The building sector is the largest energy consumer in Europe, representing 40% of the total EU consumption and 36% of CO2 emissions in the EU, according to EC statistical data. By improving the energy efficiency of buildings, the total EU energy consumption could be reduced by 5-6% and lower CO2 emissions by about 5%. In this context, on 28th July 2016 the Andalusian Energy Agency submitted a document with the basic proposal for the creation of a Partnership of European Regions on Sustainable Buildings to the DG Regio as part of the Smart Specialisation Platform on Energy. Three main topics were defined by the Partnership: a) eco construction, bioclimatism and thermal insulation; b) renewable integration in buildings; and c) systems and equipment of maximum energy efficiency (lighting, air conditioning etc.)
Year established: 2016
The Partnership on Sustainable Buildings is conceived as a strategic alliance between European regions to boost new markets and take advantage of regional opportunities for smart specialisation in sustainable buildings. This interregional collaboration between public and/or private entities within the Partnership, aims to improve the energy efficiency of buildings in Europe, through promoting the development of efficient and innovative solutions throughout the value chain, associated to energy saving and the use of renewable energy in buildings.
Some of the shared smart specialisation areas include the transformation of the construction sector in Construction Industry 5.0 through the application of industrialisation and digitalisation, with a commitment to the innovation, sustainability, circularity and competitiveness with the incorporation of new ICT management systems, the connectivity of buildings, the preventive maintenance and waste reduction
Energy efficiency, renewables, energy poverty, carbon footprint, innovation, microgrids, heat pumps, lighting, air conditioning
"Smart Campus" pilot is one of the collaborative projects of the Sustainable Buildings partnership selected in 2018 by DG REGIO. This pilot aimed at developing innovative solutions in several university campuses, leading to a more efficient and innovative energy generation, distribution and use in the existing or new buildings. Several technological solutions have already been developed, tested and translated into business cases: 1) Real-time control and monitoring of electrical distribution grid, 2) Smart Fancoil and Indoor Quality through IoT system, and 3) Intelligent control management of electrical energy consumption and local information by Smart Plugs.
A combined event was organised in November 2022 between the TSSP on sustainable construction and advanced materials for batteries for electro-mobility and stationary energy storage. During the event, opportunities for partnerships and the new financial instruments were presented.
The sustainable buildings partnership was invited to attend the 4th PRI Plenary Interregional Cooperation in December 2022 and the 5th PRI Plenary Interregional Cooperation in February 2023.
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