Europe’s building stock is responsible for 40% of the EU’s energy consumption, making energy efficiency a key element in the EU’s climate neutrality goals. 

The D^2EPC project has transformed how we assess and optimise the energy performance of buildings. At the core lies the concept of next-generation dynamic digital Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).

Traditional EPCs act as energy labels for buildings and typically employ a letter grading system, with ‘A’ signifying exceptional efficiency and ‘G’ denoting the least efficient. These static certificates offer a snapshot in time, often based on a predicted performance rather than real-world data, and can thus become outdated quickly.

D^2EPC aimed to revolutionise this approach. Imagine certificates that are not static, but dynamic documents that adapt and update based on a building’s actual energy performance.

They encompass the entire building life cycle, providing a comprehensive perspective essential for a holistic understanding of the building’s energy performance. This transformation hinges on the concept of smart buildings that are equipped with sensors which gather a wealth of data – energy consumption, occupancy patterns, even indoor air quality. 

All the data feeds into the D^2EPC multi-parameter assessment framework, creating a comprehensive understanding of a building’s energy performance, smartness, environmental impact and human comfort.

“Our vision was well-defined from inception,” said project manager Panagiota Chatzipanagiotidou. “We wanted to provide a tool for EU-wide deployment and to automate the EPC process based on Building Information Modelling-based Digital Twins.” 

A user-friendly platform

D^2EPC developed a user-friendly platform with two interfaces: a simplified version for tenants/facility managers to easily understand their building’s energy performance, and a more detailed one for EPC assessors to conduct their evaluations, verifying also the credibility and quality of the assessment process. 

Features include diagrams, 3D models and GIS representations providing users with a clear understanding of their building’s use, as well as insights and recommendations for renovation, forecasting of building operation performance and notifications in case of inefficient operation. 

“D^2EPC goes beyond just energy use,” explained Panagiota. “It considers factors such as building smartness, user comfort, financial indicators and sustainability, to offer a comprehensive picture.” 

But D^2EPC wasn’t just a theoretical concept. It was put to the test in real pilots that spanned four diverse locations across Europe. 

The initiative encompassed six buildings, from multifamily homes and offices in Germany to mixed-use university spaces in Cyprus and residential buildings in Greece. Interestingly, some of these pilots already use smart home features or renewable energy systems, adding another layer of complexity and valuable data to the project. 

The benefits go beyond individual buildings. Policymakers gain a powerful tool for developing targeted energy efficiency policies based on a more comprehensive understanding of building energy performance across entire regions – giving them a data-driven platform for effective planning and decision-making.

D^2EPC also focused on empowering homeowners. With the next-generation EPC, they can now optimise their properties for both energy efficiency and comfort, leading to potential cost savings and a more attractive rental market. 

Next-level certificates, next-level results

“D^2EPC brought together a diverse team of experts from academia, standardisation bodies, technology companies and energy agencies all across Europe,” said Panagiota. “And this collaboration was crucial for success.”

The project’s impact is undeniable. D^2EPC has published 14 scientific papers and over 55 website articles, achieved the creation of a new standardisation working group that has covered operational rating and even went on to win the prestigious Standards+Innovation Awards 2023 in the Project category at the European Committee for Standardization (CEN).

As buildings account for a substantial share of the EU’s total energy use, this innovative certificate will help Europe achieve its ambitious climate goals. The project’s EPCs, with their dynamic and data-driven approach, offer a powerful tool for addressing this challenge.