Engaging residents as active co-designers achieves major energy savings while fostering community ownership and long-term sustainability
A new scientific paper, published in Architecture, highlights a groundbreaking approach developed through the H2020 REN+HOMES project, demonstrating how residents can become active co-designers in sustainable building projects.
The REN+HOMES Positive Carbon Building methodology positions residents at the center of the design process through collaborative workshops, shared decision-making, and continuous engagement throughout the building lifecycle. This participatory approach challenges the conventional expert-driven model and delivers impressive results: a 65.9% reduction in final energy demand, while fostering community ownership and long-term sustainable practices.
By integrating Zero Emissions Building (ZEB) criteria, renewable energy systems, and national carbon offset programs, the methodology proves that authentic collaboration between residents and experts is essential for creating buildings that meet both environmental and human needs.
This study was carried out by researchers from REN+HOMES consortium partners, including the Romania Green Building Council, the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, and RINA Consulting, providing a replicable framework for community-driven environmental regeneration.
Cover photo credits: Jason Goodman on Unsplash