RENVELOPE – Energy Adaptive Shell

The flagship project RENVELOPE, implemented within the framework of the GreenEnergyLab flagship region, is currently the largest national research and development project in the field of innovative building renovation. In the context of climate neutrality, the construction sector proves to be a key lever for the phase-out of fossil fuels, as it accounts for around one third of Austria’s total energy consumption. In response to this pressing challenge, the RENVELOPE project was initiated as a national flagship initiative.

At the core of the RENVELOPE project is the development and demonstration of multifunctional, prefabricated, and energy-efficient building envelopes (also referred to as RENVELOPE solutions). These advanced structures are designed to address the dual imperatives of energy efficiency and functionality in building renovation. By integrating renewable energy sources, heating and cooling systems, ventilation infrastructure, and insulation directly into façade and roof elements, this renovation approach represents a holistic solution. It contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions and lowering energy consumption in the built environment. RENVELOPE solutions are being demonstrated at three sites: in Vienna, Knittelfeld, and Graz.