Deadline: 01-Dec-2026
The European Commission is inviting proposals to support sustainable, affordable, and inclusive thermal comfort solutions for buildings that reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The initiative funds projects developing alternatives to energy-intensive cooling systems through approaches such as nature-based solutions, bioclimatic design, vernacular knowledge, and frugal innovation, with approximately €4 million available per project.
About the Sustainable Thermal Comfort in Buildings Initiative
The European Commission has launched this funding opportunity under the Horizon Europe framework to accelerate innovative approaches that improve thermal comfort in buildings while reducing environmental impact.
The initiative responds to increasing challenges associated with climate change, rising temperatures, urban heat island effects, and growing dependence on energy-intensive cooling systems such as air conditioning.
The program seeks practical, scalable, and cost-effective solutions that improve building comfort while lowering energy use and reducing life cycle greenhouse gas emissions.
What is Thermal Comfort in Buildings?
Thermal comfort refers to a condition in which people feel physically comfortable within indoor environments without excessive heat or cold.
Thermal comfort is influenced by several factors:
• Indoor temperature
• Humidity levels
• Air movement and ventilation
• Building materials
• Solar exposure
• Occupancy patterns
• Building design and orientation
Traditional approaches often depend heavily on mechanical cooling systems. This initiative encourages sustainable alternatives that naturally regulate indoor temperatures.
Key Focus Areas and Program Priorities
The funding program supports projects related to:
• Thermal comfort in buildings
• Sustainable building design
• Energy efficiency improvements
• Reduction of life cycle greenhouse gas emissions
• Cost-effective construction solutions
• Vernacular knowledge and traditional design practices
• Nature-based solutions
• Bioclimatic building design
• Frugal innovation approaches
• Climate resilience
• Urban heat island reduction
• Building retrofitting strategies
• Sustainable new construction
• Cultural heritage building adaptation
• Accessibility for vulnerable populations
• Affordability and social inclusion
• Scalability and policy barriers
Understanding Key Concepts
Vernacular Knowledge
Vernacular knowledge refers to traditional building methods and local construction practices developed over generations that naturally respond to local climate conditions.
Examples include:
• Thick thermal walls
• Courtyards
• Shading systems
• Natural ventilation methods
• Traditional roofing systems
Nature-Based Solutions
Nature-based solutions use natural systems and ecological approaches to improve building performance.
Examples include:
• Green roofs
• Vertical gardens
• Urban vegetation
• Tree-based shading systems
• Water-sensitive cooling designs
Bioclimatic Design
Bioclimatic design uses environmental and climate conditions to reduce building energy demand.
Examples include:
• Solar orientation optimization
• Passive ventilation
• Daylight use
• Heat reduction strategies
Frugal Innovation
Frugal innovation focuses on low-cost and resource-efficient solutions that deliver strong results with minimal environmental impact.
Funding Information
Program funding includes:
• Total available funding: €12,000,000
• Indicative funding per project: Approximately €4,000,000
• Funding framework: Horizon Europe
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility is open to a broad range of organizations and institutions.
Eligible applicants include:
• Universities and academic institutions
• Research organizations
• Nonprofit organizations
• Public institutions
• Private organizations
• International organizations
• Legal entities established under national law
• Legal entities from non-associated third countries under Horizon Europe rules
Applicants must satisfy Horizon Europe participation conditions and topic-specific requirements.
Project Requirements
Applicants are expected to meet several mandatory requirements.
Projects must:
• Develop and demonstrate at least two thermal comfort solutions
• Use approaches based on:
- Vernacular principles
- Nature-based solutions
- Bioclimatic design
- Frugal innovation
• Test solutions across different climatic conditions
• Conduct demonstrations in at least two Member States or Associated Countries
• Include at least one cultural heritage building
• Demonstrate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions
• Demonstrate cost reductions and affordability improvements
• Ensure accessibility for vulnerable groups
• Maintain strong aesthetic and design quality
How the Program Works
Step 1: Identify thermal comfort challenges
• Assess overheating risks
• Identify energy use patterns
• Evaluate existing building limitations
Step 2: Design innovative solutions
• Integrate sustainable design concepts
• Incorporate traditional and modern approaches
• Prioritize affordability and accessibility
Step 3: Demonstrate solutions in real-world settings
• Test in multiple climate zones
• Include different building types
• Validate performance outcomes
Step 4: Measure impacts
• Evaluate energy reduction
• Assess greenhouse gas emission savings
• Analyze affordability improvements
• Measure user comfort outcomes
Step 5: Address scalability barriers
• Identify policy limitations
• Review regulatory constraints
• Develop recommendations for wider implementation
Why This Initiative Matters
Buildings account for a large share of energy consumption and carbon emissions worldwide.
This initiative contributes to:
• Lower energy demand
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
• Reduced dependence on air conditioning systems
• Greater climate resilience
• Improved comfort for vulnerable communities
• Sustainable urban development
• Protection of cultural heritage buildings
• Reduced urban heat island effects
• Long-term affordability of buildings
The initiative also supports climate-neutral and people-centered building strategies across Europe.
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
Organizations preparing proposals should avoid:
• Developing solutions without measurable environmental impacts
• Ignoring affordability considerations
• Failing to include vulnerable populations
• Proposing solutions without scalability plans
• Overlooking cultural heritage requirements
• Failing to test across different climate zones
• Neglecting regulatory and implementation barriers
Tips for Preparing a Strong Proposal
• Use measurable indicators for energy and emission reductions
• Integrate interdisciplinary expertise
• Include social inclusion considerations early
• Demonstrate long-term affordability
• Build strong stakeholder partnerships
• Include practical implementation pathways
• Provide evidence for scalability and replication potential
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main objective of this funding opportunity?
The initiative supports sustainable and affordable thermal comfort solutions that reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in buildings.
How much funding is available?
The total budget is €12 million, with approximately €4 million expected per project.
How many solutions must projects demonstrate?
Projects must develop and demonstrate at least two thermal comfort solutions.
Must projects include cultural heritage buildings?
Yes. At least one cultural heritage building must be included.
Can organizations outside the EU participate?
Yes. Legal entities from eligible countries, including some non-associated third countries and international organizations, may participate under Horizon Europe conditions.
What types of building approaches are encouraged?
The program encourages:
• Vernacular principles
• Nature-based solutions
• Bioclimatic design
• Frugal innovation approaches
What populations receive particular attention?
Projects should prioritize accessibility and affordability for vulnerable populations, including elderly individuals and low-income households.
Conclusion
The European Commission’s Sustainable Thermal Comfort initiative supports the development of practical, climate-responsive building solutions that improve comfort while lowering environmental impact. By promoting nature-based design, traditional knowledge, affordability, and inclusivity, the program aims to accelerate a more sustainable and resilient future for buildings across Europe.
For more information, visit European Commission.