25 November 2024

The syn.ikia Spanish demo is now the home of new social housing tenants

In a landmark event this October, 32 new social housing rental units have been handed over to their new tenants in Santa Coloma de Gramenet,...

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28 June 2024

syn.ikia Austrian demo wins the State Prize for Architecture and Sustainability 2024

Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler awarded the State Prize for Architecture and Sustainability 2024 to three outstanding projects for their exceptional achievements in the field...

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12 June 2024

New report on the multiple benefits of Sustainable Plus Energy Neighbourhoods

Sustainable plus energy neighbourhoods (SPENs) offer multiple social, economic and environmental benefits, which consistently overlap with the three pillars of sustainability. These benefits extend beyond...

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11 June 2024

Quantifying multiple benefits of sustainable plus energy neighbourhoods for investment and policy decision-making

syn.ikia was present at the European Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (eceee) conference on 'Sustainable, safe & secure through demand reduction'. Victoria Taranu, Senior...

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30 April 2024

From Barcelona: social housing, innovation and positive energy buildings

The Spanish demo will open its doors the the new tenants in the coming weeks, so syn.ikia project partners came together for an overview of...

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23 April 2024

Mainstreaming the neighbourhood approach into EU building policies, a draft report

Sustainable Plus Energy Neighbourhoods (SPENs) are more than neighbourhoods with a positive energy balance. Conceptualising new buildings that are integrated into the urban infrastructure and...

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29 February 2024

Our newsletter winter edition 2024

In this rich edition we showcase the potential of sustainable plus energy neighbourhoods (SPENs) in Norway, Spain, Austria and the Netherlands, while providing a wealth...

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17 January 2024

[Job alert] Two new research positions – Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)

The two positions are linked to the new research project Making Positive Energy Districts - Making PEDs, funded by the Driving Urban Transition Call DUT...

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1 December 2023

What are the benefits of sustainable Plus Energy Buildings (PEBs) and Neighbourhoods (SPENs) beyond energy savings?

Over the last decade, a lot of attention has been placed on the energy performance of the buildings. The urgency to achieve decarbonization by 2050...

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9 November 2023

Local communities engagement, a key factor in urban regeneration and social innovation

syn.ikia took part in the EU Week of Cities and Regions 2023! The engagement of the communities is significantly challenging. It is not just about...

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22 August 2023

Workshop | Exploring Green Finance Strategies for Positive Energy Neighbourhoods

Leading experts and stakeholders in the sustainable construction and finance sectors are set to convene for an insightful workshop titled “Green Finance for Positive Energy Neighbourhoods”...

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11 July 2023

Our newsletter summer edition 2023

We are now in the fourth year of the project which marks the demonstration and documentation of scalable solutions for Sustainable Plus Energy Neighbourhoods (SPENs)...

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19 June 2023

Key takeaways from workshop on resident engagement practices during the ISHF 2023

Involving residents in energy efficient social housing projects can be challenging. Lack of motivation, a general distrust towards institutions and miscommunication are issues that may...

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30 May 2023

Policy recommendations​ for sustainable plus energy neighbourhoods​ and buildings

The syn.ikia factsheets provide an overview of existing gaps and barriers in the development and market uptake of SPENs, and provides policy recommendations for 4...

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20 April 2023

Renovation for plus energy neighbourhoods meets social housing in Salzburg

On the 19-21 of April, 13 syn.ikia consortium partners will come together in Salzburg, the home of the Austrian Sustainable Plus Energy Neighbourhood (SPEN) pilot...

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2 March 2023

When sustainability is not only about the green transition, but also about ensuring the well-being of residents

If you are not a researcher working on the topic of energy efficiency, Sustainable Plus Energy Neighbourhoods (SPEN) probably does not mean much to you,...

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20 February 2023

Understanding Positive Energy Buildings and Neighbourhoods – towards a common definition

Positive Energy Buildings (PEBs) represent a step forward from Net Zero Energy Buildings. In particular, they shall contribute by decarbonizing the built environment, including surrounding buildings, exchanging energy among them...

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20 December 2022

Newsletter – winter edition 2022

Another year is coming to an end, and for many it’s a bittersweet time. Let us slow down for a moment and take a look...

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13 December 2022

The first podcast episode dedicated to syn.ikia

For those interested in understanding more than just the technical aspects of syn.ikia, we have good news: our first podcast is now available!

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22 November 2022

SPENs are becoming a point of reference in social sustainability and energy efficiency

The Renovation Summit brought together representatives from social and affordable housing, tenants, construction and energy companies, trade unions, and EU policymakers and funding institutions to...

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22 November 2022

Austrian demo’s great work was shown on TV

The Austrian demo caught the attention of a German television series as being a rather unique case, where heat is sustainably generated through wastewater.

