Powerfactory

Key results

Key lessons learned

1. We contacted 273 social housing companies, after which we selected four for feasibility studies: Dijledal (Leuven), GMH Beveren, Elk Zijn Huis (Tervuren) and Woonhaven (Antwerp). Elk Zijn Huis and GMH Beveren became our pilot projects. 
2. In GMH Beveren, electric heating was initially decentralised. There we developed a central system based on heat pumps and heat pump boilers in combination with PV panels. 
3. Elk Zijn Huis in Tervuren faced a whole series of technical and structural problems. There, in collaboration with the architects of A33, we worked out a comprehensive energetic and structural renovation. 
4. The partnership with the various project partners was successful. By working together on a concrete project, we exchanged a lot of specialised knowledge on circular materials and performance-based contracts.

1. It was a challenge to convince building partners of the benefits of performance-based and circular energy renovations. This project has helped spread information about those benefits and increased market confidence. 
2. One of our goals is to offer SHMs a low-cost and reliable alternative to a traditional energy-saving project. However, since the occupants of these buildings already pay a social tariff for their energy, it is almost impossible to propose an even more advantageous price. 
3. We have significantly increased our knowledge of change management projects specifically for social housing. This may also allow us to convince interested building partners more quickly in the future. 
4. To offer heat and comfort as a service, it is crucial that we involve the entire chain in the design. Unfortunately, present public procurement legislation currently offers few opportunities here.