# ECO-HOUSING EUROPE (ECO-HOME) - Link: https://jarlhalla.com/eco-housing-europe-eco-home/ - Published: 2025-08-14T17:34:24+02:00 - Author: knoksen **Type:** Innovation Action (IA) **Duration:** 36 months • **TRL:** 5→7/8 (pilot demonstration)**Acronym:** ECO-HOME**Coordinator (indicative):** Njord Construction Guide (NO) – sustainable construction & BIM, quality/risk methods, TEK17 alignment.** Indicative pilots:** Stavanger region (coastal/cold-wet), Oslo region (continental).** Policy alignment:** EPBD recast (EU/2024/1275) incl. whole-life-cycle GWP disclosure roadmap (2027), ≥1000 m² new buildings disclosure by 2028, all new buildings by 2030; Member State limit-value roadmap by 2027.[Energy](https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energy-efficiency/energy-performance-buildings/energy-performance-buildings-directive_en) [WLC EPBD Guidance](https://www.wlc-epbd-guidance.eu/)[World Green Building Council](https://worldgbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/WorldGBC-GWP-policy-briefing.pdf)** Frameworks:** Level(s) indicators; EN 15978 whole-building LCA; DNSH. [Green Forum](https://green-forum.ec.europa.eu/green-business/levels_en) [susproc.jrc.ec.europa.eu](https://susproc.jrc.ec.europa.eu/product-bureau/sites/default/files/2020-10/20201013%20New%20Level%28s%29%20documentation_1%20Introduction_Publication%20v1-0.pdf) [iTeh Standards](https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/cen/62c22cef-5666-4719-91f9-c21cb6aa0ab3/en-15978-2011?srsltid=AfmBOopcAUbMVwd39JWVJRn-aRgnyN2hw1Bzq7e3YDCXyDfeswE9pwEm) [European Commission](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/faq/15485) --- ## 1. Excellence ### 1.1 Objectives ECO-HOME will design, industrialise and pilot **replicable eco-housing typologies** that: * Cut **whole-life-cycle GWP** ≥ 55% vs. 2020 baseline (EN 15978; Level(s) Indicators 1.1/1.2). [iTeh Standards](https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/cen/62c22cef-5666-4719-91f9-c21cb6aa0ab3/en-15978-2011?srsltid=AfmBOopcAUbMVwd39JWVJRn-aRgnyN2hw1Bzq7e3YDCXyDfeswE9pwEm) [susproc.jrc.ec.europa.eu](https://susproc.jrc.ec.europa.eu/product-bureau/sites/default/files/2020-10/20201013%20New%20Level%28s%29%20documentation_1%20Introduction_Publication%20v1-0.pdf) * Achieve **Zero-Emission Building (ZEB-ready)** operational performance aligned with EPBD recast trajectories. [Energy](https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energy-efficiency/energy-performance-buildings/energy-performance-buildings-directive_en) * Use **≥60% bio-based/recycled content** by mass in superstructure/envelope (timber, bio-composites, low-carbon binders). * Reduce **time-to-build by 30%** via off-site/modular methods; **CAPEX parity ( ±5%)** through design-for-manufacture. * Ensure **health & comfort**: daylight, acoustic, thermal & VOC targets aligned with Level(s) Indicators 4.x. [Green Forum](https://green-forum.ec.europa.eu/green-business/levels_en) * Deliver **digital building passports** and **BIM-LCA** datasets enabling EPBD WLC disclosure in EPCs. [ecostandard.org](https://ecostandard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ECOS-recommendations-Calculate-embodied-carbon-February-2025.pdf) ### 1.2 Relation to the work programme The project fits typical **Cluster 5** ambitions on energy-efficient, climate-neutral buildings and **New European Bauhaus** values (sustainability, aesthetics, inclusion), demonstrating scalable, affordable eco-housing across climates while operationalising** EPBD 2024** whole-life carbon