Implementation of energy tools for monitoring neighbourhoods’ behaviours in Extremadura.
About this good practice
The EDEA Renov, implemented from 2011-2015, resulted from the EDEA project, aiming to improve social housing construction in Extremadura, led by the regional government. Renov goes further by retrofitting existing social housing, addressing 44% of buildings constructed between 1981-2006 with less strict regulations.
Through this project, over 500 simulations were conducted within two social housing neighborhoods. The retrofitting and monitoring of these homes were made possible through the development of two tools:
• EDEAsim, an energy simulator software: This tool enables users to assess the cost of retrofitting their homes and the energy savings.
• EFICIEX, a low-cost, open-source monitoring system: This software allowed the regional government to monitor various comfort aspects, including temperature, humidity, air quality, and energy consumption. The monitoring system was cost-effective (costing less than 300€ per dwelling) and used wireless sensors for ease of installation, benefiting social housing users. It provided real-time consumption information through an app and offered advice, alerts, and alarms to help users reduce standby power and make changes to their electric and water bills.
Additionally, various guides were published, and training courses were offered to both users and experts in the construction sector. This system was tested in two neighbourhoods, 8 dwellings in the "Santa Engracia district" and 4 dwellings in the "San Lazaro district".
Resources needed
Project Budget:3.2 MEUR, with 40% co-financed by the EU.
•Monitoring in the EDEA demonstrators:80,000€ (conducted to ensure future implementation in the 2 neighborhoods)
•Monitoring in the 2 neighborhoods of the strategies:130,000 €.
The project´s tools were developed as a result of both monitoring.
Evidence of success
The regional government of Extremadura simulated 500 dwellings, improved two neighbourhoods in Extremadura, and created various documents tailored to the region's specific conditions, including:
- Energy savings manual for end-users
- Energy efficiency manual
- Catalogue of various construction systems
- Catalogue of facilities
All of them customized for the region’s typology of dwellings.
The project received the 'Best European Project, LIFE+2015' award in the environmental category in 2015.
Potential for learning or transfer
The project's progression, from the construction of twin buildings in the EDEA project to the subsequent testing and development of the two software tools in EDEA Renov for assessing and monitoring energy consumption in social housing, with the regional government's support, represents a transferable methodology. This journey exemplifies versatility, showcasing how one project can extend into diverse branches: training users and technicians from the construction sector, employing cost-effective systems for monitoring building energy within various neighbourhoods, and giving personalized energy guidance to users from low-income sectors.
Furthermore, this project currently has a continuity thanks to the EDEA CICE project, funded by the regional government.
Further information
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Consejería de Movilidad, Transporte y Vivienda - Junta de Extremadura