As building renovation projects grow more complex, the need for digital tools that can manage workflows, coordinate stakeholders, and support data-driven decisions has never been greater. Within the ENSNARE project, the DP4ER platform — Digital Platform for Energy Renovation — is being developed to respond to this challenge. Its purpose is to streamline the renovation process through structured communication protocols, integrated data collection and visualisation, and user-centric design.
To ensure DP4ER meets real-world needs, a comprehensive validation process was launched across ENSNARE’s pilot sites. This in-depth assessment not only tested the platform’s technical robustness but also its usability, effectiveness in communication, and ability to support informed decision-making.
Why Validate DP4ER?
The DP4ER platform is designed to support energy renovation projects from early design through technical implementation. To ensure it meets the needs of real-world stakeholders — including design teams, manufacturers, municipalities, and energy service providers — a rigorous validation methodology was deployed. This included iterative expert consultations, digital tool testing, and stakeholder interviews and focus groups across multiple ENSNARE pilot sites.
A Methodology Built on Collaboration
The validation approach was structured around three key pillars:
- Analysis of Platform Specifications and Workflows
Initial validation efforts focused on the DP4ER’s technical foundation: platform specifications, workflow structures, and coordination protocols. A particular emphasis was placed on addressing common communication and coordination bottlenecks in renovation projects. - Tool Development and Workflow Optimization
Based on this analysis, digital tools were implemented and refined to improve interface usability, information flow clarity, and integration across renovation stages. The goal? A responsive and intuitive platform that supports stakeholders from initial concept to detailed design. - Stakeholder and Expert Assessment
Between March 2023 and May 2025, structured technical sessions brought together stakeholders from Tartu, Sofia, Sassa Scalo, and project partners like TECNALIA, ABUD, RIVENTI, and others. These sessions evaluated platform usability, communication efficiency, and the platform’s support for decision-making at different renovation phases.
What We Learned
A structured set of evaluation criteria and metrics guided the validation process, focusing on:
- Communication effectiveness: Did the platform help stakeholders exchange information quickly and clearly?
- Workflow usability: Was it intuitive to use and did it reflect real project dynamics?
- Decision-making support: Could users make better decisions using the data and tools provided?
- User experience: Was the platform accessible and satisfactory for a variety of users?
The results revealed both strengths and opportunities for improvement. For instance:
- Manufacturers requested clearer visibility of technical constraints early in the process.
- Energy service providers highlighted the importance of visualising energy performance data at different renovation stages.
- Municipalities appreciated the structured coordination protocol, which made it easier to engage with design teams and track project milestones.
These insights directly informed the next development iterations of the platform.
Iteration in Action: Refining DP4ER
One of the major strengths of the DP4ER validation process was its iterative nature. Feedback collected during interviews and workshops was not stored for future versions — it was used immediately to guide the next development sprint. Improvements were rapidly implemented and then tested again with the same or new stakeholders.
For example, following the first technical session with the ABUD design team and RIVENTI in late 2024, the platform’s communication workflow module was adjusted to better support parallel interactions between manufacturers and architects. By the second technical session in May 2025, participants reported a noticeable improvement in coordination speed and clarity.
A Stronger Platform, A Smarter Renovation Process
The validation of DP4ER is a critical step in realising ENSNARE’s vision: smarter, more energy-efficient renovations powered by digital collaboration. By grounding its development in real-world stakeholder needs and applying a rigorous, user-focused methodology, DP4ER is becoming a platform that not only supports but transforms the renovation process.
As the platform continues to evolve, the ENSNARE team will keep refining and testing its features — always guided by input from the people who use it.
What’s Next?
As ENSNARE moves forward, the DP4ER will continue to integrate the latest user feedback and technical developments. The goal is to provide a robust, validated digital platform that enables smarter, more collaborative, time and cost-effective, and more energy-efficient renovation projects across Europe.
