Last week, SMARTeeSTORY partners came together for our first review meeting, joined by our project officer, Juan Carlos Espada Suarez. This milestone provided an opportunity to reflect on the first 18 months of the project—and the progress has been remarkable! 

A Look at Our Achievements 

Over the past year and a half, we were able to fully identify the SMARTeeSTORY requirements and make advancements at our three demo sites, where our vision is coming to life: 

• Riga City Hall, Latvia 
• Faculty of Architecture at TU Delft, Netherlands 
• Royal Chancellery in Granada, Spain 

Each of these historic landmarks serves as a testing ground for innovative solutions aimed at enhancing energy efficiency while preserving cultural heritage. While there is still plenty of work ahead, we are on the right track to transforming historic buildings into climate-neutral landmarks. 

In this first period we have:

• Assessed the SMARTeeSTORY chosen technological solutions from our provider partners TERA, Pellini, and Schneider Electric
• Described SMARTeeSTORY's software platform architecture
• Identified requirements for digitalization on historic buildings

The upcoming months will be crucial in continuing SMARTeeSTORY's work! Our partners are working hard on our demo sites to install devices which are central to the monitoring of performance, energy efficiency, and user comfort before and after the interventions.

The SMARTeeSTORY Vision 

At the heart of SMARTeeSTORY is the ambition to develop a smart, integrated building automation and control system designed specifically for historic non-residential buildings. Our innovative multi-domain approach—aligned with the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) methodology—takes into account: 

• The unique challenges of historic buildings 
• Human-centric design for enhanced user experience 
• Real-time monitoring and active user engagement 

By integrating these elements, SMARTeeSTORY is paving the way for smarter, more sustainable historic buildings, balancing technological advancements with heritage conservation. With strong collaboration among our partners, we are making steady progress toward a future where historic buildings are not just preserved but optimised for energy efficiency and sustainability. 

SMARTeeSTORY's project report D1.5 presents the SRI-based assessment tool for historic buildings of the SMARTeeSTORY project.

The Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) methodology allows for qualitative and quantitative assessment of the state of the building's capacities and preparation to incorporate smart services around three pillars: energy performance over time, ability to adapt to the needs of the occupants and contribution to the stability of energy grids through active demand management. Implementation of the SRI aims to increase awareness about the benefits of smart building technologies, e.g.: automated systems and electronic monitoring for different building technical systems (heating, hot water, ventilation, lighting, etc.). In fact, the adoption of the SRI framework will foster innovation in the construction industry by encouraging the use of advanced smart technologies in buildings.

The report summarizes the creation of a webApp to simplify the calculation of the SRI, following the detailed calculation included in Method B – Expert SRI assessment according to the European Commission. The document describes the current version of the webApp, its structure, main sections, and current functionalities. The webApp allows users to upload specific building information to assess the SRI of any specific building. The assessment is carried out on a user-friendly environment and supported by a virtual assistant. This early version of the webApp will be the basis for the second stage, which will include new functionalities as an added value to the current SRI assessment process.

Check back soon to access the report once its published!

At Sustainable Places 2024, SMARTeeSTORY took part in the Regeneration Workshop:

Crafting Sustainable and Inclusive Neighbourhoods

Hosted by the REGEN project, the workshop showcases B4P projects funded under the HORIZON-CL5-2022-D4-02-02 call (Solutions for the sustainable, resilient, inclusive and accessible regeneration of neighbourhoods enabling low carbon footprint lifestyles and businesses). The workshop aims to encourage collaboration among B4P stakeholders to create an inclusive, positive built environment. The workshop will focus on neighborhood regeneration towards sustainable, inclusive, and low-carbon environments, focusing on innovation actions in buildings and urban environments. The workshop will be promoted among ECTP and WorldGBC members, supporting the REGEN project

Projects in this session: REGEN - CALECHE - drop - EVELIXIA - Inherit - REHOUSE - SNUG - WeGenerate - NBenefit$ 3.0 - SMARTeeSTORY - GreenPass

Learn more about the Built4People Partnership

Catch the workshop replay below!

See original source: Sustainable and Inclusive Neighbourhood Regeneration - Sustainable Places (SP)

Check out the highlight from Sustainable Places 2024: Sustainable Places 2024 - Highlights

At Sustainable Places 2024, SMARTeeSTORY took part in the Buliding Renovation Workshop:

Unlocking the Renovation Wave: Deep-renovation solutions developed by EU-funded projects

Unlocking the Renovation Wave. Hosted by Nebula, the workshop brought together 7 EU Projects developing solutions for deep renovation, and discuss cross-cutting issues embracing circularity, inclusiveness, and aesthetics. To meet 2050 targets, buildings must reduce energy needs and adopt a circular approach, reducing carbon throughout their life cycle. These projects are developing solutions for deep building renovation, including innovative packages, circular approaches, and digitalized business models

Projects in this session: REHOUSE EU – FORTESIE EU Project – Chronicle Project – EBENTO project –
SMARTeeSTORY Project – INPERSO Project – MULTICARE EU project.

