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.
Ukraine's housing stock, largely built before 1990, is a legacy of energy inefficiency. The ongoing Russian aggression has intensified energy vulnerabilities, raising a critical question: How can we retrofit these buildings to be energy-efficient, comfortable, and sustainable? Could bio-based prefabricated insulation be the solution? If we successfully demonstrate a renovation pilot and equip architects, engineers, political decision makers and homeowners' associations (HOAs) with the necessary knowledge and tools, could we ignite a nationwide transformation in the housing sector?
To address this challenge, we have launched the TEPLO project – the thermal bio-based renovation of a Soviet residential building in Ukraine. ReThink, Neo-Eco, Matek AS, and Ro3kvit Urban Coalition for Ukraine have formed a consortium to launch a pioneering initiative dedicated to renovating an old brick building in the Chernihiv region in Ukraine. The overall project aim is to improve residents' well-being by ecologically insulating the building, increasing energy efficiency, and spreading circular construction practices in Ukraine as an exemplary model. Guided by New European Bauhaus principles, we prioritize circular construction, aesthetic appeal, and community involvement to create a more sustainable and inclusive living environment.
We aim to upgrade an outdated and inefficient structure in Ukraine, using prefabricated bio-based panels, to showcase how circular innovation can maximize energy efficiency and enhance resident well-being. Through the building’s renovation, we seek to reduce energy consumption, bring cost savings for the residents, and decrease reliance on fossil fuels.
In addition to the renovation, the project will develop training programs for homeowners' associations (OSBB) and construction professionals, along with comprehensive guidelines. These resources will help extend the knowledge and practices from TEPLO to other projects, highlight the potential of prefabrication and bio-based materials in Ukraine, and drive the adoption of circular renovations.
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.
Panelka 2.0 is the official title of our project, while TEPLO is used for public communication.
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. Expanding prefabricated circular apartment renovations will allow for faster, more sustainable upgrades that reduce energy use and provide economic, social, and environmental benefits, while also strengthening Ukraine's energy independence.
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.
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. Expanding prefabricated circular apartment renovations will allow for faster, more sustainable upgrades that reduce energy use and provide economic, social, and environmental benefits, while also strengthening Ukraine's energy independence.
We’re committed to inspiring the widespread adoption of resource-efficient, agile renovation approaches, advancing circular construction practices, and improving residents' comfort