CoolLIFE project: a unique tool for cooling buildings
The CoolLIFE Project was set up on November 8th last year and is a promising initiative included in the European LIFE CET (Clean Energy Transition) programme, the primary objective of which is to meet increased demand for modernisation work related to cooling buildings more effectively.
Its main purpose is to create an innovative open-source tool which will provide a single point of reference for both private citizens and public organisations who are looking for information regarding the modernisation work mentioned above.
Problems, solutions and new technologies for cooling buildings
Factors such as the rise in global temperatures and constant increases in utility costs, especially gas and electricity, are leading more and more people to explore alternative methods to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, offices or other buildings.
Despite this trend being good for the environment, the task of managing such a huge number of requests for the installation of cooling systems in buildings can be quite complicated. Furthermore, as this is quite a recent topic, many people struggle to access reliable information.
The CoolLIFE project is part of this (chaotic) context and, as mentioned above, aims to resolve these issues with maximum efficiency. In order to operate successfully, it relies on seven different European partners, coordinated, for the first time, by a local all-Italian institution.
In addition to constant promotion of the most recent, optimal and advantageous technologies available for the heating (whether natural or otherwise) of buildings, the team’s primary objectives include providing the opportunity for those interested to obtain a detailed summary of the financial and legal aspects of the various solutions.
As far as the operational steps of the project are concerned, it begins with a preliminary phase, involving the mapping of requests relating to buildings measuring a minimum of one hectare (1ha = 100m x 100m), using an open-source tool, created on an ad hoc basis and easily operated by less experienced users.
Next comes the second phase, which includes the formulation of customised solutions for the client, according to factors such as the size of the building, its geographic location, average seasonal temperatures and a series of other features which are carefully analysed by experts.
The CoolLIFE project is not only for clients
Considering that one of the main services offered by the CoolLIFE project is to provide information, the programme will be developed to include a so-called ‘awareness hub’: an online archive of reliable, balanced sources which have been verified, with plenty of exhaustive answers to questions asked by those interested in systems for cooling buildings.
While the main focus will be the clients, it should be noted that this initiative will also play an important parallel role in the wider European decarbonisation programme. This is a crucial detail, especially in light of the fact that heating and air conditioning systems in buildings account for half of the EU’s total energy consumption.
Thanks to the data collected via the applications for building modernisation work, it will be possible to gain a more detailed picture of the current situation in the Old Continent. This will enable experts to create solutions and initiatives based on the use of the local renewable energy potential and reduce dependency on fossil fuels and foreign suppliers.
Of course, this tool will have to be approved by all the partners involved, but there several case studies have already been prepared and will be carried out in southern, central and northern Europe in order to provide precise information which will form a starting point for energy efficiency assessments. The next few months are likely to bring further developments.
Translated by Joanne Beckwith
