From Living Labs to innovation: unleashing potential with Open Innovation Services (OIS) in the MEZeroE Ecosystem

Living Labs give us the chance to evaluate products and processes in a real building or in a test facility that emulates one. They are populated by real people whose feedback, both during their residencies and in post-occupant evaluations, is combined with objective test measurements including – among other parameters – air quality, temperature, and humidity.

The Living Lab has two main objectives. Firstly, it aims to create an organized and collaborative environment for stakeholders to cooperate in the development of nearly Zero-Energy Building (nZEB) envelope products. Secondly, it provides real environments for product evaluation under real conditions. The specific objectives are focused on improving the competitiveness of companies that produce nZEB envelopes.

Buildings are equipped with sensors that monitor the quality of the indoor environment, while users will provide feedback on the products installed and the living environment. The aim is to test advanced, high-performance technologies in real-world conditions, with user interaction and control of specific parameters. A real, existing building, occupied by people and equipped with sufficient integrated sensors to measure the relevant parameters, is used as the technological basis for evaluating the nZEB technology. Since no adaptation is required on the part of the users, at least in the long term, the feedback is unbiased and gives an insight into the users’ perception of the technology. This is a crucial and unique non-engineering assessment tool in the product validation process.

It offers a comprehensive, cost-effective range of protocols for measuring, verifying, and characterising building envelope products. As the demand for sustainable and efficient building practices grows, the need for a comprehensive monitoring service becomes evident.

Transitioning from this foundation, let's consider the example of Open Innovation Service 2 (OIS2), which stands at the forefront of meeting this demand with its standardized protocols and innovative approach. By seamlessly integrating monitoring technologies, it not only addresses current challenges but also anticipates future needs, offering a holistic solution for informed decision-making and optimized building performance.

This journey of OIS2 development involved a keen focus on precision, adaptability, and stakeholder collaboration to create a comprehensive framework. The protocols have been crafted not only to meet current industry needs but also to anticipate and address future challenges, making OIS2 a pioneering force in advancing sustainable and intelligent building practices. OIS2 will provide the monitoring services for the Living Labs, where the specific products installed and the required performance tests to be carried out will drive the monitoring protocol application.

OIS2’s focus on specialized monitoring, stakeholder interaction and access control, robust architecture, and comprehensive reporting, ensures not only data security but also a seamless and organized user experience. As OIS2 continues to evolve, it stands as a beacon of innovation, driving sustainable and informed decision-making in the ever-evolving landscape of building management.

Within the MEZeroE project, there are a total of three Open Innovation Services (OIS), each playing a pivotal role in sustainable building innovation:

OIS1 offers standard framework procedures for certification and marking. Collaborating with ITeC - Institut de Tecnologia de la Construcció de Catalunya , Universität Innsbruck , ZAG - Zavod za gradbeništvo Slovenije , Eurac Research , TECNALIA Research & Innovation , it provides a roadmap for product certification and marking applied to a set of products provided by IND partners and a general framework to support the creation of new roadmaps for specific products outside of the consortium.

OIS2, as detailed above, focuses on a cost-effective M&V smart kit for Living Labs (collaborating with arbnco greenteg AG , Nuvap , Eurac Research, DTU - Technical University of Denmark , Politecnico di Milano ) to verify and characterize the performance of building envelope products.

OIS3 offers guidance for open innovation life cycle management. Together with Incurvo , Eurac Research, R2M Solution , Politecnico di Milano, TECNALIA Research & Innovation, it provides a set of digital services accessible from a unique point of access (Digital Platform), where users can obtain guidance for support performance-based innovation process by using a common language and standard reference for performance characterization, while assuring sustainability and feasibility of the product development.

These integrated services underscore the project's comprehensive approach to fostering innovation in building practices, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, efficiency, and the advancement of nZEB technology. Through the collaborative efforts of these OISs, MEZeroE is paving the way for a more sustainable future in the building industry.

We invite building owners to implement the technology provided by the project to be installed on their buildings free of charge and provide us with feedback

This is a unique opportunity not only to contribute to the advancement of sustainable building practices but also to reap direct benefits from access to state-of-the-art solutions designed to enhance building performance and occupant comfort.

We invite building owners to implement the technology provided by the project to be installed on their buildings free of charge and provide us with feedback.

To participate and explore all the services available according to your needs, please visit: https://mezeroe-platform.eu/open-innovation.

Join us in driving innovation and sustainability in the building sector. Your participation and feedback are crucial to shaping the future of building technology and environmental stewardship.

Thanks to all our other partners: Leitat Technological Center , Cracow University of Technology , Focchi Group , VELUX , WindowMaster , FLEXBRICK , Heliatek , TECNAN , Rothoblaas , INDRESMAT® , Nuvap , Compáz , Pellini , Flexandrobust Systems , Riko d.o.o.