DigiFab: Faster, Cheaper and Greener Building Renovations

DigiFab is set to transform building renovation, making buildings more comfortable and energy efficient, by developing a solution that reduces time and financial costs.

The initiative, led by researchers at the International Energy Research Centre (IERC), based at Tyndall National Institute, is funded by the European Union (EU) Horizon Europe programme.

Upgrading older buildings across the EU to sustainable standards will be crucial to achieving net zero by 2050. In 2021, buildings accounted for 42% of the EU’s energy use, yet only 1% of buildings are renovated each year. At this rate, it could take nearly 100 years to renovate all of Europe’s buildings.

By leveraging cutting-edge technology, DigiFab aims to accelerate the renovation process while reducing costs. The project will develop, pilot and evaluate a process that would complete major building renovations (200m² unit) in just 2 days, cutting renovation costs by 30% compared to traditional methods.

The DigiFab solution will be piloted in Spain, Austria, and Greece, demonstrating its effectiveness across various building types. These pilots will demonstrate how the DigiFab solution can benefit building owners, occupants, and the environment by improving energy efficiency, reducing costs, and minimising disruption during renovations.

Pádraig Lyons, Head of Group, IERC, Tyndall, emphasises the benefits of the DigiFab approach. He states, “The DigiFab approach has the potential to significantly reduce the costs and time associated with retrofitting buildings, accelerating the decarbonisation of building stock across Europe.”

Focusing on making energy-efficient renovations faster, cheaper, and less disruptive, DigiFab has the potential to transform the future of building renovations in Europe and radically decarbonise the built environment.