RenoZEB partners

Solintel is a high-technological SME with more than two decades of experience in construction and energy sectors developing business interconnected inside the building-energy value chain. Solintel combines engineering and consultancy services with their own building and energy projects acting as investor and/or developer. 

Solintel is formed by a multidisciplinary team of engineers (industrial, civil, and chemical engineers) that provide the latest energy-efficiency solutions for new or refurbished building stock, full development of novel energy systems, improvement of industrial processes, and high performance materials development.

Due to the expertise hold by the company in the National and European research initiatives, having more than 30 projects, in programs such as FP5, FP6, FP7, HORIZON 2020, Eurostar, EUREKA, CHINEKA, or JAPONEKA, Solintel offers consultancy services to technological companies that want to improve their products or participate in collaborative high technology programs along with the top research centres and universities.

Solintel has also joined the European Construction Technology Platform (ECTP), the Energy-Efficient Buildings E2B EI association and belongs to the Ad-Hoc Advisory Industrial Group for the European Commission (EeB PPP).

Architectural Building Envelopes

Focchi Mission: original works of architecture. Design, manufacture and installation of curtain walling with high technological and service content. Engineering for the external cladding of complex structures.

Focchi S.p.A. is now a leading company in the curtain walling sector. We are engaged in the full cladding process from design, manufacture, delivery and site installation. The key points of Focchi's success: Technical Knowledge 30 years of experience in the technical design of building envelopes. Overall management of the Façade Package. The profiles used for the construction of the curtain walling system are developed by our Research and Development Dept., which dedicates particular attention to develop the design and to produce the prototype for testing, thus always achieving consistently high Quality of both performance and product innovation. The Technical Dept. relies on a large team of experienced project managers, project design managers, site managers, engineers and surveyors dedicated to each project.

In the RenoZEB project FOCCHI is the WP3 leader, responsible for the development of the modular Plug & Play Façade,

Who we are:

Beck + Heun is the leading developer, manufacturer and processor of energetically highly efficient systems around the window in Europe. The success of the family business, founded in 1962, is currently supported by 475 employees. We operate at three locations in Germany. The headquarter of Beck + Heun GmbH is located in Mengerskirchen (close to Frankfurt). We are supplemented by specialized production and sales locations in Erfurt and Altenmünster.

What we do:

We provide directional and practical product solutions for the new building and renovation around the window, which meet the highest requirements with regard to insulation performance, functionality and quality. As a specialist for high-voltage shading systems and an ever-growing portfolio of detail and compact solutions for the entire window, we are already meeting the requirements for the energy- efficient construction of the future. With our developments, we are increasing the energy efficiency of buildings sustainably and thus make an active contribution to climate protection.

We are developing future-oriented components to solve well-known problems, such as heat bridges, mold formation, weathering, burglar danger and street noise. In addition, we are continuously improving the perfection of our products with regard to ease of installation, multifunctionality and ease of operation.

Our product range is continually being optimized and supplemented. In order to ensure this in the long term, innovation and an ongoing dialogue with the corporate environment is understood and maintained as an integral part of our corporate culture. The resulting ideas become reality with versatile materials such as Styropor® or Neopor®, as well as state-of-the-art technologies. Beck + Heun maintains its own development department with building physicians, engineers and technicians who work closely with research and testing institutes.

In the RenoZEB project, we are not a WP Leader, but we are involved in 8 of 9 WP´s. The majority of our activities will flow into WP´s 3 and 7.

RINA Consulting is the engineering consultancy division of RINA, a global corporation that provides engineering and consultancy services, as well as testing, inspection and certification.

​​​RINA Consulting is the result of the integration of a number of internationally respected companies including D’Appolonia, Centro Sviluppo Materiali, Edif ERA (ERA Technology), G.E.T., Logmarin Advisors, OST Energy, Polaris, SC Sembenelli Consulting and Seatech. RINA Consulting brings together a rich heritage of engineering consultancy expertise into one unique organisation.

CYPE is a research intensive SME that develops and distributes technical software for Architecture, Engineering and Construction professionals. With more than 30 years of experience in the construction domain, it has a direct end user contact with a customer base of over 60,000 users, which translates into over 100,000 programs acquired by construction professionals in more than 60 countries.

Currently CYPE software occupies a leading position within the sector, covering three fundamental areas in the elaboration of the project: Structural design and analysis, design and analysis of building services (including energy efficiency analysis) and project management.

Thanks to the thousands of clients and hundreds of thousands of consultations made to the technical department, experience in the application of the different codes has been acquired. This number of costumers lets to disseminate the results of the project in Europe and a lot of countries of Africa and Latinamerica.

In the RenoZEB project CYPE is the WP5 leader, responsible of the generation of a collaborative framework and integrating services into the project. CYPE is also co-leading the WP4, nD Collaborative Environment to maximize the value capture from the renovation value chain and the WP9, Dissemination, Communication and Training .

