RenovActive

RenovActive is a set of scalable and affordable design parameters that can optimise comfort, energy and indoor air quality in homes.  RenovActive has been successfully replicated in several homes in a social housing project in Belgium and a private home in Slovakia.

RenovActive in Anderlecht - a unique demonstration project

The Bon Air renovation project in Anderlecht, Belgium was the first full-scale demonstration of the RenovActive concept. Following the inauguration of the first house in May 2016, local authorities gave permission to implement the renovation concept in 86 similar homes, owned by Le Foyer Anderlechtois.

RenovActive’s building elements include:

• Attic conversion to add space, improve ventilation, and gain light from above

• Increased window area to increase levels of natural light

• Staircase shafts for daylight and ventilation

• Dynamic sun-screening for indoor temperature control and comfort

• Hybrid ventilation systems that combine natural ventilation with automated systems

• Improved thermal envelope to optimize energy performance

• Building extensions to increase space in the home

Fact-based living

RenovActive is based on solid building principles and decades of research on indoor environments and comfort. The results are clear – it works.

A study of the family members living in the RenovActive demonstration house in Belgium revealed considerable health benefits.

Benefits of the RenovActive concept include: 

• Energy bill reductions by up to 50% after renovation

• High levels of indoor comfort

• Cooler indoor temperature during heatwaves

• More daylight, especially in late afternoon and early evening

• Double the light from roof windows, when compared to vertical windows

• Better health and fewer allergy symptoms reported by occupants

• Optimal temperature control, with temperatures in the home staying between 21-26°C 

In collaboration with Active House

The RenovActive concept was created based on ActiveHouse principles and specifications. The Active House Alliance is a broad and well-consolidated partner platform between public, private and industry stakeholders, plus consumers that aims to define tomorrow’s building as a balance between comfort, energy efficiency and low environmental impact. The Alliance has defined a series of technical parameters to guide building designers called the Active House principles. 

Proven effective

The RenovActive concept has proven successful in several homes in Europe.

Brussels, Belgium – In May 2016, the VELUX Group officially opened the RenovActive demonstration house in Brussels. To implement RenovActive, we joined forces with "Le Foyer Anderlechtois", a social housing association which owns 3,740 housing units in Brussels. An 80m² semi-detached house built in the 1920s and in an advanced state of disrepair has been completely renovated for better indoor comfort. 

Sala, Slovakia - The model renovation of a typical square house from the 1970s is inspiring people in Slovakia and other countries nearby about how to affordably renovate their private homes while at the same time achieving a healthier and more energy-efficient living space. The house in Sala was officially inaugurated in September 2019. 

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