ZEBAI is an ambitious integrative project in which a broad range of interdisciplinary teams collaborate to develop a new methodology that aims to change the way that Zero-emission buildings are designed, by integrating all interdependent analysis and partial alternative decision-making processes under a holistic approach that allows the evaluation of a design simultaneously taking into account: energy performance, environmental impact, indoor environmental quality, and cost-effectiveness. For this purpose, we will require to develop a database of well-characterised materials and make an estimation of discrepancies between simulated and actual building performance. The methodology that will be used is artificial intelligence techniques to optimise the selection of materials and systems in different aspects of the building design. The AI-assisted methodology aims to make the design process more efficient and user-friendly while incorporating all environmental quality and cost-effectiveness objectives. This approach will enable the optimisation of new architectural designs towards scalable Zero Energy Building (ZEB) design in different climates, usages, and building patterns, with the ultimate goal of achieving a zero-emission building stock by 2050. During the project, we will test ZEBAI methodology with four representative demonstrators (located in Ukraine, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands). ZEBAI relies on previously funded European research projects and aligns with several national initiatives in which the partners collaborate.

The process of future proofing the built heritage faces the paradox of needing standardised approaches but having a heterogeneous stock with very specific needs. FUTURHIST will rely on the identification and characterisation of local uniform building typologies, as a lowest common denominator, to develop tailored intervention approaches that can be standardised and replicated in all buildings of that category with minor modifications. The standardised approach will then serve as a basis for the adaptation to other typologies in the same context (climate, regulations, etc.) or even similar typologies (in terms of materials, configuration, etc.) in different contexts. Although considerable progress has been done in recent years in terms of development of materials and solutions compatible with conservation of historic buildings, several challenges remain still open. FUTURHIST will develop both passive and active solutions with a focus on an efficient use of energy and resources, improved wellbeing, enhanced durability, revalorization of existing materials and techniques, integration of renewable energy systems, and smart solutions for decarbonising heating, cooling, and ventilation. Mentioned here, just as examples, be a clay-biochar-insulation, self-healing lime plaster and hybrid original-vacuum glazing. Demonstration is at the core of the project. The solutions developed as well as the approach will be implemented and tested in four cases in Spain, Poland, Sweden, and the UK. The diversity and geographical distribution of the demo cases will ensure the validation under different climates, construction typologies and socio-economic environments. The demo case owners, as members of the consortium, will facilitate a rapid uptake of the results to be implemented in their large portfolios immediately after the completion of the project. Moreover, the involvement of heritage authorities and partnership with ICOMOS and INTBAU will ensure trust and widespread replication

With the objectives of the Green Deal in mind, COSMIC aims to provide IT systems that address large-scale energy resource optimization challenges by leveraging AI and data solutions. It will foster collaboration between small and large companies to create industrial ecosystems, focused on key applications with the potential for substantial and escalable impact. COSMIC´s ecosystems are composed by 1) large-industries - facilitating big datasets and large-scale pilots, 2) core technical partners - providing transversal-to-sector technical solutions, 3) SMEs and start-ups – bringing specific data/AI based assets through open calls. The project will offer a set of data/AI based platforms, solutions and modules as transversal core infrastructures able to accommodate external IT assets. Third Parties, mainly SMEs and start-ups, will bring these assets in the form of data/AI based services and solutions, that are specific-to an energy resources optimization key applications. The integration of these core and application-oriented technologies will result in a set of Integrated AI Systems (IAIS) for Key Energy Resource Optimization Applications capable to scale-up to cover more key applications. COSMIC will test these systems in 14 large-scale pilots in 5 countries: Spain, Belgium, Portugal, France and Finland, and at European level, together with the validation of end-user and final beneficiaries' acceptance of social-science methods. To foster replicability, a package will be offer including the lessons learned and recommendations for future adoption, including suggestions for feasible win-win industrial partnerships, and guidance on ecosystems sustainability. These ambitious objectives will be realized by a consortium of experienced and highly complementary partners from both research institutions, industrial partners, public authorities and NGOs from eight European countries.