synikia
synikia

News from the syn.ikia project_February 2025

Dear friends and colleagues,

The journey towards Sustainable Plus Energy Neighbourhoods (SPENs) has always been more than just an energy transition—it’s about transforming the very fabric of our communities.

As we near the final stage of the syn.ikia project, the human dimension of these neighbourhoods stands at the forefront. Across Europe, we have seen how sustainable housing not only enhances energy efficiency but also fosters social connections, improves public health, and creates more inclusive and accessible communities. It’s the people, and the stories of resilience and collaboration that truly make these neighbourhoods special.

As we reflect on five years of groundbreaking work, we are proud to announce our final conference, ‘SUSTAINABLE PLUS ENERGY NEIGHBOURHOODS – THE WAY FORWARD’. This event will not only showcase the technical achievements of SPENs but will also celebrate the communities that have embraced them.

Since 2020, syn.ikia has united 13 partners across seven countries to pilot and validate four real-life SPENs, demonstrating innovative solutions for energy efficiency, flexibility, and local renewable energy integration. With the revision of EU directives like the Energy Performance of Buildings and Renewable Energy Directive III, the SPEN concept is key to implementing resilient neighbourhoods.

Highlights this month include:

  • Spain’s demo welcomed its first residents, emphasizing the importance of awareness, financial solutions, and local collaboration.
  • Austria’s Wir InHAUSer won the State Prize for Architecture and Sustainability, setting a new benchmark for low-energy refurbishment.
  • New tools like the MBx model help quantify SPENs’ social, economic, and environmental benefits for policymakers and investors.
  • Research breakthroughs in energy management and building optimisation are paving the way for smarter, more flexible energy systems.
  • Housing policy is gaining momentum at the EU level, with ongoing discussions on scaling up sustainable plus energy neighbourhoods.

A recent report also highlights the multiple benefits of SPENs, which extend beyond energy savings to include social cohesion, improved public health, and better access to community facilities. SPENs align with EU sustainability goals and offer lower investment risks while providing substantial benefits for society.

Read on for more insights, breakthroughs, and inspiring project results

The syn.ikia Coordinator
Niki Gaitani, NTNU

 

Read the full newsletter here.

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