TEPLO: Efficient bio-based renovation
The TEPLO project is retrofitting a Soviet-era apartment building in Nizhyn, Ukraine with rapid-install, bio-based prefabricated panels to improve energy efficiency and resident comfort.
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Ukraine’s housing sector faces serious energy efficiency challenges. About 85% of residential buildings were built before 1990 using outdated codes, making them highly inefficient. These buildings require significant heating to stay livable during winter, putting considerable pressure on Ukraine’s energy system, which relies heavily on coal and gas. The ongoing Russian aggression further threatens the stability of this infrastructure. This urgent situation calls for a new approach to housing renovation — one that is sustainable, efficient, and resilient while addressing the country’s energy vulnerabilities.
TEPLO aims to address two interconnected aspects: demonstrating a circular renovation and empowering key stakeholders. At its core, the project involves upgrading the thermal insulation of a Soviet-era brick residential building in Nizhyn, Chernihiv Region. The renovation will use prefabricated bio-based materials and adapt proven methods from other countries to the Ukrainian context. This building will serve as a living model, demonstrating how ecological retrofits can reduce energy consumption, decrease dependence on fossil fuels, and improve the comfort and well-being of residents.
A key feature of the project is involving the building’s co-owners throughout the process. From the design phase to implementation, their participation ensures the renovation meets residents' needs and fosters a sense of ownership and the ability to manage and maintain the upgraded building.
Beyond the physical renovation, TEPLO prioritizes knowledge transfer and capacity building to reduce barriers to circular renovations and encourage wider adoption. Through targeted training programs, the project will equip architects, engineers, and homeowners' associations (OSBB) with the tools and expertise needed to replicate circular renovation practices.
TEPLO represents an opportunity to explore how locally sourced, bio-based materials and innovative renovation methods can help address Ukraine’s energy challenges. While the project focuses on creating a model for sustainable building upgrades, it also aims to contribute to a wider conversation about energy efficiency, circular construction, and community engagement in the country.
Our Aim
The overall project aim is to improve residents' well-being by ecologically insulating the building, increasing energy efficiency, and promoting circular construction practices in Ukraine.
We expect this initiative to set an example for resource-efficient renovations that reduce emissions and waste.
Our Technology
Pre-fabricated panels offer an innovative insulation solution for apartment buildings, providing efficient and effective thermal performance. These panels are designed to be installed quickly and seamlessly, improving energy efficiency and comfort for residents.
About the Pilot Building
The pilot building for our project is a 1936 residential structure in Nizhyn, Chernihiv region, Ukraine. Built from brick, it has two stories and two entrances, embodying the design priorities of its time.
However, it was not built to meet modern energy efficiency standards. This makes it an excellent candidate to demonstrate how older buildings can be upgraded to meet contemporary standards for energy performance and circularity.
Meet the Consortium
We’re committed to inspiring the widespread adoption of resource-efficient, agile renovation approaches, advancing circular construction practices, and improving residents' comfort
Founded in France, Neo-Eco has 16 years of experience in the circular economy, eco-materials, and waste management at a national and international level with over 300 projects in 21 countries
Matek is the oldest and most experienced prefabricated timber frame house producer in Estonia
ReThink is a Ukrainian circular economy expert organization committed to leveraging the most advanced global practices for the green reconstruction of Ukraine
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Ro3kvit is a coalition of over 100 professionals from Ukraine and beyond who unite to create knowledge and methodologies for rebuilding Ukraine’s urban and rural areas and infrastructure
