Beyond Technology: The People Behind Building Energy Performance
- Romania Green Building Council
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- 2 min de citit
The first factsheet published under the European REN+HOMES project highlights why resident engagement is just as important as technological innovation in achieving high-performing buildings.
When discussing sustainable buildings, the conversation often focuses on heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, smart systems or advanced construction materials. All of these are essential. Yet there is one element without which even the most advanced building cannot reach its full potential: the people who use it every day.
With this in mind, the European REN+HOMES project has published its first factsheet, Resident-centred methodology for developing positive energy residential buildings. The publication presents a practical methodology that places residents at the heart of building performance, recognising them as active partners in achieving energy efficiency.
From users to active partners
High-performance technologies alone do not automatically deliver energy savings or improved comfort. The way residents understand and interact with building systems has a direct impact on how efficiently those systems perform.
The methodology developed within REN+HOMES adopts a resident-centred approach built on dialogue, collaboration and real-life testing. Rather than being passive recipients of technological solutions, residents are actively involved in a learning process that helps shape behaviours supporting the optimal operation of the building.
How does the methodology work?
The factsheet outlines a structured process that includes:
assessing residents' knowledge, awareness and everyday practices;
organising participatory workshops to identify solutions tailored to each community;
testing new energy-related behaviours in real-life settings;
evaluating outcomes and exchanging lessons learned across the four demonstration sites in Austria, Spain, Estonia and Romania.
Rather than promoting behavioural change through prescriptive rules, the methodology focuses on building trust between residents and the technologies designed to improve building performance.
A model that can be replicated
Early findings demonstrate that actively engaging residents leads to a better understanding of building systems, greater confidence in using them and improved alignment between the building's designed and actual energy performance. At the same time, the methodology provides developers, building managers and public authorities with a practical framework that can be replicated in both new developments and renovation projects.
About REN+HOMES
Funded by the Horizon Europe programme, REN+HOMES develops innovative solutions and methodologies that support the transition towards low-energy, low-carbon residential buildings. These solutions are being validated across four demonstration buildings in Austria, Spain, Estonia and Romania, with the Romania Green Building Council (RoGBC) contributing as a member of the international project consortium.
The project's first factsheet, Resident-centred methodology for developing positive energy residential buildings, is now available for free consultation and download.