D1.3 Users' centered and technical energy-efficiency measures

This report provides a concise overview of current and emerging energy efficiency solutions, combining both technological and behavioural approaches. It highlights their applications, benefits, and limitations, offering practitioners practical insights for implementation.

The literature groups technological measures into three main categories:

• Passive strategies: energy savings through efficient building design, optimized envelope materials, and natural use of light, heating, and cooling.
• Active systems: mechanical and electrical equipment such as fans, heat pumps, and efficient lighting to enhance building performance.
• Renewable technologies: onsite generation, most commonly solar energy, enabling buildings to cover part of their own demand.

While technology is essential, evidence shows that effectiveness rises substantially when user behaviour is also addressed. The review identifies several best practices for behavioural interventions that strengthen the impact of efficiency measures.

Finally, we identify a set of KPIs to evaluate energy-efficient renovations across environmental, financial, social, and energy performance dimensions—ensuring that efficiency gains are achieved without compromising comfort, affordability, or social value.