HeriTACE – Future-proofing Heritage Buildings by Optimising Comfort and Energy in Time and Space

HeriTACE is a EU project aimed at developing and demonstrating a holistic renovation approach for heritage buildings. It seeks to balance the preservation of cultural value with modern sustainability and comfort standards. 

HeriTACE’s key goals

1. Preserve Heritage Value
2. Improve Indoor Environmental Quality
3. Enhance Energy Efficiency
4. Increase Use of Renewable and Residual Energy
5. Promote Sustainability and Circularity
6. Boost Cost-Effectiveness and Affordability.

HeriTACE applies its renovation strategy across three interconnected scales, without compromising the heritage value within each of these levels and from a holistic viewpoint: 

• Component Level – Upgrading individual building systems and materials.
• Building Level – Implementing integrated solutions for the entire structure.
• Neighbourhood Level – Aligning renovations with local energy systems and community needs. 

Cases from Ghent, Tallinn, Trondheim, and Mantua

The project uses an interdisciplinary and multi-method approach. It addresses cases of neighborhoods and buildings in Ghent (Belgium), Tallinn (Estonia), Trondheim (Norway), and Mantua (Italy).

Fieldwork and technical measurements are conducted in these areas. The project also includes heritage value assessments, analyses, user interviews, and neighborhood analyses. Modeling is used to map opportunities and user needs. The goal is to develop scenarios and solutions for energy efficiency and increased sustainability without destroying the heritage values of buildings and neighborhoods.

The project is led by the University of Ghent/Arnold Janssens and Eline Himpe, Belgium. International project website: HeriTACE

Project manager for NIKU’s contribution, and work package manager for WP5 is Cecilie Flyen from NIKU.