This project lead by ROCKWOOL Group (ROCKWOOL) consists of promoting energy renovation of old buildings. It also emphasizes the synergies between old building renovation and rehabilitation of rundown areas.

Globally, more than 30 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions come from energy use in buildings. That could increase by 50 per cent by 2050 if no action is taken. New buildings and energy renovated buildings have significantly lower energy consumption than old ones. Therefore, the old building mass should be renovated in order to decrease the emissions.

The project asked three major questions about energy renovation and urban regeneration:

  1. How is it possible to replicate the positive experiences of energy renovation projects in other cities and projects?
  2. How can well designed renovation projects improve quality of life in a rundown or challenged urban area?
  3. What is the best way to maximise the social benefit of energy renovation projects?

The work done throughout the project, namely  a workshop organised ROCKWOOL and the Buildings Performance Institute Europe (BPIE) in collaboration with Climate-KIC in May 2018. The workshop was attended by policy makers, architects, housing companies, researchers and consultants and lead to the Upscaling Urban Regeneration report. The report answers the three major questions with four case studies from Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands and UK.

Impact

The report says that increasing energy efficiency in buildings is one of the most significant, cost-effective investments cities can make to reduce their impact on climate1. It’s also the backbone to a prosperous society. Comprehensive renovation strategies can transform disadvantaged areas into attractive and liveable spaces with:

  • Lower tenant turnover
  • Positive health impact
  • Less fuel poverty
  • Lower crime rates
  • Higher employment rates.

The report is an incentive for policy makers, architects, housing companies and researchers for instance to deliver effective renovation projects and act towards energy renovation.

–

1 Today 40 per cent of our carbon footprint is from buildings. New and energy renovated buildings have significantly lower energy consumption than old, unrenovated buildings. To reach the Paris Agreement target, around three per cent of old building mass should be renovated each year (currently only one per cent is).