Catch the workshop replay below!

See original source: Unlocking the Renovation Wave - Sustainable Places (SP)

Check out the highlight from Sustainable Places 2024: Sustainable Places 2024 - Highlights

SMARTeeSTORY's Deliverable 3.2 presents a comprehensive Modelling Handbook for building energy performance, considering the required model quality and available information in real buildings.

By simulating dynamic interactions between energy and mass flows within the building and its surroundings over time, these performance models can characterize energy use, thermal behavior, and other aspects such as illuminance and indoor air quality.

Building performance simulation effectively supports various phases, from design to operation, and can even test renovation solutions from both digital and physical perspectives. In renovation approaches, the focus could be on the design process, code compliance assessment, or real-time building control as part of retrofitting, as will be done within the SMARTeeSTORY scope.

The handbook aims to define a common modelling framework adaptable to various levels of data availability and applications, developing a linked group of multi-domain building performance models. The proposed approach consists of physics-based models to simulate the energetic behavior of buildings. An integral methodology is explained, considering model quality definition, building and energy model assessment, and calibration. Furthermore, the data gathering process and applicability to case studies are included.

This deliverable outlines the steps to follow when building a model after obtaining the necessary data and describes potential difficulties that may arise during the process. To resolve these issues, commonly used reference documents and resources are listed, along with methods to normalize the available data. It is expected that the Modelling Handbook will serve as a reference for any project related to the implementation of energy-efficient solutions.

Check back soon to access the report once its published!

The retrofitting of historic buildings plays a key role in the development of a comprehensive EU approach to the decarbonization of buildings. A central challenge is to improve energy efficiency and sustainability through the comprehensive use of Building Management Systems (BMS). This approach to retrofitting historic buildings is based on a commitment to preserve the architectural integrity of these buildings while incorporating modern technologies that meet current energy standards.

Case Study: Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure™ Platform

Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure™ Building Operation platform serves this purpose. It is a comprehensive BMS that provides seamless integration, visibility, and control across different building systems. The platform is designed to optimize energy consumption, improve operational efficiency, and ensure occupant comfort. By leveraging open, scalable, data-centric solutions, historic building owners can achieve significant energy savings and reduce their carbon footprint.

A notable example of a historic building renovation by BMS is the renovation of the Grand Monarch, a 600-year-old hotel in Chartres, France. The historic hotel began its decarbonization journey with a goal of achieving 15% energy savings within six months. The project included the use of EcoStruxure, which provided the hotel with insights and monitoring into energy consumption. These insights enabled hotel managers to make informed operational changes that led to significant energy savings.

Tailored Solutions and Commitment to Sustainability

The Grand Monarque renovation project highlights the possibility of finding tailor-made solutions for the specific needs of historic buildings. This approach involves conducting comprehensive energy audits, such as the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI), to identify areas for optimization and implement targeted measures. In the case of the Grand Monarque, the light measures strategy focused on optimizing existing systems with minimal disruption, demonstrating real possibilities to respect the operational and cultural importance of historic buildings.

Schneider Electric's commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated by its partnerships with leading sustainability certifications such as LEED Historic Building and BREEAM in use. These certifications confirm the company's commitment to promoting responsible practices and achieving high environmental standards in the renovation of historic buildings. Building automation and control systems (BACS), building information modelling (BIM) and digital twins play a central role in supporting the energy and digitalization transition in the building sector, which accounts for 36% of Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions. These technologies improve buildings’ energy management and optimize maintenance, efficiency and sustainability. However, adopting BACS and digital models requires specialized training as well as overcoming methodological, integration and data management challenges.

In conclusion, the “decarbonize through digitalization” approach to the renovation of historic buildings is characterized by an innovative use of BMS, a tailored renovation strategy and a commitment to sustainability. The successful renovation of the Grand Monarch is a testament to the company’s ability to achieve significant energy savings and improve the sustainability of historic buildings whilst preserving architectural heritage.

Learn more about the renovations and interventions done at Le Grande Monarque: How a historic hotel achieved a 15% energy reduction in 6 months | Schneider Electric

Author: Sara Silvestro, Schneider Electric

Cover Photo credits: Schneider Electric

On 6 and 7 November 2024, SMARTeeSTORY project partners gather in Valladolid to discuss recent progress and plan the next stages of the project aimed at enhancing the energy efficiency of historic buildings across Europe.