Tecnalia is a private, independent, non-profit research organisation. Legally a non-profit Foundation, Tecnalia is the leading private and independent research and technology organisation in Spain and one of the largest in Europe, employing over 1,300 people. Tecnalia is committed to generate major impacts in economic terms, by means of innovation and technological development, addressed by 7 business divisions, covering economic sectors of Construction, Energy, Industry, Transportation, Health and ICT. The Sustainable Construction Division covers the whole value chain of the construction sector, from materials building and products to the buildings themselves, the city, the civil infrastructures and the end of life of both buildings and infrastructures.

In the RenoZEB project, Tecnalia is the WP leader of WP4, responsible for the “nD Collaborative Environment to maximize the value capture from the renovation value chain. Tecnalia will be in charge of the demonstration in KUBIK and Demonstration in Spanish Demo Building. Tecnalia will also participate in the rest of WP, providing its extended expertise in building solutions development, system’s integration, energy efficiency simulations tools, building energy management systems (BEMS) and monitoring.

HIT HYPERTECH INNOVATIONS LTD (HIT) is a Cyprus-based Web, Mobile applications and IT integrator provider SME founded in 2016.

HIT builds on top of the 20-year experience of a team of researchers, software and electrical engineers and ICT professionals. This team has led, managed and implemented multiple industrial software development and integration projects as well as numerous national and European collaborative research and development projects.

On top of its R&D activities HIT offers consulting services in the fields of energy, smart grids and ICT including mobile and web development and integration, data analytics and visualization. Based on the long experience of its personnel the company provides a portfolio of support services such as:

• Technology scouting and licensing-in;
• Research and development results commercialization, licensing out, marketing (including project identity formation, press, web and social media coverage, events organization);
• Spinning-out new technology-driven ventures;
• Cross-cutting services: business planning and modeling, feasibility studies, market analysis, technical and commercial evaluation of knowledge and technologies along with impact analysis and assessment.

In the RenoZEB project HIT is the WP leader of WP6, responsible for delivering the Monitoring and Human-Centric Automated Control to maximize the value creation of
nZEB renovation.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) is Europe's largest solar energy research institution and part of the Fraunhofer society, a non profit organisation for applied research. The Institute is located in Freiburg, Germany. Fraunhofer ISE has a total number of approx. 1100 staff.

The Institute develops components, materials, processes and systems in the areas of the thermal use of solar energy, solar and efficient buildings, solar cells, electrical power supplies, chemical energy conversion, energy storage and the rational use of energy. Fraunhofer ISE is certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2000. Building and construction and residential applications represent major markets for the future from both an ecological and economic perspective. In close co-operation with manufacturers and housing companies, Fraunhofer ISE develops new materials and procedures as well as integrated energy concepts for buildings.

The work at the institute ranges from the investigation of scientific and technological fundamentals for solar energy applications, the development of production technology and prototypes, to the construction of demonstration systems. The institute plans, advises and provides know-how and technical facilities and services.

Building components, concepts and simulations: By performing simulations in the early planning and development phase, an optimal synergy of the building, the technical building components and the climate at the building site can be made. The ability to develop high efficient components perform overall energy consumption, reduce building costs as well as potential problem areas can be detected at an early stage. We develop customized alternatives and solutions, thus paving the way for "lean buildings". We offer both simple as well as complex calculating procedures as well as concept and prototype development. Our strengths are lighting simulation, ventilation and air-conditioning analyses as well as the detailed modeling of complex energy supply systems. We are continually working on the further development of our software to maintain a state-of-the-art status and we provide a wide range of evaluation tools.

Fraunhofer ISE will be a scientific partner of the project and thus being involved in different tasks of the project related to R&D, contributing with its broad experience. The institute together with the industry partners will be responsible for the development of the multifunctional insulation and of façade integrated PV technologies and control strategies, including the construction of prototypes, their implementation on demonstration buildings as well as the evaluation of their performances.

The School of the Built Environment (SOBE) at the University of Salford (USAL) has an exciting and vibrant research community engaged in advanced research in the Built Environment, much of which also involves national and international partners. SOBE is one of the largest UK schools, employing some 50 active research staff, many of whom are internationally recognised leaders in their field; including 12 Professors in disciplines such as Construction Information Technology, Sustainability, Construction Process Management and Disaster Management, and some 240 PhD students from around the world undertaking research programmes. SOBE has a top position in the UK government national research assessment which recognises the outstanding national and international profile of its academic staff, and is also number one for research power, a position held since 1992 (source: Research Fortnightly Magazine 2008).

