Access knowledge generated within the GreeNest project authored by our consortium members

Publications

GreeNest: NEST Ingrained Ecosystem for Zero Emission Buildings

European Energy Innovation Magazine

This article explores the GreeNest project’s mission to revolutionise sustainable construction by integrating biogenic materials, renewable energy systems, and innovative smart envelope designs. With solutions such as the EcoTechWall, Heat-Harvest Window, and GreenWall, the project aims to reduce embodied carbon emissions by 50% and operational emissions by 60%. By emphasising circular design, digitisation, and local supply chains, GreeNest supports EU climate goals, creating adaptable, low-emission buildings that enhance comfort, biodiversity, and energy efficiency across Europe.

Taťáková A.; Koláčková I. GreeNest: NEST Ingrained Ecosystem for Zero Emission Buildings. European Energy Innovation Magazine.

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Multi-Criteria Assessment of Energy Systems at an Office Building

19th Advanced Building Skins Conference

This article, presented at the Advanced Building Skins 2024 conference, examines the evaluation of 216 different retrofit scenarios that combine passive and active energy systems for an existing office building. The study assesses each case based on four key performance indicators: primary energy consumption, CO₂ emissions, net present cost (NPC), and thermal comfort. Using the PROMETHEE method for multi-criteria decision analysis, the optimal solutions are identified under varying weighting schemes. The results provide valuable insights for designing low-carbon, cost-effective, and comfortable buildings that align with EU climate targets.

Machaira A.E., Manolitsis A., Atsonios I., Founti M. Multi-Criteria Assessment of Energy Systems at an Office Building, Advanced Building Skins 2024, Bern, Switzerland

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KA-RZ: A Sustainable Building Material Made from Coffee Grounds

Press release

This article introduces KA-RZ, an innovative insulating material developed by GreeNest partner K-MÄLEON, made from recycled coffee grounds. By combining organic residues with a natural foaming agent, KA-RZ achieves strong thermal performance through a low-energy, room-temperature process. At least 50% of its composition comes from waste coffee, supporting circularity and reducing the carbon footprint. As one of GreeNest’s Standardised Packages, KA-RZ demonstrates how everyday waste can be transformed into scalable, sustainable building solutions.

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Towards Zero Emissions Buildings: Bio-Based Prefabricated Façade Solutions

Scientific publication

This article presents a multi-criteria assessment of a timber-framed prefabricated façade system designed to support the transition toward Zero Emission Buildings (ZEB). The study evaluates different insulation materials—bio-based, mineral and high-performance—by combining energy performance simulations, life-cycle assessment, life-cycle cost analysis and thermal comfort indicators. Results highlight the strong potential of bio-based insulation materials, which offer a balanced combination of low embodied carbon, cost efficiency and indoor comfort, demonstrating their suitability for sustainable deep renovation strategies in residential buildings.

Gerogiannis P.A.; Katsigiannis E.; Manolitsis A.; Atsonios I.; Founti M.

IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, Sustainable Built Environment Conference 2025, Zurich.