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27 October 2022

Austrian Climate Protection Ministry honors Austrian demo project

On October 12th, the third energy community day took place in Salzburg. In addition to the discussion on current topics such as energy price increases...

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15 October 2022

Warm welcome to our new Norwegian SPEN demonstration project

The syn.ikia project continues evolving in its ambition to demonstrate real-life Sustainable Plus Energy Neighbourhoods in different European climates and contexts. This autumn the syn.ikia...

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30 June 2022

Newsletter – summer edition 2022

We are landing in the middle of the project with a smooth workflow. Our goals to design better neighbourhoods with low carbon footprint remain clearer...

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29 June 2022

Deep-dive into Friedrich-Inhauser-Strasse, our demo neighbourhood in Salzburg.

With the refurbishment and extension of the residential complex on Friedrich-Inhauser-Strasse, Heimat Österreich has created a lighthouse project that combines climate and environmental protection and...

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24 March 2022

Innovation EU-funded project on Positive Energy Neighbourhoods travels to Uden to mark important milestone and evaluate progress

As the EU-funded project syn.ikia is well into its third year, partners gather on the 24-25 of March in Uden, The Netherlands, where the Dutch...

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21 February 2022

How to ensure a positive energy balance through design in Sustainable Plus Energy Neighbourhoods

The world is changing at an increasingly rapid pace. This only reinforces the need to be prepared for future conditions. One proper solution would be...

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17 December 2021

Newsletter – winter edition 2021

It is the time of the year for reflection and future casting, that is planning ahead and taking the steps to make the vision -in...

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1 December 2021

Symbolic handover marks topping out of Loopkantstraat apartments in Uden

The construction of 39 apartments located at Loopkantstraat in Uden has reached its highest point. On Friday, 24 September, former site residents Bart Hendriks and...

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9 November 2021

Takeaways from syn.ikia’s policy session on the future of #SPEN

On September 28th, experts met online to discuss the status of Plus Energy Buildings and Neighbourhoods in the EU and identify the barriers and opportunities...

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7 September 2021

Is Europe ready for Sustainable Plus Energy Buildings and Neighbourhoods?

New report gives a full overview of the legislative status of SPENs with a focus on 4 EU countries: Norway, Austria, the Netherlands & Spain.

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6 July 2021

Newsletter – summer edition 2021

It’s already summer and we are completing a 18-month milestone of engaged and inspiring work on the large-scale deployment of Sustainable Plus Energy Neighbourhoods (SPEN).

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23 June 2021

Launch of SPEN Community

The first online community of people passionate about Sustainable Plus Energy Neighbourhoods (SPEN)

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15 June 2021

6 lessons learned about social performance in Sustainable Plus Energy Neighbourhoods (SPEN)

What to consider when designing indicators for social sustainability?

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10 June 2021

Plus Energy Homes and Neighbourghoods – measuring success and performance

Moving beyond the traditional building energy assessment.

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31 May 2021

Zero emission neighbourhoods and positive energy districts: a state-of-the-art review

"Zero emission neighbourhoods and positive energy districts: a state-of-the-art review" published by Elsevier Sustainable Cities and Society 72 (2021) 103013

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27 April 2021

Integrated Design process of SPEN

"Primary Energy Balance driven Integrated Energy Design Process of Positive Energy Building" published by Cold Climate HVAC & Energy 2021, E3S Web of Conferences 246,...

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19 April 2021

Our first piece of research gets published!

"Advanced forecasting and disturbance modelling for model predictive control of smart energy systems" published by ELSEVIER Applied Energy 292 (2021) 116889

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3 February 2021

Introducing Area, our demonstration partner in the Netherlands.

What opportunities does syn.ikia open to project partners? Thijs van den Oord, Project Manager at Area was interviewed for the Dutch Association of Housing Corporations...

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18 December 2020

Newsletter N2 – Christmas issue 2020

We are approaching the end of 2020 and the completion of syn.ikia’s first year. It feels like time is flying by. Let’s take a break...

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5 December 2020

Newsletter – winter edition 2020

Throughout these twelve months, an efficient cooperation was established in the project, and a broad list of activities was executed according to our plan.

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3 July 2020

Newsletter N1 – June 2020

Our very first newsletter is out! We tell you about the #SPEN concept, what's on in our #plusenergy demo neighbouroods and the latest news from...

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5 June 2020

Newsletter – summer edition 2020

As the world debates actions to combat climate change, the success of reducing greenhouse gas emissions relies largely on the transition to a low carbon...

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20 March 2020

syn.ikia kicks off!

We are happy to share that syn.ikia kicked-off on January 20th on the premises of the coordinating partner, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology...

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