With the EnerPHit standard as a goal and the principles of the passive house as a foundation, the EuroPHit project applies knowledge of complete energy renovations to existing buildings, covering representatives of 12 countries in all climatic regions of Europe.

Key results of the project at European level include the development of:

  • Criteria and certification scheme for renovations aimed at achieving the EnerPHit standard over a number of years;
  • Financial models and market incentives applicable to step-by-step reconstructions;
  • Concepts and scientific recommendations for the development of suitable high performance products;
  • Specific method for calculating energy balance for continuous reconstruction;
  • Study materials and trainings focusing on the specific needs of the step-by-step reconstruction.
    The latest step-by-step reconstruction studies will be implemented in pilot buildings of different types included in the project. They will show the way to improving the quality and energy efficiency of the existing building stock in Europe.

With the future in mind

If we are about to renovate a building, we are invariably faced with an extremely important question. Have I chosen the best option in the long run? Will it turn out that after 5, 10 or 15 years I have to renew my own reconstruction?
Each renovation is aimed at extending the life of the building. In carrying out, serious attention must be paid to the quality of the building. After the intervention, the comfort provided and the future energy consumption. Fortunately, these aspects are closely related. Over the last two decades, this has been proven through the tens of thousands of passive house buildings. The leading international standard for extremely high energy efficiency in buildings.
Passive House renovations are possible through compliance with the EnerPHit standard.

Step by Step

However, each part of the building has its own life cycle. While the façade may have cracked, the roof tiles may still be in excellent condition. The heating system may be outdated, but it may take another 20 years before the windows need to be replaced.
A step-by-step upgrade means replacing a component or system with new ones that meet the requirements of the EnerPHit standard. In a way that seamlessly replaces other building components and systems over time. This may also mean a gradual refurbishment of the facades and roof, but according to an overall design, in the final implementation of which the building will meet the criteria of the standard. In this way, savings from each upgrade step can even partially or partially fund the next step. Of course, the possibilities for each building are numerous, and for the optimal utilization of them, the collaboration of an interdisciplinary team according to the principles of integrated design is necessary. Something that is far from common practice. This is also the main idea and challenge of the EuroPHit project. Developing models for the integrated design, financing and implementation of complete building renovations in such a way as to maximize the potential for energy savings in buildings.

Return on investment

People often make the mistake of choosing only the value of the initial investment between different measures, for example, between energy efficient and standard windows or between different thicknesses of insulation.
Higher quality measures that guarantee better energy efficiency usually cost more than quick and easy gadgets. This simplistic calculation is misleading. It is more realistic to compare the cost of each measure per year per square meter. with the value of energy saved per year per square meter over the entire life cycle of a given measure. This method reveals the incontrovertible truth: in most situations, the money saved from energy costs far exceeds the cost of implementing the measure per year and sq.m, including the cost of borrowing to finance the project! The better the quality and efficiency of the measure, the more drastic the effect, which is why choosing the EnerPHit standard from the outset is often the smartest solution.
Overall, energy-efficient renovation brings not only good returns, but also the use of renewable energy: efficient buildings can achieve less with less. The installation of renewable energy systems on a limited accessible surface is often sufficient to provide the already small amount of energy needed to maximize the comfort of living in a building.

A sensible approach to renovation

Too often, renovations are carried out quickly, in a primitive, low-quality way, blindly following the principle “because it is done”. And yet, when we do the reconstruction, we are not alone