Circular Reno

Modular Bio-Based Circular Solutions in Housing Retrofit

Circular Reno is an EU Interreg NW project seeking to develop agri-crop to bio-based construction material supply chains with a focus on pilot demonstration of modular bio-based circular solutions in deep energy housing retrofit.

Circular Reno: Advancing Bio-based & Recycled Solutions for Deep Energy Retrofits

At KORE Retrofit, we’re proud to be part of Circular Reno, a pioneering initiative focused on reducing carbon-intensive raw materials in construction not just in new builds, but also in the fast-growing retrofit market across North-West Europe (NWE).

Circular Reno is developing four scalable deep energy retrofit packages for façades and roofs, designed for both collective and individual housing. These systems incorporate a diverse mix of biobased materials—including straw, wood, biopolymers, and miscanthus offering sustainable alternatives that are locally sourced and circular by design.

The retrofit packages will be deployed across four pilot sites, upgrading 88 social housing units. These real-world applications will help demonstrate scalability and encourage public authorities to foster better market conditions for circular construction.

To supply the materials for these innovative systems, Circular Reno is establishing six place-based, cost-effective value chains. These involve:

  • Local farmers growing bio-based raw materials

  • Prefab construction manufacturers

  • Builders and contractors

  • Social housing organisations

  • Public authorities

The project spans four countries: Netherlands (3 sites), Ireland, France, and Germany—each contributing to a transnational network of collaboration.

To support widespread adoption, Circular Reno will develop modelling and decision-making tools for stakeholders across the value chain. We’ll also host:

  • Farm, factory, and retrofit site visits

  • Workshops and training sessions

  • A dedicated MOOC (Massive Open Online Course)

These activities will be rolled out across Belgium, Germany, France, Ireland, and the Netherlands to build momentum and ensure broad engagement.

Circular Reno is also driving change at the policy level. We’re working to:

  • Improve building regulations at regional, national, and EU levels

  • Evaluate the economic value of carbon storage

  • Develop forecasting tools to guide sustainable material choices for policymakers

The project is powered by a diverse consortium of partners from five NWE countries:

  • 4 market development teams

  • 4 social housing organisations

  • 4 industrial SMEs

  • 4 expert facilitators

Together, we’re reshaping the retrofit landscape making homes healthier, more energy-efficient, and better for the planet.

Project: NWE0100144 CIRCULAR RENO
Project Acronym: Circular Reno
Project Name: Developing biobased & recycled / reused material solutions for retrofit
Project Coordinator: Building Balance
Project Duration: 2023 to 2026
Project Website: https://circularreno.nweurope.eu/

Funded by Interreg North-West Europe and Co-funded by the European Union.

Events

Circular Reno in Ireland is being lead by KORE Retrofit in partnership with Tuath Housing Association

Work Package 1

WP 1 is seeking to develop an action plan for the sector, demonstration of biomass materials and modular construction systems and possible supply chain development

Work Package 2

WP 2 is undertaking deep energy retrofit of 10 social houses using lightweight modularised construction plug and play over-cladding solutions utilising bio-based foam insulation.

Work Package 3

WP 3 is to support and develop the transition to agri-crop bio-based materials and construction in an Irish context, via market enhancements, regulatory development and training and dissemination

WP1 Introduction

Under Work Package 1, the Irish team are seeking to develop the application of agri crops to construction materials via demonstration, action planning and possibly supply chain development, focusing on straw, miscanthus and hemp. This work package is envisaged to support stakeholders in developing knowledge of agri-crop to biomass construction material solutions with potential commercial and business opportunities for the sector including carbon farming and trading benefits.

WP1

Work Package 1 Aims

Action planning:

Working with a multi-stakeholder network to develop an action plan for the sector toward developing a variable agri-crop to biomass supply chains.

Supply Chain Development:

Working with grower groups and engaged stakeholders toward developing particular agri-crops to biomass construction supply chains.

Demonstration:

Design, development, testing of pilot - mock up modularised construction panels from agri-crops bio-based materials - straw, miscanthus and hemp.

Work Package 1 Context

The agricultural sector is undergoing significant change with a drive toward more sustainable low carbon farming with opportunities in farm diversification and carbon trading. The construction sector is also in transition with a drive towards zero energy buildings, retrofitting the building stock and decarbonisation of the sector.

This is creating demand for low carbon and carbon sequestering construction materials which provides commercial opportunities for development of bio-based construction materials from agricultural resources.

Work Package 1 Developments

There are a number of EU projects seeking to support agri-crop supply chains, including to develop construction materials, such as:

In addition, a number of member states are supporting the development of specific supply chains including Italy and the Netherlands.

Work Package 1 Agri-Crop Bio-Based Constructions

There has been significant research and development of bio-based construction materials and solutions, including modular construction applications. There are several materials, products and systems available on the market.

Straw

Miscanthus

Hemp

Meet the Team