Hosted by CARTIF, this meeting will feature in-depth updates on the work conducted at the project’s three demonstrator sites: the Riga City Hall in Latvia, the Faculty of Architecture at TU Delft in the Netherlands, and the Royal Chancellery in Granada, Spain.

Improving energy efficiency in historic structures is no small feat. Due to strict preservation requirements, getting the necessary permissions is often a lengthy process, and any intervention demands a high degree of expertise to balance energy upgrades with heritage conservation. The SMARTeeSTORY project’s goal is to address these challenges using an approach that combines modern technologies and energy analysis with respect for each building’s historic value.

Training on Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) Tool Developed by TECNALIA

A key moment of the Valladolid meeting will be the first internal training on the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) webtool developed by TECNALIA, a SMARTeeSTORY partner. This web-based tool allows partners to measure the smart readiness of existing buildings, a factor that assesses how well a building’s digital and technological setup can adapt to optimise energy use. During the session, all partners will have the opportunity to test the tool through a series of interactive presentations and hands-on exercises.

Forging a Path for Sustainable Heritage Conservation

SMARTeeSTORY is an innovative Horizon Europe project that brings together a consortium of 13 partners from six countries. SMARTeeSTORY develops a smart and integrated building automation and control system to monitor and optimise the buildings’ energy performance. By combining interoperable and cybersecure-by-design software and hardware solutions, the project accelerates the green transition of historical buildings while respecting their unique identities. Learn more about our three demosites here.

The conference Sustainable Places features topics each year that shape how we think about cities and the built environment. The 12th annual edition of Sustainable Places SP2024 was held over three days in a hybrid format from 23th to 25th September 2024, with the in-person sessions hosted in Luxembourg.

SMARTeeSTORY, represented by our coordinator Matteo Porta from RINA, was presented at 2 workshops brought together by NEBULA and REGEN Projects:

Unlocking the Renovation Wave: Deep-renovation solutions

This session showcased seven EU projects that developed solutions for deep renovation and discussed cross-cutting issues embracing circularity, inclusiveness, and aesthetics. These projects developed solutions for deep building renovation, including innovative packages, circular approaches, and digitalized business models.

SMARTeeSTORY was presented, along with a short run down of the key good practices and lessons learned so far in the project in face of challenges associated with implementing the SRI methodology into concrete use case such as historical buildings. Challenges were discussed regarding data availability, necessity of pre-intervention monitoring, or matching the SRI methodology to KPI estimations.

Projects in this session: REHOUSE EU – FORTESIE EU Project – Chronicle Project – EBENTO project –
SMARTeeSTORY Project – INPERSO Project – MULTICARE EU project.

Regeneration Workshop: Crafting Sustainable and Inclusive Neighbourhoods

The REGEN project hosted a workshop to showcase Built4People (B4P) projects responding to the call for "Solutions for the sustainable, resilient, inclusive, and accessible regeneration of neighbourhoods enabling low carbon footprint lifestyles and businesses". The workshop focused on neighborhood regeneration towards sustainable, inclusive, and low-carbon environments, focusing on innovation actions in buildings and urban environments. Matteo Porta presented the basics of the project including the scope, targets, current state, and next steps in the near future.

Sharing a stand with the REHOUSE project, the event proved to be a great platform to network among similarly minded projects, while raising awareness on the project work.

In SMARTeeSTORY, TECNALIA leads Work Package 3, which aims to develop a new approach to operational modelling, optimisation and control of buildings.

The work package aims to develop a new approach to operational modelling, optimisation, and control of buildings by creating methods for understanding and managing large amounts of data. This will result in a tool that will help researchers and organisations analyse and use data effectively. Building Performance Simulation (BPS) is a powerful tool to represent various aspects of buildings’ performance. Lets explore the BPS and discover how SMARTeeSTORY partners use BPS to turn historical buildings into climate-neutral landmarks.

What is building performance simulation?

Building Performance Simulation (BPS) represents various aspects of buildings’ performance using physic-based models. These models consider key building characteristics, such as geometry, constructive materials, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, lighting, and occupancy. By applying mathematical equations based on physical laws, these models simulate building energy behavior under different conditions, which can be simulated using commercial tools like DesignBuilder, EnergyPlus, TRNSYS, Modelica, and APACHE.

By simulating dynamic interactions between energy and mass flows within the building and its surroundings over time, BPS models are capable of characterising energy use, thermal behaviour, and other performance aspects such as illuminance or indoor air quality. Thus, they serve as effective tools for building performance asessment for both designing new buildings and assessing existing ones.

