Basque Integrated Renovation model (Opengela): enabling a fair, clean energy Transition through a Unique network of One-Stop-Shops.

Introduction

The private residential building renovation journey is a complex path where financial, administrative, technical, and social unexpected problems can arise. Moreover, the building renovation sector is fragmented with frequent coordination problems. Overcoming these barriers – often inter-related – requires a systemic innovation approach, where the input of a variety of agents (public institutions, industry, civil society, etc.) needs to be put together to find creative, durable, inclusive, and replicable solutions.

Project Objective

The objective of BIRTUOSS is to upgrade and expand the Opengela service for integrated home renovation, including a wider target of homeowners. The project aims to:

1. Create collaborations with local stakeholders.
2. Define a governance structure with a sustainable business model.
3. Extend the service to the whole Basque Region.

Aiming for the renovation of multi-family buildings and energy performance improvements, BIRTUOSS will depart from the HIROSS4all project experience to improve the Opengela service by acting on lessons learned and a co-creation process, and expand it to several municipalities across the Basque Region.

Implementation Plan

BIRTUOSS will implement a pilot (living lab) to test the model, which will be extended to 9 additional OSS during the scope of the project. This will cover:

• 4,800 inhabitants
• 2,102 dwellings

This initiative is expected to result in primary energy savings of 62.83% (11.41 GWh/year) and a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of 13,028.54 tCO2/year. During the 5 years following the project's conclusion, it aims to achieve 10 more, with a total of:

• 6,350 inhabitants
• 2,744 dwellings

Consortium and Collaboration

The BIRTUOSS consortium, led by the Basque Government, will properly address the LIFE-CET-HOMERENO topic requirements and adapt to the regional scenario in which the project is to be carried out, and then replicated at the European level.

The consortium comprises 14 partners covering the whole renovation value chain. Additional entities have been included with an advisory role to fulfill the needs to achieve the ambitious goals.