Almost three quarters of the EU's building stock is not energy efficient. There is an urgent need to catch up in order to achieve the climate targets that have been set. The Energy Efficiency Potentials (DEEP) demonstrator is intended to enable both experts and non-experts alike to recognise the potential of energy-efficient renovations more quickly and easily and thus make more informed decisions for their buildings.

Arup developed the Energy Efficiency Potentials (DEEP) demonstrator on behalf of the Competence Centre for Energy Efficiency and Digitalisation (KEDi) of the German Energy Agency(dena). The haptic model is designed in the style of apartment blocks from the 1950s and 1960s. By making small structural adjustments, such as switching on individual elements that represent typical refurbishment measures, users can play through various scenarios of energy refurbishment.

Play through scenarios, understand connections

DEEP combines physical and digital components and is based on a comprehensive selection of predefined, GEG-compliant and dynamic energy simulations. The modular building components are equipped with sensors that allow users to choose from 16 refurbishment scenarios that represent typical refurbishment progress. The scenarios include a photovoltaic system on the roof, insulation of the building envelope, digital measures for heating operation and switching from gas heating to alternatives such as heat pumps or district heating. The changed values for energy consumption and costs are then shown in real time on a touch display. The values can be broken down into annual, monthly and daily consumption. This information helps to better understand the various options for energy-efficient refurbishment and thus to make more informed decisions.

We received support in the development of the terminal building block model from the Berlin-based Bryx Agency, a specialised marketing and communications agency. In a total of six residential units, small model people live in the house made of more than 20,000 Klembau bricks. All living areas and technical details are attractively designed and decorated. Five optical and mechanical sensors and two microcontrollers control the functions, supplemented by an electronic control panel.

A model of a house.
A model of a house.

The Energy Efficiency Potentials (DEEP) demonstrator can be used to make well-founded decisions on the decarbonisation of buildings.

A shelf with toys on it.

The house, which is made from over 20,000 clamp-on bricks, is inhabited by little model people in a total of six residential units.

A close-up of a game board.

There are 16 refurbishment scenarios to choose from, reflecting typical refurbishment progress.

A group of people standing outside.

Whenever possible, DEEP is presented to interested visitors at major events.

A person holding a box.

Arup developed DEEP on behalf of the Competence Centre for Energy Efficiency and Digitalisation (KEDi) of the German Energy Agency (dena).

A toy house on a table.

In terms of design, the haptic model echoes the style of apartment blocks from the 1950s and 1960s.

Recognising potential

In a second, directly linked project phase, the product was transferred to a freely accessible web version DEEP.digital for the public. Users can familiarise themselves with the model in a 60-minute webinar with a specialist or can directly access the tool themselves.

The Energy Efficiency Potentials demonstrator helps to dispel existing concerns about energy-efficient refurbishments and enables users to make informed decisions for their buildings.

Digital technologies can make a major contribution to increasing energy efficiency in the building sector. We see great opportunities in jointly expanding this innovative tool and making it accessible to a wider audience.

Dr Marcus Rackel

Building team leader at KEDi

Partners & collaborators

Bryx Agency, Berlin