RENOLAB.RE | Developing an industrialised renovation sector in Wallonia

Using advanced processes and prefabrication for renovation

RENOLAB.RE aims to transform energy renovation in Wallonia with an industrialised approach that brings together prefabrication, digitisation and circularity. Coordinated by Buildwise, working with Sirris and District Cleantech, the project provides tools and services to businesses to accelerate and scale up the renovation of the building stock.

Context

Since much of Wallonia’s building stock is old and energy-hungry, it displays poor energy performance: over half of all dwellings are inadequately insulated and consume large amounts of energy. Each year, less than 1% of buildings are renovated, while a rate of 3 to 4% is needed to meet the 2030 and 2050 climate objectives. The sector, which is largely dominated by SMEs, is held back by a lack of standardisation or integrated skills. Digital technologies are not yet widely adopted. Off-site prefabrication and the use of digital solutions such as BIM, digital twins and robotisation have the potential to improve speed, quality and competitiveness. RENOLAB.RE seeks to address these challenges by constructing a regional renovation sector that is effective, sustainable and adapted to current needs.

Objectives & results

The project’s main purpose is to create an approach focused on products and processes to make the industrialisation of energy renovation possible at scale. More specifically, the project has the following objectives:

1. To design BIM prototypes for walls, roofs and 3D modules.
2. To implement innovative processes such as ISF (incremental sheet forming), thermoforming, 3D printing and augmented reality.
3. To develop production tools and circular methods that are transferable.
4. To digitise processes using digital twins and BIM management.

Key results:

Businesses will have access to usable prototypes, concrete tools for design, production and quality control, and standard data on processes and materials. The project will also contribute to skills development in the different trades through targeted training.

Approach

RENOLAB.RE has a structure of work packages covering the entire industrialised renovation cycle:

1. WP0: Coordination and governance.
2. WP1: Creation of a technological benchmark for the various renovation phases.
3. WP2: Development of standardised modules for walls, roofs and 3D volumes.
4. WP3: Integration of innovative processes such as ISF, thermoforming, 3D printing and augmented reality.
5. WP4: Roll-out of circular solutions adapted to renovation.
6. WP5: Digitisation and implementation of digital twins, including virtual commissioning and 5D BIM.

Target group

The project is primarily aimed at businesses in construction, renovation, manufacturing and prefabrication wishing to innovate their working methods. It is also intended for training centres, digital integrators and public bodies, which will benefit from the solutions developed.

Funding

• Agency: ERDF Wallonia – Just Transition Fund (JTF).
• Project type: R&I – CRA.
• Total budget: €499,870.94
• Funding: 40% EU, 50% Wallonia, 10% other public funds.

External links

• DIS 4 ReNOW

• Campus Hors Site

• The FEDER and the FTJ in Wallonie

• En mieux