BRAINED: Bridging Design and Operation for Smarter, Energy-Efficient Buildings

BRAINED, a standout project awarded in the first SUSTAIN Eurocluster Open Call, is setting a new standard in evaluating the energy performance of buildings from design through to operation. Developed by the Hellenic Passive House Institute (HPHI) in collaboration with IoT startup DOMX, BRAINED leverages real-time monitoring and advanced planning to ensure buildings operate as efficiently as they were designed.

This innovative approach integrates real-time data collection (courtesy of DOMX) with meticulous design planning (from HPHI), allowing for a comprehensive assessment of both the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) throughout the building’s lifecycle. The result is an advanced quality assurance tool that evaluates energy efficiency based on both design and operational data.

BRAINED is poised to have a significant impact on the built environment, particularly in the field of smart, energy-efficient buildings. As a “one-stop” service, it combines energy monitoring and management IoT solutions with add-ons for building design, offering a streamlined user interface that is both cost-effective and scalable.

This unique tool is particularly suited for Positive Energy Building (PEB) construction and renovation projects, where integrating renewable energy and smart energy management systems can further optimize performance. By ensuring that buildings perform as designed, BRAINED helps drive sustainability in the construction sector.

Looking ahead, BRAINED aims to test its solution across a variety of building types—including Positive Energy Buildings, passive houses, and older, legacy structures. The ultimate goal is to commercialize the platform as a comprehensive solution for designing, monitoring, and optimizing building performance, while seamlessly incorporating EPC and SRI evaluations.