Innovation in action: advancing retrofit solutions for Europe’s built environment
Retrofitting Europe’s existing building stock is a critical priority for strengthening resilience and reducing emissions across the built environment. To achieve climate neutrality, Europe must prioritise deep, scalable renovation of existing buildings over new construction, delivering significant carbon savings in the process. This transition is enabled by emerging technologies, innovative business models, and collaboration across the sector.
Through its engagement with EU-funded projects, STAR*track is identifying and showcasing innovations that are being developed, tested and deployed across Europe.
This article brings together a growing portfolio of retrofit-focused solutions that aim to address the challenge from different angles, from digital platforms to integrated renovation systems.
Please note: This page will be updated regularly as additional projects and innovations are added.
Featured retrofit projects and innovations
FORTESIE – FORTESIE Marketplace
Innovation type: Software / system
Development status: On market / in use
A collaborative digital platform that:
- Connects demand (building owners, public authorities) with supply (Energy Service Companies (ESCOs), companies and service providers) in energy renovation projects
- Showcases renovation products, services and complete packages
- Enables matchmaking, collaboration and partnership-building for public and private renovation projects
- Supports alternative financing and innovative business models
- Boosts visibility for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and innovative providers across Europe
HEART – Holistic Energy and Architectural Retrofit Toolkit
Innovation type: System (integrated technological system combining material, software, and energy technologies)
Development status: Developed and tested in two pilot buildings (TRL 7)
A systems and control driven retrofit toolkit that:
- Integrates building envelope, renewable energy, storage systems, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) in an interoperable system
- Uses a cloud-based decision support system (DSS) and building energy management system (BEMS) for predictive and adaptive control
- Reduces energy consumption, improves indoor comfort, and reduces installation time
- Supports deep renovation towards nearly Zero Eergy Building (nZEB) standards
RE-SKIN – RE-SKIN Renewable and Environmental-Sustainable Kit for Building Integration
Innovation type: System (integrated circular renovation system combining materials, technologies, software, and processes)
Development status: Under development / Large-scale demonstration – Target TRL 7 by project end
A circular, integrated renovation system that:
- Uses prefabricated, design-for-disassembly façades using bio-based and recycled materials
- Incorporates hybrid Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Thermal (BIPVT) roof systems combining photovoltaic and thermal energy
- Integrates envelope systems, hybrid renewables, smart HVAC, energy storage and electric vehicle charging with smart grid interaction
- Employs cloud-based life-cycle decision support and building energy management, to accelerate retrofit timelines and reduce life-cycle emissions
Next steps
These innovations demonstrate how digitalisation and integrated retrofit solutions can move renovation beyond isolated measures towards systemic transformation of Europe’s existing building stock.
STAR*track will continue to engage with EU-funded projects and expand this overview, highlighting practical, market-ready solutions and real-world applications as they emerge and mature across Europe.
