First Co-Creation Pilot Workshop in Valencia: A Step Toward Shaping the Future of Building Renovation
On September 16th, the first co-creation pilot workshop took place in Valencia. This event marks the beginning of a series of five workshops that will be held across the project's pilot countries: Ireland, Spain, The Netherlands, Italy, and Greece.
Led by Ideas for Change, the goal of these co-creation sessions is to gather first-hand insights from professionals in the building renovation sector. By applying the Pentagrowth methodology, we encourage participants to envision the future of their industry and identify the actions that need to be taken today to create a thriving and sustainable future.
The Valencia workshop was hosted at the Instituto Valenciano de la Edificación and brought together over 12 key national stakeholders from the building renovation ecosystem, coming from the community of Valencia, Madrid and Barcelona. This diverse group included experts from the financial sector, representatives of consumer associations, real estate professionals, and energy office personnel. We asked them to imagine their ideal future and collaboratively determine the steps necessary to achieve it. They were encouraged to think beyond the constraints of the present and draw on their professional experience to explore how emerging technologies—those expected to become a reality by 2035—could shape their vision.
The discussions sparked a wide range of innovative ideas and explored transformative technologies. Participants emphasized the growing significance of AI, as well as the potential of robots, sensors, drones, and the role of open data in reshaping the building renovation sector. A key focus of the workshop was on six critical aspects of renovation: Building Diagnosis, Improvement of the Building Envelope, Heating and Cooling Systems, Integration of Renewable Energy and Storage, Water and Ventilation Efficiency, and Exterior and Sustainability Enhancements.
Participants shared valuable insights from their daily interactions with private owners, suppliers, and consumers. A common consensus emerged that, in the future, building renovation costs are expected to decrease as new technologies and materials become more affordable. These advancements will not only reduce costs but also simplify professional workflows. Following this line, many stakeholders highlighted the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence, particularly in the form of in-home sensors. These sensors could assess energy performance at multiple levels—not just within the home, but also across the entire building and neighborhood. They envisioned a future where these systems provide daily updates with key performance indicators and actionable recommendations, enabling users to take real-time steps toward achieving their sustainability and energy goals.
The session concluded with a thought-provoking discussion on the future of the Building Renovation Passport. Participants considered what this tool should look like and how it could effectively serve not only professionals across the renovation sector but also private building owners. They emphasized the importance of making the decision-making process more straightforward and accessible, ensuring that the Passport provides clear, actionable insights for all stakeholders. The ultimate aim is for this tool to empower users with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate complex renovations, fostering more sustainable and efficient building practices.
This session is the first of many. The next co-creation workshop is scheduled to take place in Ireland in November. Each session aims to gather relevant insights from different professional groups across the pilot countries. These findings will be shared with the entire consortium, ensuring that the Building Renovation Passport currently being developed includes the essential information needed for stakeholders to benefit from it.
