decreased. Based on the many contacts we have had with our supporters in recent years in part, the main 3 reasons for this seem to be: the organisational challenge for corporations, price development of supply, and government policy development.” “In order to still achieve the goals for 2030 and 2050, a significant upscaling in numbers and ambition is required, but above all a shift from a project-based approach to a programmatic approach is vital. An approach in which all available instruments are used to the full, obstacles from national and/or local policy are removed, and strategic partnerships between supply and demand and within the supply chain with industrial production partners are set up and supported with their new challenges… this is the task that Stroomversnelling, together with its members and partners, is facing.” Click here to download the Monitor (in Dutch)

In Uden, Brabant, in the Netherlands, the first housing corporation homes have been insulated using straw from the Telers Coöperatie Agrarische Bouwmaterialen (TCAB). Straw from this region is an effective and #sustainable insulation material, meaning that tenants in the Brabant housing corporations not only save energy, but also contribute to a greener future! First Farmers’ Cooperative in the Netherlands In South and Northeast Brabant, the first farmers’ cooperative for fiber crops in the Netherlands has been established. With the support of Rabobank, around 18 farmers in the region have joined forces under the Growers’ Cooperative for Agricultural Building Materials (TCAB), and this number is expected to grow. It marks an important step towards an independent supply chain “from soil to structure,” ensuring proper organization and influence from the farmers. “All questions about fiber crops in Brabant now go directly to the growers’ cooperative,” says Harold van de Ven, Chain Manager of Building Balance in North Brabant. “The cooperative also ensures the right conditions, such as quality standards and agreements with processors.” A Successful Biobased Supply Chain A growers’ cooperative is essential for effectively organizing the production and supply of fiber crops. “But it only makes sense within a successful biobased supply chain with sufficient demand,” Harold explains. “Brabant is leading the way in this regard. Since 2022, farmers, builders, and housing corporations have been in dialogue here. In 2023, 13 housing corporations in Southeast Brabant signed the Natural Together Builds South-East Brabant commitment declaration to achieve 100% biobased insulation within five years. Similar agreements have also been made in Mid-Brabant and West Brabant.” Such commitments are promising, but all parties needed to act on them. And they did! By mid-2024, 31 out of 33 Brabant housing corporations have plans to insulate using plant-based materials like hemp and grain straw. Meanwhile, Brabant farmers are now cultivating over 160 hectares of fiber crops, which are processed into building materials that regional builders use in housing corporation projects. Healthier Building with Less CO2 Emissions One of these housing corporations is Area, which insulated its first homes with shredded straw from TCAB in May. “We want to build healthier and reduce our carbon footprint,” explains Dirk van den Tillaar, sustainability and circularity advisor at Area. “With biobased building materials, you store CO2 instead of emitting it. An additional benefit is the short supply chain from soil to structure that we have here in Brabant. It saves on transport costs and guarantees a responsible product origin. In fact, I can point to the exact field where it came from.” Not a Pilot, But Long-Term Agreements After insulating homes in Uden, the “Brabant straw caravan” will move on to properties managed by fellow corporation Compaen. “This isn’t a pilot project but a forerunner initiative,” Dirk clarifies. “After this first effort, we will continue with corporation homes across Brabant. Staying in the pilot phase doesn’t offer perspective to anyone in the chain, including your own organization. It only works when you make long-term agreements that everyone can literally build on. That’s easier when you know and trust your chain partners.” John Verberne, contractor, farmer, and TCAB board member, is also optimistic about the future: “Nearly all housing corporations in Brabant have now signed the agreement, so demand for biobased building materials is really gaining momentum.” Optimally Organising the Cultivation and Supply of Fiber Crops “Through the growers’ cooperative, we have a single point of contact in the market,” John continues. “We can efficiently distribute the crops and set price agreements. Last year, we had several different crops. We processed them, and we also handled storage and transport. This way, we deliver products of consistent quality and in the right quantities to our customers. We hope more growers’ cooperatives will emerge across the Netherlands in the future. They could also collaborate if needed, ensuring the cultivation and supply of fiber crops are optimally coordinated and organized nationwide.” Source: https://buildingbalance.eu/actueel/eerste-woningen-geisoleerd-met-stro-van-de-telers-cooperatie-agrarische-bouwmaterialen/

Spring is in full swing, and so is the Energiesprong movement. The latest newsletter has lots to tell. From royal visits and playful video games to bold new tools and big breakthroughs. There’s no shortage of momentum in the world of sustainable construction. Curious what Queen Máxima did on a rooftop filled with straw? Wondering how the UK plans to retrofit one million homes a year—or how Germany got serial renovation to take off? Read the newsletter here and discover how pioneers across Europe are scaling up retrofit innovation. Team Energiesprong Global Alliance