provisions. [Energy](https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energy-efficiency/energy-performance-buildings/energy-performance-buildings-directive_en) ### 1.3 Concept & Methodology * **Design logic:** Level(s) as the umbrella performance language; EN 15978 for LCA at concept → detailed → as-built; EPD-based assemblies. [susproc.jrc.ec.europa.eu](https://susproc.jrc.ec.europa.eu/product-bureau/sites/default/files/2020-10/20201013%20New%20Level%28s%29%20documentation_1%20Introduction_Publication%20v1-0.pdf) [iTeh Standards](https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/cen/62c22cef-5666-4719-91f9-c21cb6aa0ab3/en-15978-2011?srsltid=AfmBOopcAUbMVwd39JWVJRn-aRgnyN2hw1Bzq7e3YDCXyDfeswE9pwEm) * **Materials & systems:** engineered timber; bio-based composites; low-carbon concrete/geopolymer elements; dry, reversible joints; mechanical fixings for reuse; heat-pump-ready HVAC; PV-ready envelopes. * **Digital:** BIM-LCA pipelines; parametric design to optimise embodied/operational carbon; prefabrication detailing; building passports linked to LCA & circularity data. * **Users & co-creation:** participatory design with housing co-ops/municipalities; behaviourally informed interfaces for low-energy living. * **Compliance:** Norwegian pilots align with TEK17; adaptive reuse cases apply** NS 3424** condition analysis to grade components and set scope (tasking, registration, assessment, reporting). * **Regulatory horizon:** EPBD WLC disclosure integration into EPC workflows; Member- State roadmaps & limit values considered in design envelopes. Energy ### 1.4 Ambition * **Innovation in structure & skin:** hybrid CLT-bio-composite façade cassettes; demountable low-carbon slabs; moisture-safe envelope for Nordic climates. * **Industrialisation:** DfMA kit-of-parts; digital QA; takt planning; design-for- disassembly (DfD). * **Data & policy innovation:** open methodologies to compute and disclose WLC GWP per EPBD Annex III, creating replicable national workflows. [ecostandard.org](https://ecostandard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ECOS-recommendations-Calculate-embodied-carbon-February-2025.pdf) --- ## 2. Impact ### 2.1 Expected outcomes & impacts (selected) * **Policy uptake:** Practical workflows and datasets to meet **EPBD** WLC disclosure from 2028/2030; guidance for limit-value roadmaps (2027). [WLC EPBD Guidance](https://www.wlc-epbd-guidance.eu/) * **Climate:** ≥ 55% WLC GWP reduction per dwelling; validated by third-party EN 15978 assessments. [iTeh Standards](https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/cen/62c22cef-5666-4719-91f9-c21cb6aa0ab3/en-15978-2011?srsltid=AfmBOopcAUbMVwd39JWVJRn-aRgnyN2hw1Bzq7e3YDCXyDfeswE9pwEm) * **Market:** Cost-neutral eco-housing typologies enabling rapid municipal deployment; supply-chain playbooks for SMEs. * **Societal:** Enhanced comfort/health; co-creation with residents; NEB-quality architecture. ### 2.2 Measures to maximise impact **D&E (Dissemination & Exploitation):** * **Standardisation alignment:** Level(s) indicators; EN 15978; contribute to national EPBD WLC methods; support EPC WLC disclosure. [susproc.jrc.ec.europa.eu](https://susproc.jrc.ec.europa.eu/product-bureau/sites/default/files/2020-10/20201013%20New%20Level%28s%29%20documentation_1%20Introduction_Publication%20v1-0.pdf) [iTeh Standards](https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/cen/62c22cef-5666-4719-91f9-c21cb6aa0ab3/en-15978-2011?srsltid=AfmBOopcAUbMVwd39JWVJRn-aRgnyN2hw1Bzq7e3YDCXyDfeswE9pwEm) [ecostandard.org](https://ecostandard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ECOS-recommendations-Calculate-embodied-carbon-February-2025.pdf) * **IPR & licensing:** Shared reference designs (CC BY-NC) + licensed industrial details for manufacturing partners. * **Target audiences:** municipalities, housing co-ops, prefab OEMs, financiers; policy makers implementing EPBD. **Communication:** * NEB-style exhibitions; open dashboards of LCA/energy; on-site open days; multilingual playbooks. **Open Science & DMP:** FAIR data, open LCA models, anonymised sensor data; DMP delivered M6 and maintained (HE requirement). [cbe.europa.eu](https://www.cbe.europa.eu/system/files/2024-04/Tpl_Application%20Form%20%28Part%20B%29%20%28HE%20CBE%20JU%20RIA%202024%29.docx) **DNSH compliance:** Design choices screened against the six environmental objectives; no significant harm substantiated via LCA, water/stormwater plans, circularity KPIs and biodiversity-positive landscape design. [European Commission](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/faq/15485) --- ## 3. Implementation ### 3.1 Work plan (overview) | WP | Title | Lead | Months | Key tasks | Key deliverables | | WP1 | Project management, ethics & quality | Coordinator | 1–36 | Governance, GA, risk, ethics, QA; periodic reports | D1.1 PM² plan (M2); D1.2 Data Mgmt Plan (M6, updates) | | WP2 | Policy & performance framework | Univ./Institute | 1–12 | Translate **EPBD WLC** & **Level(s)** to project KPIs; national method mapping; DNSH plan | D2.1 KPI handbook (M4); D2.2 DNSH dossier (M8) [Energy](https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energy-efficiency/energy-performance-buildings/energy-performance-buildings-directive_en)[susproc.jrc.ec.europa.eu](https://susproc.jrc.ec.europa.eu/product-bureau/sites/default/files/2020-10/20201013%20New%20Level%28s%29%20documentation_1%20Introduction_Publication%20v1-0.pdf) | | WP3 | Materials & components | Industry | 1–18 | Timber/bio-composite façade cassettes; low-carbon slab system; moisture-robust details | D3.x component specs & EPD-ready datasets (M12–18) | | WP4 | DfMA system & digital twin | AEC tech SME | 4–22 | Parametric kit-of-parts; BIM-LCA automation; building passports | D4.2 BIM-LCA pipeline & passport schema (M16) | | WP5 | Pilot design & permitting | Architect (NO) | 6–18 | Two pilots (Stavanger/Oslo); TEK17, universal design, fire, acoustics; EPC plan including WLC disclosure | D5.1 Permitted designs (M18) | | WP6 | Construction & commissioning | Contractor | 14–30 | Off-site manufacture; assembly; commissioning; as-built LCA per EN 15978 | D6.2 As-built LCA+cost reports (M30) [iTeh Standards](https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/cen/62c22cef-5666-4719-91f9-c21cb6aa0ab3/en-15978-2011?srsltid=AfmBOopcAUbMVwd39JWVJRn-aRgnyN2hw1Bzq7e3YDCXyDfeswE9pwEm) | | WP7 | Monitoring, POE & LCA/LCC | Research | 20–36 | Energy/IAQ/comfort; WLC updates; Level(s) reporting; circularity audit | D7.1 POE & Level(s) report (M34) [Green Forum](https://green-forum.ec.europa.eu/green-business/levels_en) | | WP8 | Market uptake & exploitation | Cluster org. | 10–36 | Business models, finance toolkits, policy briefs; standardisation inputs | D8.3 EPBD WLC policy brief (M24); D8.4 Market playbook (M36) [World Green Building Council](https://worldgbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/WorldGBC-GWP-policy-briefing.pdf) | **Milestones:** MS1 governance set (M2); MS2 KPI framework agreed (M6); MS3 pilot permits (M18); MS4 buildings commissioned (M28); MS5 POE complete (M34). ### 3.2 Management structure, risks & quality * **Governance:** GA, Exec Board, WP leads, External Advisory (municipality, EPC authority, manufacturing). * **Quality:** Stage-gated reviews; BIM model checks; independent LCA review. * **Key risks (examples):** supply chain (mitigate via multi-sourcing); permitting delays (early authority engagement); cost parity risk (value engineering); moisture performance (hygrothermal modelling + site QA). **Condition & reuse (adaptive cases):** Scope-of-work set by **NS 3424** phases— defining task, planning, registration, assessment, reporting—supporting objective reuse decisions. ### 3.3 Consortium (indicative roles) * **Njord Construction Guide (NO)** – coordination, BIM/QA, risk & quality systems; Nordic craftsmanship & TEK17 practice. * **SustainArc (NO)** – sustainable architecture, community co-creation, operations from concept to post-occupancy. * **Elevation Designs (EU partner)** – design for manufacturability & immersive client visualisation. * **Taksdal BT (NO)** – engineering, project control, webinars & SME dissemination. * **University/Institute (TBD)** – EPBD/Level(s) methods, LCA/LCC, POE. * **Prefab OEM (TBD)** – manufacturing & logistics. * **Municipal housing co-op (TBD)** – pilot sites & replication. ### 3.4 Resources & budget (indicative) * **Total:** €9.6 M; ~1,200 PM * WP shares: WP1 8%, WP2 7%, WP3 18%, WP4 14%, WP5 16%, WP6 22%, WP7 9%, WP8 6%. * Major cost drivers: pilots (materials, off-site fabrication), monitoring, LCA reviews, dissemination. --- ## Cross-cutting & mandatory aspects ### Open Science & DMP All peer-reviewed results OA; underlying data FAIR with controlled access; DMP delivered and updated per HE rules. [cbe.europa.eu](https://www.cbe.europa.eu/system/files/2024-04/Tpl_Application%20Form%20%28Part%20B%29%20%28HE%20CBE%20JU%20RIA%202024%29.docx) ### Ethics & Security * Ethics: user data (POE) anonymised; consent & DPIA where needed. * Security: site H&S; cybersecurity of digital twin (role-based access, audit logs). ### Gender Equality, Inclusion & NEB Gender-balanced governance; inclusive co-design; NEB quality criteria applied to pilots. ### DNSH (screening summary) * **Climate mitigation:** EN 15978 LCA at design/as-built; EPBD-aligned operational performance. [iTeh Standards](https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/cen/62c22cef-5666-4719-91f9-c21cb6aa0ab3/en-15978-2011?srsltid=AfmBOopcAUbMVwd39JWVJRn-aRgnyN2hw1Bzq7e3YDCXyDfeswE9pwEm) [Energy](https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energy-efficiency/energy-performance-buildings/energy-performance-buildings-directive_en) * **Water & circularity:** Water-sensitive urban design; disassemblable assemblies; reuse targets & take-back schemes. * **Pollution & ecosystems:** Low-toxicity materials; site biodiversity net-gain planting and soil care. Documentation compiled in **D2.2 DNSH Dossier**. [European Commission](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/faq/15485) ### Standardisation & policy interface * Contribute use-cases to **Level(s)** community and national EPBD WLC methods; support EPC disclosure workflows and Member-State GWP roadmaps/limits. [Green Forum](https://green-forum.ec.europa.eu/green-business/levels_en) [WLC EPBD Guidance](https://www.wlc-epbd-guidance.eu/) --- ## Key KPIs (by project end) * **WLC GWP**: ≥ 55% reduction vs. 2020 baseline (kgCO₂e/m², EN 15978 A1–A5, B4, C, D). [iTeh Standards](https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/cen/62c22cef-5666-4719-91f9-c21cb6aa0ab3/en-15978-2011?srsltid=AfmBOopcAUbMVwd39JWVJRn-aRgnyN2hw1Bzq7e3YDCXyDfeswE9pwEm) * **Operational