REN+HOMES project, funded by the European Union, has launched innovations in the field of energy efficiency in buildings through a new tool – the Building Dynamic Energy Assessment Tool (BDEA). This advanced The digital tool, developed by the Center for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH), is designed to assess the energy efficiency and readiness of buildings for the integration of smart technologies.

Modern methodologies and European certifications

The BDEA platform combines the latest methodologies with European certification schemes, assessing building assets and operations in accordance with EN ISO 52000:2017 standards. A key aspect is the building's ability to integrate smart technologies, assessed using Smart Readiness Indicators (SRI). The tool consists of two main components:

1. Renovation Roadmapping Tool – This tool guides users through optimizing the energy efficiency of buildings, enabling strategic planning of renovations.

2. SRI Advisor – This tool helps optimize building readiness strategies for the introduction of smart technologies, supported by artificial intelligence and genetic algorithms to recommend the best improvements.

Central digital construction diary

All building data is systematically recorded in a digital construction log, which provides a centralized repository for technical drawings, legal documents, and renovation history. This integrated approach enables efficient monitoring and management of construction data in real time.

Key features of the BDEA tool:

– Energy efficiency certification: The tool assesses theoretical and actual energy efficiency according to EN ISO 52000:2017 standards and provides an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

– Automated data acquisition: Integration of Building Information Model (BIM) files in IFC format and data from smart meters enables real-time monitoring of construction processes.

– Smart Technology Readiness Assessment: It evaluates a building's ability to integrate the latest technologies using the European SRI methodology.

– SRI Advisor with artificial intelligence support: Genetic algorithms recommend optimal improvements to increase readiness for smart technologies.

– Renovation Roadmap: Generates strategic modernization scenarios based on EPC results, BIM diagnostics and system analysis.

– Digital construction diary: Enables centralized storage of all construction data, simplifying access to and management of information.

Successful pilot testing

The BDEA platform has been successfully tested in four pilot locations: Austria and Spain for new construction and Romania and Estonia for existing buildings. These pilot projects have demonstrated the effectiveness and benefits of the tool in increasing energy efficiency and smart building readiness.

Availability and future goals

The BDEA is available to the public via the website [https://ren-plus-homes.iti.gr/](https://ren-plus-homes.iti.gr/). The REN+HOMES project aims to reduce carbon emissions from buildings and address resource scarcity and energy poverty. This tool represents a significant step forward in the drive towards a sustainable and smart future for the building sector.

Future outlook

The REN+HOMES project continues to develop and refine the BDEA tool to contribute to the energy transformation of buildings in Europe. By integrating state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies, the BDEA platform provides a useful tool for architects, civil engineers and building owners seeking to optimise energy efficiency and prepare for future smart innovations. Spring

Glossary of key terms

• BDEA (Building Dynamic Energy Assessment Tool): A dynamic tool for assessing the energy performance of buildings. A platform for assessing the energy performance and readiness of buildings for smart technologies.
• CERTH (Centre for Research & Technology Hellas): The Greek Center for Research and Technology, which developed the BDEA tool.
• REN+HOMES: An EU-funded project that aims to contribute to a sustainable transition by reducing the carbon emissions of buildings.
• EPC (Energy Performance Certificate): An energy performance certificate, which provides information about the energy efficiency of a building.
• SRI (Smart Readiness Indicator): A smart technology readiness indicator that assesses a building's ability to integrate smart technologies.
• BIM (Building Information Model): Building information model, a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a building.
• Asset Rating: Assessment of the theoretical energy performance of a building based on the design and materials.
• Operational Rating: Assessment of the actual energy performance of a building based on data on its operation and energy consumption.
• Renovation Roadmap: Renovation planning, the process of creating strategic renovation scenarios based on EPC results, BIM diagnostics and systems analysis.
• Digital Building Logbook: Digital building book, a centralized repository for building data, including technical drawings, legal documents, and renovation history.