The new European Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPBD) establishes binding targets that require accelerating the renovation of the existing building stock, yet the annual energy renovation rate remains very low, at 1%. In addition, existing support mechanisms have primarily benefited households with higher economic capacity, thereby perpetuating inequalities.

In this context, the SOCIAL DATA HOUSE project proposes a comprehensive model that combines digitization, proximity and citizen empowerment to respond to the technical and social challenges of rehabilitation, which is replicable and scalable for the deployment of public policies.

To achieve this, the project will develop digital tools that systematize social, energy and habitability data, transforming them into an operational diagnosis for communities, professionals and administrations. Specifically, the project is based on three interconnected pillars: i) the design and deployment of a regional digital twin, ii) the deployment of a digital platform for neighbourhood support, and iii) a modular support program through a local office. In this way, informed decision-making, equitable access to resources and the generation of collective processes will be facilitated. The tools developed will be deployed in the Priorat as a pilot case.

The project, which began this month, is carried out by Cíclica (project coordinator), El Far Cooperatiu and IREC, with a total budget of about €625,000, and will last 2 years. The collaboration between these three entities is key as it creates a comprehensive ecosystem: reliable technology and data, social application and local contextualization, and citizen mobilization. In addition, SOCIAL DATA HOUSE has the support of the Consell Comarcal del Priorat, the Associació Priorat and the DO Montsant, as well as other entities aimed at the scalability of the project.

The role of IREC

IREC will provide scientific and technical knowledge in energy and efficiency, guaranteeing reliable and interoperable data with European standards and supporting the development and materialization of the regional digital twin. In addition, it will also participate in the development of the functional backend of the digital platform for local communities, the modular support program of a local office and in the management and coordination of the project.

Acknowledgements (in Catalan)

Promou i finança: Generalitat de Catalunya.