EffiComfort

Link to websites: https://portico.urban-initiative.eu/european-urban-initiative/efficomfort-innovative-business-model-energy-efficiency-and-occupant-comfort-through-integrated-8291

Project description

The project introduces an innovative model for energy renovation and improved energy efficiency in public and residential buildings, aiming to overcome the limitations of traditional retrofit methods. It will implement the Comfort as a Service (CaaS) model, which combines advanced real-time energy management with performance-based financing and adaptable thermal comfort tailored to user needs.

Project objectives

The main objectives include:

• Testing the CaaS model as an advanced, cost-efficient alternative to conventional energy renovation approaches.
• Reducing energy use in the pilot buildings — two primary schools and one newly built public residential building — by up to 25%.
• Improving indoor environmental quality (IEQ), including temperature, humidity, air quality and overall well-being.
• Supporting users in thermal acclimatization and involving them in the active management of indoor comfort.
• Strengthening digital building management through IoT sensors and real-time monitoring.
• Developing a model that is easily transferable and scalable to other European cities.
• Contributing to Ljubljana’s ambition to become a climate-neutral city by 2030.

Phases of the project (Work Packages)

WP1 – Project Preparation and Initiation Phase (06/05/2024 – 30/09/2025)

WP2 – Management (01/10/2025-31/03/2029)

WP3 – Monitoring and Evaluation (01/10/2025 – 31/03/2029)

WP4 – Communication and Capitalisation (01/10/2025 – 31/03/2029)

WP5 – Baseline Analysis, Benchmarking and CaaS Model development (01/12/2025 – 30/09/2028)

WP6 – Participatory Approach (01/10/2025 – 30/09/2028)

WP7 – Implementation and Testing in Pilot Areas (01/01/2026 – 30/09/2028)

WP8 – Tranfer (01/06/2026 – 31/03/2029)

Added value

The EffiComfort project, at the level of the City of Ljubljana and at the national level, delivers a transferable model that simultaneously improves energy efficiency and the quality of the indoor environment in public and residential buildings. For NIJZ, the project represents an opportunity to strengthen its professional role and further develop the field.

Expected results and materials

Expected project results

• Dynamic, real-time management of comfort and energy in three pilot buildings of different types.
• Up to 25% lower energy consumption while simultaneously increasing user comfort.
• Improved indoor air quality and higher awareness among residents, pupils, teachers and building managers.
• Training of energy professionals to ensure long-term implementation and continuation of the model beyond the project.
• A fully developed concept that will serve as a best-practice example for other European cities within the EUI framework.

Program: European Urban Initiative – EUI

Duration of the project: 1. 10. 2025 – 31. 3. 2029

Leading organization: City of Ljubljana (MOL)

Project partners:

• City of Ljubljana (MOL)
• Institute for Spatial Policies (IPoP)
• University of Ljubljana Institute for Innovation and Development (IRI UL)
• Public Housing Fund of Ljubljana (JSS MOL)
• National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ)
• Regional Development Agency of the Ljubljana Urban Region (RRA LUR)
• Resalta – Energy Services Company

Funding: The EffiComfort project is supported by the European Urban Initiative (EUI) and co-funded by the European Union.

Disclaimer

Funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the European Union or European Urban Initiative (EUI). Neither the European Union nor the body that co-finances the campaign can be held responsible for them.