HOUSEFUL is a European project aimed at transforming the housing sector towards a circular economy. Launched in 2018 and concluding in 2023, it brings together a consortium of sixteen partners from various fields to develop and demonstrate integrated systemic services for efficient management of water, waste, energy, and material resources in buildings.
The project focuses on four demo sites in Austria and Spain, including social housing buildings, to test its circular solutions under different scenarios. These solutions are designed to reduce resource consumption, waste, and greenhouse gas emissions, while promoting recycling and energy efficiency. For example, HOUSEFUL aims to reduce non-renewable primary energy consumption by up to 50% and CO2 emissions by up to 60%.
Key to HOUSEFUL's approach is the co-creation process with stakeholders, including housing providers, construction companies, and residents. This collaborative effort ensures that the solutions are practical and adaptable to various contexts. The project also engages with ten European follower buildings to replicate its results and maximize impact.
Housing Europe, the European Federation of Public, Cooperative & Social Housing, is a key partner in HOUSEFUL, helping to identify and engage with follower projects and develop financing plans and policy recommendations. Through its comprehensive approach, HOUSEFUL seeks to make a significant contribution to the European Union's environmental and economic goals, particularly in reducing waste and emissions in the housing sector.