Energy poverty is on the rise across Europe, with an increasing number of citizens barely able to afford basic energy access, especially with rising energy costs and market volatility due to the current geopolitical context. In response to this urgent challenge and also driven by sustainability concerns, SNUG, an innovation project co-funded by the European Union (EU), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), is strategically focusing on improving energy efficiency in the building sector.
A call to prioritise energy efficiency
According to the European Commission, more than 30 million dwellings in the EU consume excessive energy (at least 2.5 times more than the average building), driving up household energy bills. Those facing fuel poverty are those living in buildings with poor energy performance. In fact, energy efficiency is widely recognised as the most effective solution to alleviate fuel poverty. Renovated and better insulated buildings are ultimately synonymous with lower energy costs.
Beyond social justice motivations, there is also a critical, underlying environmental dimension that requires attention. As part of the Green Deal, the EU has set ambitious targets for climate neutrality and decarbonisation of member states' building stock, committing to converting all buildings to Zero Emission Buildings (ZEB) by 2050. Currently, buildings account for approximately 40% of total energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the bloc. In addition, throughout their construction, use, renovation and demolition, buildings contribute to approximately 50% of extracted materials and more than 35% of the EU's total waste generation.
Transforming tomorrow's buildings
SNUG aims to develop an innovative methodology based on circular economy principles and artificial intelligence to reshape the construction industry and foster the transition to sustainable and energy-efficient buildings at an optimal cost level. The mission is clear: to improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of buildings throughout their entire life cycle, empowering architects and builders to make greener choices.
At the core of SNUG's vision is the development of new innovative thermal insulation and lightweight prefabricated solutions made of local renewable materials and bio-based components to improve energy efficiency and sustainability at a competitive cost, and the creation of a digital assistance tool to support architects and builders in material selection and layout processes, providing customised solutions that take into account technical, environmental and economic aspects. To complement these efforts, a database of thermal insulation materials will be established and launched as an open data tool, listing existing and new solutions with detailed life cycle assessment information, as well as the creation of a digital construction notebook to facilitate decision-making and information exchange within the construction sector, connecting building owners and occupants, financial institutions and public authorities.
"Buildings are absolutely central to our daily lives. Therefore, adopting more environmentally friendly building practices is not just a choice, it is imperative to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come," says Amparo Roca de Togores López, SNUG project coordinator. "SNUG envisions a world where buildings integrate seamlessly with their surroundings. By selecting low-impact insulation materials that align with the unique characteristics and environment of each building, we believe that the construction industry can significantly reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Along with energy efficiency, we prioritise cost-effectiveness and are committed to developing solutions that democratise sustainability, enabling communities to combat fuel poverty.
Over the next three and a half years, SNUG will implement and validate its innovative approach in three real-life buildings. These use cases will focus on renovations and new constructions, covering residential, office and commercial spaces, in different climates:
- Norway - Scandinavian climate: new construction building belonging to the city's development company.
- Switzerland - continental climate: privately owned renovation building used for residential purposes.
- Spain - Mediterranean climate: renovation building in an industrial area dedicated to office activities.
Energy efficiency, carbon footprint, indoor comfort and durability of the structure will be quantified through continuous monitoring to assess the success of the proposed methodology in achieving ZEB standards, as well as its potential for replicability.
Composed of 17 collaborating entities from 11 countries, the SNUG consortium met this November in Valencia for its kick-off meeting. The inaugural session focused on discussing the collective commitment to innovating building materials through sustainable alternatives and creating cutting-edge tools to address the evolving needs of decision-makers in the construction industry. With a strong emphasis on environmental awareness, efficiency and global impact, the partners also focused on exploring opportunities for future market adoption.
