EffiComfort: An Innovative Business Model for Energy Efficiency and Occupant Comfort through Integrated Smart Energy Solutions in Public and Residential Buildings

EffiComfort tackles the challenge of decarbonising public and residential buildings while ensuring indoor comfort, particularly for vulnerable users. In Ljubljana, many buildings suffer from poor indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and inefficient energy use. Despite earlier retrofits, the city's progress has slowed, and existing energy models often overlook occupant comfort. Current retrofit models are often static, costly, and detached from user needs.

The project introduces an innovative Comfort-as-a-Service (CaaS) model that integrates energy efficiency measures, smart energy systems and occupant comfort guarantees. Three pilot buildings – a newly built multi-apartment block and two primary schools – will serve as testbeds for CaaS, combining real-time monitoring, performance-based contracts and Thermal Acclimatisation Training (TAT).

EffiComfort aims to validate the CaaS model, sign two contracts (one public & one private), and train 10 Comfort Managers. It will achieve at least 25% energy savings – playing a vital role in achieving the city's carbon neutrality targets – and improve IEQ and user satisfaction. The model is designed to be easily scalable and replicable without major upfront investment, achieving immediate impact and supporting the EU’s energy and social inclusion goals.