# Energy retrofit

What is energy retrofitting?

Energy retrofitting is the process of modifying the systems or the structure of a building after its initial construction and occupation in order to upgrade its energy performance and reduce its environmental impact. In the last decades, applied research has been consistently addressing buildings’ energy performance and has developed a wide range of technologies that enable buildings to consume less energy, employ renewable sources and increase tenants' comfort.

Eurac Research’s support for energy refurbishment

At Eurac Research we support the energy renovation of both residential and commercial buildings by collaborating with businesses and other research institutes. With the help of dynamic simulations, we develop energy solutions, conduct laboratory tests and apply these in demo buildings within the framework of international research projects, in Italy and abroad. But we do not just focus on technologies: we study new methods of implementing technological solutions in an effective way and analyse how to improve both private and public business models and the financing tools of retrofitting processes. We also implement advanced monitoring systems to understand how much a building is consuming and help tenants make the best choices to lower their building’s energy consumption and at the same time, enhance their comfort.

Some of the solutions developed, tested and applied in demonstrative cases are:

• multifunctional façades
• innovative prefabricated Plug&Play façades
• integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)
• high-efficiency centralized heat pumps
• ventilative cooling systems
• daylighting systems
• geothermal heat pumps
• innovative HVAC solutions
• thermal insulation