The European construction industry, like many others, is confronted by an economy that is undergoing a significant change, shaped by megatrends such as greater urbanisation, disruptive new technologies and digitalisation, globalised value chains and sustainability. At the same time, the European economy faces the profound challenge of meeting the ambitious climate mitigation goal set out in the Paris Agreement of keeping average global warming to well below 1.5˚C. A central question for this industry is how to translate these challenges into an opportunity for economic success and global leadership, while being aware of the environmental impact.

In this regard, innovation is a key driver for the European economy and offers opportunities to speed up adaptation in the building sector. Industrial and prefabricated renovation solutions will significantly contribute to accelerating the pace of deep energy renovation in the construction value chain. Extensive building improvement work that substantially increases energy efficiency and reduces energy consumption by 75% or more has a vital role to play in ensuring economic success and can help achieving these goals.

A large demand for deep renovation solutions is necessary to reduce the related cost. Manufacturing certain building components in factories comes with dedicated costs. While some solutions can be applied to both renovation projects and new buildings, a certain scale is required for the business model to become viable. This briefing is highlighting the work of four different Horizon 2020 projects in this area.