Smart²’s week in Brussels. Four days of standardisation activities, strategic meetings and networking

Embarking on a transformative journey to redefine the landscape of smart buildings and energy efficiency, the Smart² Project[1]proudly hosted an unparalleled series of events in the heart of Brussels, from March 4th to 7th, 2024. This series was not just a sequence of gatherings but a symphony of innovation, dialogue, and exploration into the multifaceted domain of the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) and its pivotal role within the European Union's ambitious energy policy framework. Each day was thoughtfully curated to peel back layers of the SRI, revealing its profound implications for the future of sustainable living and smart infrastructure. Through this visionary series, Smart² has not only spotlighted the critical intersections of technology, policy, and environmental stewardship but also charted a bold course forward for stakeholders across the spectrum of the built environment.

Day 1: Laying the Foundation with CEN-CENELEC

The series of the events were initiated by a CEN-CENELEC workshop, focusing on 'Standardized On-site SRI Building Audits'[2]. Critical topics discussed included the development of a methodology for SRI on-site audits, leveraging EN 16247 energy audits with a spotlight on SRI specifics, and exploring non-standardized procedures to monetize upgrades in energy efficiency, human comfort, and building-grid interaction. The dialogue opened avenues for integrating SRI assessments with existing European Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) frameworks, raising questions about the clarity of applying different methods across building typologies and ensuring that smart buildings are perceived as accessible and straightforward.

The kick-off meeting of the workshop not only aimed to produce actionable outcomes, such as a project plan approved for further development but also set the stage for ongoing engagement, with plans for future meetings to steer the initiative. It highlighted the project's dedication to creating a robust, standardized process for SRI assessments pushing the boundaries of what is possible in smart building technology and energy efficiency. The chair of the workshop was appointed to Paris Fokaides from Euphyia Tech. (scientific coordinators of Smart²), the vice-chair to Pablo Carnero from REHVA, and the secretariat to Cristina Stanisteanu from ASRO (Romanian Standardisation Body).

Days 2 & 3: Deep Dive During the 18th Month Plenary Meeting

Over two transformative days, the 18th Month Plenary Meeting of the Smart² unfolded, showcasing the project's comprehensive and integrative approach towards revolutionizing smart buildings and energy efficiency. These sessions, hosted by REHVA, went beyond routine progress reviews, immersing participants in deep dives into administrative strides, strategic innovations, and the seamless integration of the SRI Observatory[3] and FAQ[4]tools. Through dynamic workshops and spirited exchanges, the meeting fostered a robust platform for brainstorming, debate, and consensus-building, all aimed at refining and elevating the concepts of building intelligence. These gatherings were a testament to the project's unwavering commitment to fostering groundbreaking advancements through the synergy of collective expertise and shared vision, setting new benchmarks for what collaboration in the smart building ecosystem can achieve.

Day 4: Culminating with the SRI Joint Event

The grand finale, the SRI Joint Event, represented the collaborative spirit, bringing together the forces of the Smart² project, CINEA, DG ENER, and sister projects EasySRI, SRI ENACT, and SRI2MARKET. In addition to the LIFE funded sister projects, the fourth day was enriched by an exhibition featuring a diverse array of related projects taking the stage to showcase their unique actions and contributions, including iEPB, SmarterEPC, and tunES funded by LIFE BUILDPERFORM, alongside SmartLivingEPC, iBECOME, and CHRONICLE funded by Horizon Europe. This day was a vibrant showcase of expert talks, policy updates, and futuristic roundtables, focusing on interconnected energy systems and the pivotal role of smart technologies in the clean energy transition. It highlighted the significant strides being made towards a more efficient, smarter building infrastructure towards reshaping the European landscape, setting a clear path forward for the industry.

Throughout these four-days, the Smart² project not only showcased its latest achievements but also fostered a dialogue that extended beyond traditional boundaries. By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, the project has laid down a solid groundwork for future innovations in building energy performance, echoing the collective ambition of the EU to achieve a greener, more sustainable built environment.

References

The European Parliament and The Council of the European Union, Directive (EU) 2018/844 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 amending Directive 2010/31/EU on the energy performance of buildings and Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency, vol. 276 LNCS, no. May 2010. Strasbourg: The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, 2018, pp. 75–91. Accessed: Jun. 16, 2022. [Online]. Available: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2018/844/oj

European Commission, Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/2155 of 14 October 2020 supplementing Directive (EU) 2010/31/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council by establishing an optional common European Union scheme for rating the smart readiness of buildings. Brussels: European Commission, 2020, pp. 9–24.

European Commission, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2156 of 14 October 2020 detailing the technical modalities for the effective implementation of an optional common Union scheme for rating the smart readiness of buildings. Brussels: European Commission, 2020, pp. 25–29.

Notes