SOBE also hosts the ‘THINKlab’ with an international reputation in the field of virtual reality applications for engineering and the built environment. The THINKlab provides state of the art facilities in a futuristic environment enabling researchers to engage in research that harnesses leading ICT developments to provide new solutions to current and future challenges faced by industry, commerce and the community. The THINKlab team has led and participated in many EU projects, such as DIVERCITY, DIVIPRO, FutureHome, Future_Workspaces, Intelcity, CoSpaces, Design4Energy, ProSEco and CROSS DRIVE, etc. The THINKlab is specialised in developing advanced visualisation systems, collaborative workspaces, e-learning environments based on gaming technology etc.

In the RenoZEB project, USAL is WP2 leader: RenoZEB energy efficient and value based concept and mapping to construct an holistic methodology and decision-making support for near zero energy renovation.

Università Politecnica delle Marche includes 5 Faculties: Engineering, Medicine and Surgery, Economy, Science and Agriculture. The organization is subdivided in 12 Departments for a total amount of 523 units among professors of I, II level and fixed-term researchers. The Department of Industrial Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (DIISM) participates in the project with the Mechanical and Thermal Measurement Group. Main areas of research are connected with development and application of new sensors and experimental techniques for material characterization, structural and environmental monitoring, non-destructive testing and embedded systems. Main fields of application of interest for the project are: smart sensors for indoor environments, building energy and comfort monitoring and control, non-contact measurement techniques and data analysis.

In the RenoZEB project UNIVPM is mainly involved in the development of the Smart façade element (WP3) and the human-centric monitoring and control system (WP6).

Balkanika Energy Plc. is a company established with the aim of complete realization of investment projects in the production and utilization of energy from renewable, conventional and alternative energy sources, and protection of the environment through sustainable systems for waste recovery. An important part of our activities are also the projects for increasing the energy efficiency of industrial enterprises and buildings, and communities.

Thanks to the long and successful partnership with a number of companies, leaders in national and global scale, as well as our own experience, we offer a high level of professionalism, quality and guarantees for the development of optimal and sustainable technological solutions, coupled with feasibility analysis, planning and management of investment projects. We are always looking at technology solutions from the financial point of view so that we can offer the optimal solution with the highest profitability.

In our work we use the proven management system for investment projects in accordance with the standards of the framework guide “A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge” (PMBOK). This allows us to more successfully implement our project activities.

In the RenoZEB project, Balkanika is involved in several work packages, contributing over various areas like planning, engineering and retrofitting design and construction.

Durango Eraikitzen S.A. was created in 2004 and is a public municipal company pertaining to the Municipal Council of DURANGO. Durango Eraikitzen S.A. corporate purposes include Refurbishment and Revitalisation of existing built heritage within the municipality.

Over its existence, the company has specialised in managing and providing information on subsidies offered by public institutions for building refurbishment programmes. Since 2010, Durango Eraikitzen S.A. has conducted the overall management of subsidies provided by the Basque government within the ARI for the Historic Quarters of DURANGO.
Additionally, and since 2014, Durango Eraikitzen S.A. has taken active part in seeking the overall sustainable refurbishment of several districts with more than 50 years of history. These require accessibility enhancements and need modern energy efficiency measures.

Recently, Durango Eraikitzen S.A. formed part of the work team for the survey of the San FAUSTO district, BERRITU SAN FAUSTO, in 2014. The district comprises fifty-five 50-year-old buildings and the work involved a total of 550 residential properties. The survey established the principles for the refurbishment and renovation required to provide access to the buildings and to render them energy-efficient.

Apartment Association “Rannaliiva” was founded on 1999 by all owners of apartments in building. This is owners organization who own apartments and land with total area 3495 m2. Building itself is 47,2 m long, 25,7 m wide and 11,6 m high with 2 floors and 16 apartments.

Goal of AA “Rannaliiva” is to refurbish building more energy efficient as it is now according to national regulations or even better. Building has energy performance label “E”,its 231 kWh/m2, existing national regulations for renovated apartment buildings is 180 kWh/m2 as a minimum, and for new buildings 150kWh/m2. Low –energy building minimum requirements is 120 kWh/m2. Building is heated by district heating running on biomass (wood-chips). To achieve a goal its needed to insulate building envelope, new roof, windows and doors, install new ventilation system with heat recovery and renovate heating system. Also renovate and insulate balconies where today are cold-bridges. Town of Voru have goal to reduce CO2 emissions 20%. SEAP of Voru was approved in City Council on November 2015 and they are playing role also renovation of apartment buildings. With this project we can take responsibility and provide contribution to SEAP implementation in our home town.

Within RenoZEB, main involvement is in WP7 demonstration activities, WP8 exploitation and WP9 dissemination and training activities. Responsible for the Estonian demo building.