Creating a BPS model

In order to build up a physics-based model, some input parameters must be provided to the tool. These parameters represent various factors affecting internal ambient temperature and indoor environmental quality of a building. They include:

• External weather conditions
• Thermo-physical characteristics of the building envelope
• Occupancy patterns
• HVAC, DHW and lighting systems description
  (generation and distribution sub-systems, and terminal units)
• Operational patterns for HVAC, DHW and lighting systems
  (setpoints, schedules, etc.)
• Specific control strategies for HVAC, DHW and lighting systems
• Other energy transformation, transmission, and emission components
• Passive solutions such as: smart blinds, external shading, window opening, etc.

[ HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; DHW: Domestic hot water ]

Best practices for the data gathering process

Creating accurate BPS models involves comprehensive data gathering and a thorough understanding of the building. This is important in existing buildings where building operation in reality may not match the predicted behaviour. Key data gathering steps include:

• Assessing data availability and accuracy (geometrical, energetic, operational).
• Conduct technical visits to verify building operation and collect user behaviour data.
• Engage with maintenance and energy management teams.
• Consider new monitoring systems if needed.

When gathering data, some required information for the energy model may be incomplete. To address this lack of data the following methods are recommended:

• Building Data/Information: This includes physical structure, system characteristics, and internal gains. When real building data is lacking, consider using reference values from public databases or local building policies.
• Weather Data: when measured weather (e.g., outdoor temperature, solar radiation) is not available, consider using public databases from nearby weather stations.

After data gathering, the calibration reduces the performance gap between simulated outputs and real data. In this regard, following steps could be helpful:

• Assume Input Parameters: Document assumptions.
• Verify Simulation Results: Check if predicted operating results (e.g., temperature, humidity) are reasonable.
• Compare Energy and Demand Results: Use metered data for comparison. Assess differences between simulation and calibration data.
• Revise Assumed Input Data: Adjust assumptions to improve predicted results.

[ steps based on Option D of the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol: Concepts and Options for Determining Energy and Water Savings; Volume I: Revised March 2002 (nrel.gov) ]

BPS modelling for building retrofitting

BPS modelling can support various phases from the design to operation, even to test renovation solutions from the digital or physical point of view. In renovation, BPS modelling could focus on the design process and code compliance assessment or even real-time building control as part of the retrofitting.

In SMARTeeSTORY, accurate physic-based models are being developed for different purposes. At an early stage, physic-based models will generate synthetic data to calibrate the long- and short-term prediction models used in following stages. Afterwards, these models will serve for long-term assessment of building performance, to be used throughout the pre-intervention energy assessment and target setting process as well as performance assessment along the operation of SMARTeeSTORY. At last, the physic-based models will create an emulation environment to test control logics and algorithms before their deployment at real building level.

Lessons learned

From our BPS model development experience, we have identified some aspects that should be considered for anyone intending to develop these models, especially in the renovation scenario:

1. Data Limitations:
   • Lack of architectural and physical data leads to model inaccuracy and reduced reliability.
   • Developing physics-based models is time-consuming. Communication with facility managers or knowledgeable individuals is crucial.
   • When modelling small areas within a building, consider boundary conditions (e.g., surrounding rooms).
2. Defining Objectives:
   • Clearly define model objectives and functionalities:
     • General performance assessment (e.g., HVAC sizing, envelope comparison)
     • Specific element assessment or control (e.g., smart shading, strategies)
   • Collaborate with partners to address specific needs (e.g., SMARTeeSTORY intervention packages).
3. Importance of Monitoring Data:
   1. Real data (consumption, indoor temperature, weather) ensures accuracy and reliability of models.

Authors: Antonio Garrido Marijuan, Noelia Vicente Gómez, TECNALIA

Organisation:

In SMARTeeSTORY, TECNALIA leads the Work Package 3 “Modelling, Optimisation and Smart Predictive Control”.

TECNALIA is a private, independent, non-profit applied research centre of international excellence. TECNALIA is the leading private and independent research and technology organisation in Spain and one of the largest in Europe.

TECNALIA has one goal: to transform knowledge into GDP, meaning wealth to improve people’s quality of life by generating business opportunities for industry. TECNALIA is committed to generate major impacts in economic terms, by means of innovation and technological development, addressed by six business divisions covering the economic sectors of Energy, Environment, Industry, Transport, Construction, Health and ICT.

Let’s have a closer look at the significance of historic buildings. Why is it crucial to prioritise their refurbishment, and what challenges do these projects typically encounter, making them so complex to manage?

