EDIH-EBE, European Digital Innovation Hub – Energy in the Built Environment

The guide to the digital transformation of energy applications in the construction sector

Buildings in Flanders account for 32 percent of CO2 emissions. While reducing those emissions is a challenge, it also creates plenty of opportunities. For instance, embracing digital technologies – such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT) and cyber security – is essential to move towards more sustainable energy systems. Those technologies not only play a role in driving energy production, energy storage, and energy demand, but also in ensuring greater energy efficiency in construction and renovation processes. Digital technologies are also rapidly revealing applications in buildings for users, such as smart meters and charging stations.

European Digital Innovation Hub

The EDIH-EBE, European Digital Innovation Hub Energy in the Built Environment, is a centralised digital-physical access point or‘one-stop-hub’for start-ups, SMEs, and public sector organisations that are working with energy applications in the construction sector.

The aim of the hub is to support them in a successful digital transformation within the energy scope at building and district levels. To achieve this, the project offers various services, such as events, courses, bespoke advice, test facilities and guidance, support for finding investments and international collaboration. Many of these services are free of charge, others at heavily discounted prices.

Limburg as a base

The province of Limburg is EDIH-EBE’s base of operations. EnergyVille is Limburg’s unique and renowned innovation hub of European excellence, where research is carried out on sustainable energy and intelligent systems. This innovation hub, situated at Thor Park, provides an appealing environment for energy research, industrial project development, and business creation.  Thanks to EDIH-EBE, SMEs and other organisations can use these services at a preferential rate. What’s more, Limburg is rich in training capacity and incubators with and established ecosystem and connected networks.

European Digital Innovation Hub – Energy in the built Environment (EDIH EBE), project no. 101083326. Financed by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Digital Europe Programme. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for the above. The project is given additional support from the city of Genk, the province of Limburg, climate company Nuhma, and the executive project partners. The services offered are subject to de minimis legislation on state aid.