Researching the technical, social & economic factors impacting the energy performance of Smart Buildings (Built4People Partnership)

Overview

Funding for research projects investigating the technical, social, and economic factors that influence energy performance in smart buildings, with a focus on user behavior, inclusivity, and whole-life cycle impacts. Targets consortia addressing barriers to adoption across diverse demographic and building types.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities (e.g., research institutions, universities, SMEs, public bodies, industry) established in eligible countries. Involvement of SSH (Social Sciences and Humanities) experts is mandatory.

Funding Details

• Total budget: €93,000,000
• Funding type: Lump-sum grants (exact amounts per project not specified)
• Co-funding: Not required (100% funding rate for eligible costs)

What Is Funded

• Research on user interaction with smart building systems, including behavioral, social, and economic factors affecting energy performance.
• Validation of findings in at least three building categories (e.g., residential, commercial, social housing) across different Member States/Associated Countries.
• Development of actionable recommendations for stakeholders (e.g., architects, facility managers, equipment providers) to improve smart building design and operation.
• Contributions to the Built4People Partnership’s objectives, including knowledge transfer to innovation clusters and reporting on Built4People KPIs.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• TRL range: 7–9 (system prototype demonstration in operational environment to actual system proven in operational conditions).

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-05-04
• Deadline: 2026-09-14

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal.
• Proposals must adhere to page limits and templates outlined in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.

Post-Award Obligations

• Reporting on Built4People KPIs and knowledge transfer to the Built4People network of innovation clusters.
• Compliance with lump-sum grant rules, including financial and operational reporting.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States, Associated Countries (e.g., Norway, Iceland, UK, Switzerland), and select non-EU/non-Associated Countries with specific funding provisions.
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Projects must integrate SSH disciplines and address inclusivity across demographic groups (e.g., age, gender, socioeconomic status).
• Use of Copernicus/Galileo/EGNOS data is mandatory if satellite-based services are employed.
• The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as a zero-funding beneficiary or associated partner.