DRIVE 0: Driving decarbonization of the EU building stock by enhancing a consumer centred and locally based circular renovation process

The DRIVE 0 project aimed to decarbonize the European Union building stock and accelerate deep renovation processes by fostering a consumer-centered circular renovation approach. This initiative sought to make deep renovations more appealing to consumers and investors while being environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

The project combined the need for a circular building industry with the identification of specific local factors to motivate end-users toward deep renovation. It employed an anthropology-based and environmentally respectful method, incorporating urban mining and material banks to keep the focus on local geo-material areas.

DRIVE 0 achieved its objectives through a four-step approach:

1. Developed proven deep renovation products and concepts, drawing from recent EU projects. These evolved into circular renovation products and concepts (with a Technology Readiness Level—TRL—of eight to nine), utilizing locally available materials and components, including those from existing buildings. The emphasis was on easy-to-install plug-and-play prefabricated solutions for building elements and services, produced through fully automated BIM-controlled production.

2. Created consumer-centered business models based on circular renovation concepts, supported by digitalization and gamification.

3. Provided occupants with attractive and easily understandable information on building performance in use.

4. Offered relevant stakeholders evidence of performance.