What is a historical building?

A historic building is a structure of significant historical or artistic value that is officially protected to prevent alteration or destruction. These buildings may include castles, museum, city halls, universities, and other types of structures that are evidence of a community’s heritage. In the European Union (EU), a historical building is typically defined and protected under various laws and regulations aimed at preserving cultural heritage. While specific definitions may vary between member states, there are the following common principles and criteria outlined in EU directives and conventions: Cultural Significance, Age, Protected Status, Architectural and Artistic Value, Intangible Heritage, and Public Interest. So, within the EU context, the definition of a historical building includes not only physical characteristics, but also wider cultural and social considerations aimed at safeguarding Europe's rich and diverse heritage for present and future generations.

Why should we target the refurbishment of historical buildings?

Europe is home to countless historical buildings that are not only architectural marvels but also symbols of cultural heritage. However, many of these buildings face challenges in terms of energy efficiency while preserving at the same time their unique character (i.e. façade, building integrity and structure, materials, etc.)

However, the refurbishment of historical buildings is crucial for achieving energy savings and contributing to the European Union's long-term objective of full decarbonisation. By implementing sustainable and digital strategies, these buildings can significantly reduce their carbon footprint while preserving their cultural significance and aspect. Moreover, the green and digital transition in the refurbishment process can enhance the quality of life for citizens working in historical non-residential buildings by creating more comfortable, efficient, and technologically advanced working spaces.

In the SMARTeeSTORY project, we target the digitalisation of historical non-residential buildings (where energy renovation it is not an option), since the respective buildings are important landmarks in European cities. They thus present a unique opportunity to demonstrate the advantages of green and digital transitions to the wider public. By targeting these types of buildings, we aim to show that energy efficiency and sustainability can be effectively achieved even in structures with traditionally low energy performance and high consumption. This is often due to outdated technological systems and construction limitations related to their historical context. RINA Consulting S.p.A (RINA-C), coordinator of the project and actively involved in its implementation, will support the refurbishment of historical buildings, particularly through their digitalisation, by developing optimisation and control algorithms for the Delft and Riga demo sites. These algorithms will be integrated into the SMARTeeSTORY platform, also developed by RINA-C, enabling control of equipment, actuators, and devices via wireless technologies. This integration will contribute to energy savings and reduced CO₂ emissions in historical buildings.

Thanks to SMARTeeSTORY, we will be able to show how sustainability can be achieved in historical non-residential buildings, while still preserving their historical integrity.

What are the main challenges faced during the refurbishment of historic buildings?

The refurbishment of historical buildings is a complex process that involves a range of challenges such as preservation against the need for modernisation and regulatory obstacles and approvals. One major obstacle involves the restrictions due to Preservation Laws, both at the European and National levels, designed to safeguard the authenticity and character of these buildings. The approval process can be complex and needs a close collaboration with local historic preservation boards, government agencies and local authorities. Additionally, another big challenge is represented by the delicate balance between preserving the building's historical integrity/aspect and the contemporary standards for functionality, comfort, and safety. So, the refurbishment of historic buildings is a process that involves several actors dealing with a range of challenges, from preserving historical integrity to addressing structural and environmental issues, managing costs and community engagement, and securing regulatory approvals.

In conclusion, the refurbishment of historical buildings is a crucial step towards achieving the European Union's decarbonisation goals while preserving the cultural heritage of Europe. By embracing sustainable strategies and the digital transition, projects like SMARTeeSTORY can contribute to creating more energy-efficient and technologically advanced working spaces that will also enhance the quality of life for citizens.

Organisation

RINA Consulting S.p.A. is the Project Coordinator of the SMARTeeSTORY EU funded project and the work package leader of WP4 on SMARTeeSTORY Integrated Building Automation & Control System. Within the SMARTeeSTORY project, RINA-C will cover the required informatics skills to develop the digital software architecture of the SMARTeeSTORY system and, as a major consultancy, will bring relevant industrial know-how on project demonstrators and extensive experience in setting up a sound exploitation strategy for project results.

RINA-C is a global corporation that provides services across the Energy, Marine, Certification, Transport & Infrastructure and Industry sectors through a global network of 200 offices in 70 countries. Over the past 10 years (2012-2022), RINA-C has actively participated in approximately 500 R&D and industrial innovation projects, spanning regional, national, and EU initiatives. As a result of this extensive engagement, RINA-C has achieved recognition as the second top industrial participant in Horizon 2020 projects across Europe, based on the number of participants.

Authors: Heidi Percuoco & Matteo Porta, Rina Consulting S.p.A.