University communities for the green/digital renovation of public buildings

In the face of climate change and energy crises, the renovation of existing buildings is an adaptation imperative. Despite ambitious policies, effective progress is hindered by a limited focus on financial returns, neglecting the broader social and environmental dimensions of renovations. This paper presents a university-driven Living Lab methodology experimenting with Digital Twins to foster collaboration and engagement in the co-design of ambitious renovation projects for public buildings. Tested in a pilot project site in a historical context, the research demonstrates the potential to optimise renovation processes and outcomes. Results highlight the transformative impact of the methodology, while addressing challenges for scaling up and replication.