HEART introduces a technological advancement beyond current state-of-the-art, by proposing not only the development of innovative products but also system innovation. In detail, it consists in the integration of different retrofit components and tools in a single holistic solution specifically designed to address all the challenges involved in the energy retrofit process. All its elements (building envelope solutions, HVAC systems and ICT) optimize mutual synergies and ease their installation/interaction. This approach limits unnecessary components, maximizes overall energy efficiency, ensures affordability and improves users’ comfort, thereby improving the sustainability of the building. The toolkit allows to support the retrofit process starting from its early stages, through the presence of a cloud-based DSS and BEMS which optimizes interventions and building management. HEART allows an effective dialogue between its components and devices via WiFi or also Narrowband IoT. HEART’s user interface is easy to use and allows to fully interact both with the single aspects of home energy management and to have a learning from experience, evolutionary vision on the system as a whole.
HEART’s impact focuses on the achievement of a more competitive, secure and sustainable energy system, granting the greenhouse gas reduction in a long-term perspective. In such respect the application of HEART toolkit ensures up to 80-90% energy saving on heating, cooling and DHW preparation, with a payback time period lower than 15 years, by boosting the application of sustainable and cost-efficient solutions.
The system provides, hence, a strong signal to the energy market, encouraging investments in low carbon technologies, energy production from renewable energy and energy efficiency improvement. The development of systemic solutions that integrate aspects typically treated within different sectors, in fact, greatly facilitates the advent of a new generation of multidisciplinary SME contractors and business networks. In addition, the deployment of renewable energy systems, combined with energy retrofit interventions, has the potential to create a large number of new jobs throughout the entire value chain.
Finally, the innovative business models developed within HEART strengthen the conditions (social and financial) for the achievement of the goal.
