Revolutionizing sustainable construction: The LEGOFIT approach to Energy Positive Buildings

LEGOFIT aims to achieve Energy Positive Buildings (EPB) by integrating passive and active technologies with smart management systems. The project focuses on sustainable building practices, minimal environmental impact, and the development of a community of professionals through training and stakeholder engagement. Demonstrated in six diverse scenarios, LEGOFIT sets a new standard for high-performance, environmentally conscious residential construction. Read this article to learn more about the innovative LEGOFIT project and its comprehensive approach to transforming the building industry.

LEGOFIT aims to design, implement, and validate an advanced and dynamic integrative approach to accomplish Energy Positive Buildings (EPB) based on smart and innovative solutions with high scalability and replicability for building construction and renovation. 

But how is this achieved? The LEGOFIT team works towards various objectives:

  1. Developing an innovative holistic design platform that encompasses passive and active technologies and their integration for the smart exchange of information and interoperability of systems based on Building Information Modelling (BIM).
  2. Integrating active and passive strategies, such as envelope and HVAC systems, with smart management technologies (Building Automation Systems – BAS, Building Management Systems – BMS) for climate-neutral and high-energy building performance, providing maximum flexibility to users. 
  3. Investigating innovative routes for promoting minimum environmental impacts through the smart use of solid and liquid residues generated during building lifecycle stages.
  4. Fostering sustainable stock of buildings by ensuring not only the fulfilment of sustainable criteria but also enhancing the smart readiness of buildings.

The LEGOFIT project adopts an integrated approach demonstrated in 6 demos across various geographical, cultural, and construction stages/technological market maturity scenarios. It focuses primarily on the residential sector, including multifamily houses and dormitories, encompassing both new and existing constructions. The project ensures involvement of professionals in the sector through the development of a community of stakeholders and an open innovation community for Building Energy System (BES) professionals. Additionally, training courses are provided to cultivate a new generation of multidisciplinary experts in positive energy house approaches.

Knowing the objectives, how does LEGOFIT overcome the challenges in the way?

LEGOFIT tackles several problems and challenges in the realm of building construction and renovation, including:

  • Lack of integration of passive and active technologies.
  • Inefficiencies in building management systems.
  • Environmental impacts of building materials and waste.
  • Insufficient consideration of sustainability criteria in building construction and renovation.
  • Challenges in fostering a community of professionals in the building energy sector.

LEGOFIT overcomes these challenges through its integrated approach, which focuses on developing the LEGOFIT platform. It contains innovative solutions and integrates passive and active strategies with smart management technologies. The platform also investigates innovative routes for minimizing environmental impacts, and fostering a sustainable community of professionals through training and community development initiatives.

To make things clear, what makes LEGOFIT so special and unique?

Unlike traditional construction and renovation projects, LEGOFIT takes a multifaceted approach. The LEGOFIT platform is developed considering an innovative design that seamlessly integrates both passive and active strategies. Additionally, smart management technologies play a crucial role. But that’s not all, LEGOFIT goes beyond the technical aspects. It actively explores innovative ways to minimize environmental impacts. Moreover, it fosters a sustainable community of professionals who share its vision.

This comprehensive and forward-thinking approach truly sets LEGOFIT apart in the world of building design and construction. The figure contains a schematic of the different modules and services integrated in the LEGOFIT platform, as well as the interconnection between them.

Characteristics of LEGOFIT Demonstrations

LEGOFIT demonstrates its integrated approach in 6 demos across various geographical, cultural, and construction stages/technological market maturity scenarios. The demos primarily focus on the residential sector, including multifamily houses and dormitories, encompassing both new and existing constructions. The unique characteristics of these demonstrations include:

  • Comprehensive integration of passive and active technologies.
  • Implementation of smart management technologies for climate-neutral and high-energy building performance.
  • Investigation of innovative routes for minimizing environmental impacts through the smart use of building residues.
  • Focus on fostering a sustainable stock of buildings by enhancing the smart readiness of buildings.
  • Involvement of professionals in the sector through community development initiatives and training courses. 

In conclusion, LEGOFIT is revolutionizing sustainable building design and renovation by integrating advanced technologies and holistic approaches to achieve EPB. Its innovative platform, smart management strategies, and community initiatives set a new standard for environmentally conscious and high-performance construction, paving the way for a more sustainable future in the residential sector and beyond.