We’re proud to announce the launch of DIGIFAB – Digital Process Chain for Energy Renovations Using Prefabrication, a bold new EU-funded project set to revolutionise how Europe renovates its buildings.
Unveiled this February, DIGIFAB addresses one of the most urgent challenges in the EU today: upgrading our ageing and energy-inefficient building stock. With buildings responsible for 42% of the EU’s energy consumption and renovation rates stuck at around 1% annually, there’s a clear need for faster, more cost-effective, and less disruptive solutions.
DIGIFAB proposes exactly that—by combining digitalisation, advanced prefabrication, and occupant engagement into a single, streamlined process.
Why DIGIFAB? Why Now?
The EU’s climate and energy goals are ambitious: reduce building-related emissions by 60% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. But these goals cannot be met with traditional renovation methods, which are often slow, costly, and intrusive.
Current renovation processes suffer from:
- Fragmented building information makes it difficult to plan accurately.
- Limited use of prefabrication leads to longer on-site work and more waste.
- Lack of coordination among stakeholders and minimal involvement of occupants.
- High levels of noise, disruption, and unpredictability during works.
DIGIFAB is designed to overcome these barriers through an integrated, digital-first solution that rethinks every step of the renovation process.
A Digital-First Renovation Strategy
At the heart of the project is the DIGIFAB Digital Process Chain—a centralised, automated workflow that connects data, design, co-creation, installation, and monitoring. This all-in-one approach helps reduce delays, cut costs, and improve user satisfaction.
Instead of working in silos, DIGIFAB allows teams to collaborate from the very start. By collecting and organising accurate building data, the project creates detailed BIM models of each pilot buildings that serve as the foundation for the following digital twins.
These digital system performs structural and energy simulations, enabling prefabricated, Adaptable Modules made from eco-friendly materials like recycled-content concrete and bio-based alternatives. These modules help the renovated buildings achieve NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) standards.
Benefits at a Glance
DIGIFAB delivers real value by addressing the core bottlenecks in renovation:
- Panel installation in just two days for 200 m² of surface.
- Up to 30% cost reduction compared to traditional methods.
- Fewer delays and disruptions, thanks to automated planning, real-time monitoring, and on-site management tools, DIGIFAB will achieve up to 81% reduction in noise and waste on-site.
- Improved indoor comfort through live monitoring and IEQ (Indoor Environmental Quality) optimisation.
- All-in-one workflow that empowers SMEs and renovation companies, particularly in a sector dominated by microenterprises.
Putting Occupants First
One of DIGIFAB’s most important innovations is its focus on the people who live and work in the buildings being renovated.
Too often, occupants feel excluded from the process, which can lead to friction, dissatisfaction, and delays. DIGIFAB turns this dynamic around by actively involving occupants and stakeholders through a co-creation approach, ensuring that the renovation reflects their needs, preferences, and comfort standards, improving satisfaction and reducing project resistance.
At the same time, the system minimises on-site disruption. Advanced sensors and monitoring tools track noise levels, waste, and indoor environmental quality (IEQ), allowing renovation teams to adjust in real-time and keep the impact on residents as low as possible.
Innovation that Benefits Everyone
DIGIFAB’s technical innovations aim to unlock value for all players in the renovation ecosystem.
Some of the key benefits include:
- End-to-end digitalisation, from building assessment to installation.
- Automated analysis and logistics planning, reducing risk and error.
- Integration of digital tools like laser scanning, environmental sensors, and real-time monitoring.
- Adaptable prefabricated modules made from sustainable materials—including bio-based components and recycled concrete—that support the way to NZEB (nearly zero-energy building) standards.
- Guaranteeing precision in module installation with advanced alignment systems
- Material-agnostic systems that can be tailored to different wall types, climates, and local needs.
Supporting Innovation in the Construction Sector
DIGIFAB also has a strong focus on supporting SMEs and renovation companies. Its all-in-one platform allows small players to operate more competitively in a market traditionally dominated by fragmented tools and analog workflows.
With digitalisation at its core, DIGIFAB gives construction professionals a smarter way to work, and building owners a faster path to comfort, efficiency, and value.
Real-World Demonstration Across Europe
To ensure impact and replicability, DIGIFAB will test its solutions in three diverse pilot sites: Spain for exploring multistorey buildings, Austria for energy upgrades in urban residential blocks and Greece, adapting the model for varied and complex tertiary building types in Southern Europe.
Each site will put the full digital workflow to the test, from surveying and stakeholder engagement to module manufacturing and rapid installation. Pilots will validate the technical, environmental, and social benefits of the DIGIFAB approach and help refine a replicable business model for European markets.
A Strong and Diverse Consortium
DIGIFAB brings together 15 partners from 7 European countries, uniting expertise in renovation, materials science, software development, co-creation, and on-site construction. This collaborative structure ensures the project is grounded in both scientific excellence and market relevance.
Together, the consortium is working toward a shared vision: to make deep renovation faster, cleaner, more affordable, and more aligned with Europe’s long-term energy goals.
What’s Next?
As the DIGIFAB pilots get underway, the project will be sharing updates, insights, and early results here on LinkedIn and through partner channels. From new tools and technologies to lessons learned on the ground, there’s a lot to come.
We invite professionals, companies, researchers, and public authorities interested in digital renovation and sustainable construction to follow DIGIFAB and be part of this transformative journey.
Let’s build a smarter renovation future—together.
🔗 Follow DigiFab Project for updates
