Historic cities are central to Europe’s cultural heritage, with facades and street layouts that reflect local history and strengthen community identity. About 22% of Europe’s buildings predate 1945; while culturally valuable, they often have low energy efficiency.
The HeriTACE project supports the transition of historic buildings to zero-emission standards while preserving heritage and improving comfort. It defines archetype townhouses based on case studies from three European climate zones and four countries. These archetypes form the basis of a holistic assessment model that evaluates renovation scenarios across multiple performance criteria, mainly for early design stages by transdisciplinary teams. HeriTACE also develops technical guidelines and tools to support detailed design, ensuring all stakeholders can contribute to a coordinated renovation process.
The project’s solutions include durable insulation and airtightness measures, optimised and smart-controlled HVAC systems that enhance comfort and indoor air quality, and Renewable and Residual Energy Source (R²ES)-based energy supply options using 100% fossil-free sources at building and neighbourhood levels.
Aligned with the EU goal of renovating 35 million buildings by 2030, HeriTACE helps advance Europe toward climate neutrality by 2050. Rooted in New European Bauhaus principles, it promotes a transdisciplinary approach that improves energy performance while safeguarding the long-term usability of historic buildings.
A comprehensive methodology for renovating heritage townhouses in historic neighbourhoods that aligns with conservation and climate objectives and is endorsed by the relevant authorities.
A design approach that facilitates deep renovation of historic buildings, aiming to reduce primary energy use by 60% and prepare the building for a fossil-free energy supply. Design optimisation also increases the cost-effectiveness and reduces the construction waste by 10%. The approach is made accessible via optimal design guidelines using collective and neighbourhood solutions.
Long-lasting insulation and airtight solutions for renovating building exteriors, preserving their heritage features and traditional construction methods, while improving energy efficiency by 60%.
Smart and optimised heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems improve comfort and indoor air quality in historic townhouses exactly when and where it’s needed. These systems cut energy use by 60% through smart design and control, reduce construction waste by 10% by reusing existing components, and use easy plug-and-play solutions
Integrated renewable energy solutions (R²ES) provide 100% fossil-free energy for heritage townhouses in historical neighbourhoods across three climate zones, maximising the use of locally produced energy at both the building and neighbourhood level. Smart model predictive control (MPC) makes the buildings and energy systems flexible and efficient, reducing energy use by 15% and maintenance costs by 10%. An innovative and resilient system-sizing method also improves cost-effectiveness by 10%.
Information about funding and project duration can be found on Cordis website.