The multifaceted POSIFIT approach to tackling barriers to energy-positive homes

Background The European building stock is mostly outdated and energy-inefficient. Still, the transition towards energy-positive homes (EPHs) is hampered by the fragmentation of the renovation/construction processes and the lack of awareness about EPHs’ long-term benefits and co-benefits which are not currently monetised. This paper presents the findings of the POSIFIT Project, which aims to develop and validate an integrated approach to EPHs in five pilot countries. POSIFIT provides professionals and end-users with an innovative holistic design platform with three main functionalities: 1) supporting the decision-making process; 2) aiding the design process; and 3) setting up an innovative marketplace to improve communication/experience exchange among stakeholders. Methodology To achieve the final goal of EPHs, it is essential to focus on four main pillars, each playing a key role in identifying the barriers and drivers in the implementation of EPHs. POSIFIT’s approach is built on four pillars: defining EPHs with an emphasis on bioclimatic performance; establishing a comprehensive renovation/construction framework; testing the approach in diverse contexts; and fostering a stakeholder community. A four-step methodology guides the project: framework setup, data collection, data analysis, and validation. Results and Discussion Analysis reveals that barriers to EPH adoption are prevalent across pilot countries and are amplified in EPH projects. These barriers primarily affect stakeholders undertaking interventions. The POSIFIT platform offers solutions to potentially tackle these challenges. Drivers for EPH adoption can be leveraged by service providers and homeowners. POSIFIT contributes to exploiting these drivers through a systematic approach to energy/financial analysis, raising awareness, and promoting circular resource use. Conclusion POSIFIT offers an innovative understanding of EPHs, redefines renovation/construction processes, and provides a comprehensive view of the EPH ecosystem. By identifying stakeholders affected by barriers and drivers, POSIFIT offers targeted solutions for EPH implementation across different project phases and contexts.