Tartu Regional Energy Agency (TREA) has been established at 2009 by Tartu City Government and Tartu Science Park to implement efficient energy management methodologies and practices in Tartu region. Agency is partner by providing an independent energy advocacy for the region. It is also the first energy management agency in Estonia. On the other hand it also represents local energy developments in national and EU level. Important part of that work will be representing the region in national and international cooperation networks and projects that are dealing with relevant issues.

TREA experts working on energy management in household and in organization/company level, in municipality level and regional (South-Estonia) level. Sustainable development, energy managemet, energy performance in buildings and in renewable energy systems, fostering cooperation between public and privet sector are TREA workfields.

We have done: Sustainalble energy action plans for municipalities, Base study of energy consumption and inside climate in public sector buildings in City of Tartu (all together around 100 buildings). Sustainable Energy and Dwelling Management Program for City of Tartu. This document describe current situation of energy audits, certificates and consumption in housing stock in City of Tartu. Baseline study of Energy consumption, production and renewable resources of Võru County. Web–based database for storing and analyizing data of energy consumption in buildings (E-Jälg), different tools for energy management and many more studies and reports on energy efficiency.

“Building the future”

The Scientific and Technical Center for Building (CSTB) is a public body for innovation in construction. It focuses on four key activities: research and expertise, assessment, and dissemination of knowledge, all performed to address the challenges of energy transition in the construction sector. Its expertise covers construction products, buildings, and their integration into neighborhoods and cities. With its subsidiaries, networks of national, European and international partners, and over 900 employees, the CSTB offers its services to all stakeholders involved in construction to improve the quality and safety of buildings.

In the RenoZEB project, CSTB is the WP leader of WP7, responsible for the “Demonstration of new process and technologies in real buildings covering different geoclusters” and will be especially involved on monitoring issues.

The Architects’ Council of Europe (ACE) is the representative organisation for the architectural profession at European level. Its headquarters and Secretariat are located in Brussels. Its membership currently consists of 43 Member Organisations, which are the regulatory and professional representative bodies in all European Union (EU) Member States, and accession Countries, Switzerland and Norway. Through them, the ACE represents the interests of over 565.000 architects from 31 countries in Europe.

The principal function of the ACE is to monitor developments at EU level, seeking to influence those areas of EU Policy and legislation that have an impact on architectural practice and on the overall quality and sustainability of the built environment.

In the RenoZEB project ACE is the WP leader of WP9, responsible for Dissemination, Communication and Training.

Symelec Renovables is a company with high expertise in electrical, HVAC, ICT, Renewable installations and lighting systems. The team of professionals working at Symelec is formed by industrial, electrical, and software engineers, as well as technical professionals for the installation of the equipment in the field. SYMELEC’s professional activity is developed around medium and low voltage distribution lines, electrical installations, automatically control in water treatment plants, renewable systems standing out photovoltaic or solar thermal systems, and ICT systems for energy installations and energy efficiency in buildings.

Symelec Renovables has a high capability to form alliances with other enterprises in technical developments or commercial aspects. As a Spanish ESCO with a regional market in the Mediterranean area, Symelec is working in different European and National research initiatives aiming to find high efficiency energy rates in retrofitted buildings, through the introduction of control systems in electrical installations, and increasing people comfort levels inside different building typologies.

In the RenoZEB project Symelec is participating in the all Work Packages, mainly involved in the design and implementation of the photovoltaic and solar thermal solutions and their validation in demo buildings.

EnergyPro is a group of experienced professionals dedicated to the transformation of our energy system in the pursuit of low carbon economic growth and prosperity.

Founded in 2012 by Steve Fawkes, EnergyPro works with like-minded people from organisations that want to make the difference when it comes to energy and resource efficiency, and are committed to producing both financial and societal benefits.

The work we do is split into four categories - Inform, Innovate, Incubate, and Invest. These foundation stones define our vision for driving sustainable growth in the energy market:

• Inform – translating legislative / policy commitments and organisations aspirations into practical operational strategies.
• Innovation – deploying new business models that address the business opportunity created by the need for energy efficiency.
• Incubate – developing affordable energy efficiency and energy conversation technologies.
• Invest – qualifying projects to connect investment with financial value creation balanced with high environmental and social performance.

The International Union of Property Owners – Union Internationale de la Propriété Immobilière (UIPI) is a pan-European non-profit association (ASBL) comprising of 29 organisations from 28 countries. Jointly, they represent more than 5 million private property owners of some 20 to 25 million dwellings all over Europe.

Founded in 1923 in Paris, UIPI is the leading organisation for individual owners and private landlords in Europe. The mission of UIPI is to protect and promote the interests, needs and concerns of homeowners and landlords at national, European and international level. Based in Brussels, UIPI represents its members towards the EU institutions. It monitors developments at EU level and seeks to influence EU legislation and policies, which have an impact on real estate, the building sector, the private-rented sector and property rights.