The SUSTAIN Open Call is addressed only to legally established and registered SMEs (including start-ups), according to the criteria set by the EU as defined in the EU Recommendation 2003/361) and declare their SME status in accordance with the SME definition of the European Union.

The SUSTAIN Open Calls provides financial support to SMEs for developing new products, services or methods addressing the smart building construction challenges. The call is adapted to two maturity technology readiness levels: Innovation support (Gold Awards) [TRL 4-6] and Go-to-Market support (Silver Awards) [TRL 7-8], according to the maturity of the solution to be developed (please see below section “c. Types of experiments”). The proposed projects must be aligned with at least one of the following topics (in case of selecting more than one topic, the applicant has to mention which one is the main topic):

1. Smart Readiness Indicators (SRI) coupled with Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies could provide automated solutions for the design, analysis, simulation, control, diagnosis, and provision of dependable energy in the building industry. Advanced tools developed by AI technologies would be capable of allocating energy resources as well as managing supply and demand to ensure the efficiency and the cost-effective operation of buildings’ operations. The smart energy-efficient buildings constitute the elemental level at which the benefits of AI would be materialized. The much greater benefits lie ahead as smart buildings integrated with AI into connected communities will be able to interact in real time through the power and water grids. The path to this is traced in coupling Smart Readiness Indicator’s (SRI) recent advances with AI technologies. By empowering software applications to analyze large datasets by identifying patterns, detecting anomalies, and making precise predictions, AI can create further revenue opportunities for smart buildings.

2. Smart Readiness Indicators (SRI) coupled with Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR)

Technology-based ICT programs and tools change the approach that companies adopt for project development, encompassing design, planning, and execution phases. Cutting-edge software, hardware, and analytical tools effectively address challenges that have hindered the construction industry for years. These advancements alleviate issues related to project design and communication, which have historically posed significant obstacles. Thus, in order to enhance smart construction technologies and project management, various combinations of computer-generated content and reality, including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are proposed to support Smart Readiness Indicators (SRI).

3. Smart Readiness Indicators (SRI) coupled with Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Building information modeling (BIM) is widely regarded as the most important tool for advancing the building industry. Multiple disciplines can be combined into one model, known as the BIM model, using BIM. Examples of such disciplines include structural design, architectural design, MEP details, and many more. Building design, operation, and lifecycle management are improved by integrating Smart Readiness Indicators with BIM. This combination makes it possible to maximize energy efficiency, find opportunities for the integration of smart technologies, and give useful information to everyone involved in the building's lifecycle.

4. Smart Readiness Indicators (SRI) coupled with Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

Potential synergies between the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) and the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) include the potential for a joint assessment process, which has the potential to significantly lower overall assessment costs; a shared logic regarding the primary intervention moment that has the greatest potential to stimulate an upgrade in a building's capabilities (when changing ownership or occupancy); and the potential to share a communication platform (e.g., potentially integrating SRI information into an EPC).

5. Smart Readiness Indicators (SRI) coupled with Building Energy Management System (BEMS)

The Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) should raise awareness amongst building owners and occupants of the value behind building automation and electronic monitoring of technical building systems and should give confidence to occupants about the actual savings of those new enhanced functionalities. Combining the Smart Readiness Indicator with a Building Energy Management System (BEMS) improves buildings' potential to exploit smart technology, optimize energy efficiency, increase occupant comfort, and integrate with upcoming trends such as demand response and renewable energy integration.

6. Smart Readiness Indicators (SRI) coupled with Internet of Things (IoT)

The integration of Smart Readiness Indicators (SRI) with Internet of Things (IoT) technologies can enable enhanced monitoring, control, and automation of building systems. By leveraging IoT devices and sensors, buildings can collect real-time data on various parameters such as occupancy, energy consumption, indoor air quality, and environmental conditions. The SRI coupled with IoT can provide valuable insights for optimizing energy usage, improving occupant comfort, and identifying maintenance or efficiency improvement opportunities in buildings.

7. Smart Readiness Indicators (SRI) coupled with Methodologies and Tools to Support Positive Energy Buildings (PEB) Construction/Renovation

Positive energy buildings can have a significant contribution to the efforts for mitigating climate change, by providing also the surrounding community with renewable energy, while ensuring a good living and working environment for its own occupants. Potential synergies between the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) would allow to rate the PEB in terms of its smart readiness. The rating would show the capacity of the buildings in terms of their readiness to adopt and integrate future technologies such as electric vehicles, renewables, energy storage for flexibility and demand-side management, etc. Similarly, this would also show the ability of the building to adapt according to the occupant’s requirements, improve the energy efficiency and optimize the systems, and adapt according to external signals for instance from the grid, to improve the energy flexibility of the building.

Opening date: 01/09/2023. 

Deadline: 01/11/2023, 17:00 Brussels time. 

SMEs must apply via the following link: https://sustain-digital.iti.gr/

Only proposals that will be submitted through the online submission tool within the deadline. On the above link you can also find the Guidelines of the SUSTAIN Open Calls.

For any enquiries regarding information and / or clarifications about the present call for proposals, please send an email to [email protected]

For technical issues concerning the submission procedure, please contact [email protected]