energy**: ≤ 35 kWh/m²·yr (space heat/cool; climate-adjusted). * **Bio-based/recycled content**: ≥ 60% structural/envelope mass. * **Assembly time**: −30% vs. conventional build. * **Cost**: CAPEX parity (±5%); LCC −10% at 30 years. * **Health/comfort**: Level(s) 4.x targets met (IAQ, acoustics, thermal). [Green Forum](https://green-forum.ec.europa.eu/green-business/levels_en) * **Policy readiness**: Validated EPC-WLC disclosure package for pilots (as-built), aligned with EPBD Annex III. [ecostandard.org](https://ecostandard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ECOS-recommendations-Calculate-embodied-carbon-February-2025.pdf) --- ## Draft Deliverables (examples) * **D2.1 KPI & Compliance Handbook** (EPBD/Level(s)/DNSH), M4. [Energy](https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energy-efficiency/energy-performance-buildings/energy-performance-buildings-directive_en) [susproc.jrc.ec.europa.eu](https://susproc.jrc.ec.europa.eu/product-bureau/sites/default/files/2020-10/20201013%20New%20Level%28s%29%20documentation_1%20Introduction_Publication%20v1-0.pdf) [European Commission](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/faq/15485) * **D3.x Component TDS & EPD-ready datasets**, M12-18. * **D4.2 BIM-LCA Pipeline & Building Passport Schema**, M16. * **D5.1 Permitted Pilot Designs & EPC-WLC plan**, M18. [ecostandard.org](https://ecostandard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ECOS-recommendations-Calculate-embodied-carbon-February-2025.pdf) * **D6.2 As-built LCA Reports (EN 15978)**, M30. [iTeh Standards](https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/cen/62c22cef-5666-4719-91f9-c21cb6aa0ab3/en-15978-2011?srsltid=AfmBOopcAUbMVwd39JWVJRn-aRgnyN2hw1Bzq7e3YDCXyDfeswE9pwEm) * **D7.1 Post-Occupancy & Level(s) Report**, M34. [Green Forum](https://green-forum.ec.europa.eu/green-business/levels_en) * **D8.3 Policy Brief – EPBD WLC implementation**, M24. [World Green Building Council](https://worldgbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/WorldGBC-GWP-policy-briefing.pdf) --- ## Two pilot typologies (indicative) 1. **Compact family rowhouse (NO-coastal):** 3 storeys; hybrid CLT + bio-composite façade cassettes; heat pump + balanced MVHR; rooftop PV. 2. **Adaptive reuse micro-apartments (NO-urban):** NS 3424-guided component reuse plan; dry interiors; circular kitchens/baths; shared amenities. --- ## Why this consortium * **Execution strength (construction/BIM/QA):** Njord Construction Guide brings robust QA, risk, BIM and client handling. * **Design leadership (sustainability & community):** SustainArc’s mission-driven sustainable architecture and community engagement processes. * **Engineering & SME diffusion:** Taksdal BT spreads know-how via webinars/workshops; connects to Norwegian AEC SMEs. --- ### Related reading * [Embracing Sustainable Housing in the Face of Population Growth: A Path Forward](https://jarlhalla.com/embracing-sustainable-housing-in-the-face-of-population-growth-a-path-forward/) * [Revolutionizing Construction: How Smart Systems and Digital Intelligence Are Shaping the Future of the Built Environment](https://jarlhalla.com/smart-tech-construction-systems/) * [The Human Infrastructure Europe Forgot: Mentorship, Skills and Communities in the Age of AI](https://jarlhalla.com/the-human-infrastructure-europe-forgot-mentorship-skills-and-communities-in-the-age-of-ai/) **Planning a building project?** [Discuss it with Jarlhalla Group](https://jarlhalla.com/discuss-a-project/). ECO-HOUSING EUROPE (ECO-HOME)